{"id":6530,"date":"2024-04-24T15:55:21","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T13:55:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/cib\/?post_type=project&p=6530"},"modified":"2025-07-10T08:19:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T06:19:57","slug":"optimising-management-of-invasions-in-south-african-protected-areas","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/cib\/project\/optimising-management-of-invasions-in-south-african-protected-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Optimising management of invasions in South African protected areas"},"content":{"rendered":"

PROJECT BACKGROUND<\/strong><\/h4>\n

South African protected areas are tasked with protecting native biodiversity. As such there is an imperative for conservation agencies to manage invasive species and minimise the threat posed to native taxa. However, this need must be met within a resource constrained environment. As such there is a clear need to make evidence-based decisions and optimise the efficacy and cost-efficiency of invasive species management in protected areas. Additionally, this needs to be done within the context of climate change.<\/p>\n

In this project, the successful applicant will (1) assess the implication of climate change induced changes in the coverage and impact of alien species for management programs in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and Addo Elephant National Park (AENP); (2) identify impediments to the successful management of alien species in these and other protected areas; and (3) develop best practice guidelines for the management of alien species in protected areas. This exciting project requires a dynamic person willing to employ a variety of research skills (e.g. critical thinking, SDMs, assessment of impacts, prediction of costs and benefits) to address applied and interesting questions. Additionally, this position requires interaction with a diversity of people (e.g. park rangers, scientists, managers, alien clearing participants and government officials), making good inter-personal skills a prerequisite.<\/p>\n

FUNDING<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The running costs for the project are fully funded, additionally the successful applicant will receive an NRF bursary of R320\u00a0000 per annum.<\/p>\n

REQUIREMENTS<\/strong><\/h4>\n