{"id":18,"date":"2020-07-03T13:33:29","date_gmt":"2020-07-03T13:33:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/johnwilson\/?page_id=18"},"modified":"2020-07-03T13:42:10","modified_gmt":"2020-07-03T13:42:10","slug":"areas-of-interest","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.sun.ac.za\/johnwilson\/areas-of-interest\/","title":{"rendered":"[:en]Areas of interest[:]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h3>\n
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Biological invasions represent both a fascinating test of ecological and evolutionary theory and a major challenge to natural resource management. As such they provide an important opportunity to do fundamental research that has outcomes with direct relevance to management and policy. I have a couple of specific research interests:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Post-border assessments and determining eradication feasibility<\/h3>\n
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Even with no new introductions, the number of biological invasions in South Africa will increase as introduced species naturalise and become invasive. As of 2010 South Africa had ~8,750 introduced plant taxa, 660 naturalised, 198 included in invasive species legislation, but only 64 subject to regular control, a major invasion debt. This invasion debt can be reduced by detecting, evaluating and eradicating invasions. It also presents an opportunity to look at the mechanisms behind invasions. Why are introduced populations not more widespread? While citing the existence of a lag phase or Allee effect is tempting, the lack of spread may often simply be a functional of the number of individuals that were introduced and various factors restricting spread.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Acacia paradoxa has invaded the northern sections of Table Mountain (D2) and is targeted for eradication. Clearing teams are systematically surveying the area for new plants. See Zenni et al. 2009 (http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.sajb.2009.04.001) and Moore et al. 2011 (http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1472-4642.2011.00809.x)<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\"Melaleuca\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n

Melaleuca parvistaminea can potentially be eradicated from the Tulbagh Valley, but stopping reproduction will require careful and on-going intestive surveys See Jacobs et al. 2014 (http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.sajb.2014.05.002)<\/h3><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Post-border assessments and determining eradication feasibility (part 2)<\/h3>\n
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As part of work funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, we are working on providing the scientific basis for regulations and developing eradication plans where it is feasible. Specifically we are assessing:<\/p>\n