Invasion science for society: A decade of contributions from the Centre for Invasion Biology

Wilgen, Brian W. van; Davies, Sarah J.; Richardson, David M.

doi:10.1590/sajs.2014/a0074

Cited by 31 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…The level of data availability and the general understanding of plant invasions are poor for Sub-Saharan Africa, with the notable exception of South Africa (Henderson, 2007;Moran, Hoffmann & Zimmermann, 2013;van Wilgen, Davies & Richardson, 2014). The situation is particularly dire for continental tropical Africa (Foxcroft et al, 2010;Foxcroft, Witt & Lotter, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A rapid survey of the invasive plant species in western Angola

et al. 2016

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Angola is one of the most neglected African countries in terms of botanical research, in respect of both native and naturalized species. We conducted a rapid assessment of invasive plant species in western Angola during August 2014. In thirteen primary vegetation types, we recorded populations of 44 naturalized plant species, nineteen of which are conclusively invasive (spreading far from introduction sites). Dense invasive populations of Chromolaena odorata, Inga vera and Opuntia stricta pose the greatest environmental and economic threats. Some species with known taxonomic and/or biogeographic uncertainties (e.g. Chromolaena odorata and Ageratina adenophora) or which lacked key characteristics for identification such as flowers during our survey (e.g. Eucalyptus spp.) were subjected to DNA barcoding for comparisons with available genetic data from other studies. This approach allowed us to confirm the identity of taxonomically challenging taxa such as Inga vera, Opuntia stricta and Prosopis chilensis, to conclusively differentiate Chromolaena odorata from Ageratina adenophora, and identify the subspecific identity of Acacia saligna. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to assess the presence and abundance of invasive plant species with respect to the major abiotic factors and vegetation types. Three fairly distinct groups of species emerge from this analysis: (i) species of dry lowland habitats (Calotropis gigantea, Leucaena leucocephala and Opuntia stricta); (ii) species of relatively wet habitats at mid elevations (Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, Cardiospermum grandiflorum, Chromolaena odorata, Solanum mauritianum and Tithonia diversifolia); and (iii) upland species (Ageratina adenophora, Galinsoga parviflora and Tagetes minuta). Several invasive species that are widespread in other tropical and subtropical African countries are currently either missing (e.g. many Australian Acacia species, Azolla filiculoides, Broussonetia papyrifera, Clidemia hirta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Rubus rosaefolius, Salvinia molesta), have only very localized populations in Angola (e.g. Lantana camara, Prosopis chilensis) or exist only as planted individuals (e.g. Acacia mearnsii and A. saligna subsp. saligna).

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A rapid survey of the invasive plant species in western Angola

et al. 2016

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“…41 However, in the context of invasion biology and the management of invasions in the country, ecological research is still highly important and necessary. 42 Strong cases have been made for investing in ecologically focused research and research capacity building, towards addressing challenges associated with managing IAPs. This strength is evident from the numerous collaborations and partnerships that have been established since WfW's inception, and that have resulted in many research outputs, including journal special issues.…”

Section: The Need For Biophysical and Natural Science Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…5 Further development of the RSAP, which makes a specific allowance for the establishment of a research advisory panel comprising experts in the field of IAP management 26 , has contributed to improved linkages across disciplines, as well as between research and management. 5,26,42 However, despite social considerations being increasingly integrated into the planning and framing of strategies, socially focused research does not appear to be prioritised. 10,27,46,47,[49][50][51][52] Our findings further suggest that WfW has not been comprehensive in addressing their socially focused research priorities ( Table 2).…”

Section: The Need For Better Integration Between Social and Natural Smentioning

confidence: 99%

“…66,67 The productivity (in terms of research output observed in this study) of the collaborative efforts between WfW and C•I•B demonstrates the value of research partnerships in building a research capacity, resource and benefit sharing. 42 The WfW-C•I•B collaboration has significantly impacted the framing of IAP management related research. This work has continued to build on the successes of partnerships with the likes of CSIR, which has played a leading role in understanding the management of biological invasions, and the translation of that knowledge into policy.…”

Section: The Potential Benefits Of Achieving Better Integrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring integrative research in the context of invasive alien plant management

Abrahams¹,

Sitas²,

Esler³

2019

S. Afr. J. Sci.

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Addressing complex challenges facing social-ecological systems (SES) requires the integration of knowledge from a diversity of disciplines and stakeholders. This requirement has resulted in the establishment of many integrative research programmes, both globally and locally, aimed at coproducing knowledge relevant to solving SES challenges. However, despite the increase in integrative projects, there has been little research on the nature and extent to which these projects acknowledge and integrate information from diverse disciplines or knowledge types. In this study, we explored the extent to which the integration of different disciplines has occurred, using a case study of the South African invasive species management programme, Working for Water (WfW). Here we provide an overview of the research produced under the auspices of WfW, and how it came to be. Additionally, we assess the extent to which research associated with the programme addressed the research priorities and how these priorities relate to one another. Findings show that WfW-associated research is primarily focused on the ecological processes and impacts associated with invasive alien plants and biological control. Social science and applied research are, however, under-represented, infrequent in nature and inadequately address the research priorities set in the programme. To address these shortcomings, we recommend the development of a detailed research strategy and action plan conducive to integrative research and transdisciplinary collaboration, and relevant to solving complex SES challenges such as those associated with biological invasions. Significance:•We provide a reference point by which we can assess research progress and guide integration of diverse knowledge systems. •The results can help guide research decision-making as it relates to invasive species management.

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“…Three long-term survey projects, funded by the DST-NRF Centre for Invasion Biology at the University of Stellenbosch, are investigating the response of spiders to global climate change by assessing changes in assemblage composition along altitudinal gradients (Van Wilgen et al, 2014). Since there is little information available on the monitoring of the effects of climate change on invertebrate diversity, these long-term surveys are the first to track individual species and assemblage responses to global climate change.…”

Section: Climate Changementioning

confidence: 99%

South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA): review of current knowledge, constraints and future needs for documenting spider diversity (Arachnida: Araneae)

Dippenaar-Schoeman

Haddad

Foord

et al. 2015

Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa

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Biodiversity is one of the most important concepts in contemporary biology, with a broad range of applications. In November 1995, South Africa ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Signatories are obligated to develop a strategic plan for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. To meet the requirements of the CBD, the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) was initiated in 1997. This national project has several aims: to document and describe the arachnid fauna of South Africa; to consolidate all the available data on South African arachnids into one relational database and to make this biodiversity information available to science; and to address issues concerning their conservation and sustainable use. Extensive sampling took place and the SANSA database contains a wealth of biodiversity data that are used to provide answers to ecological questions. Presently 71 spider families, 471 genera and 2170 species are known from South Africa, representing approximately 4.8% of the world fauna. This paper presents the current state of spider biodiversity information and how it is managed. It demonstrates the importance of running a national inventory; emphasises the significance of using a good database application; and the importance of capacity development to improve the quality and integration of biodiversity information. Further, it shows the role SANSA has played in unifying and strengthening arachnid research, with the major thrust to discover the spider diversity in South Africa. We discuss the present status of knowledge, constraints to improving this, and the future directions for research. SANSA has provided the foundations for a more integrative approach to spider diversity research. Future research should build on this legacy by linking taxonomic diversity with that of functional diversity, predicting the response of this diversity to global change drivers. Functional approaches will link these studies to ecosystem processes. Global collaborative studies at several sites following standardised sampling protocols and focused research questions would add value to the SANSA collection and the importance of spiders for the health of ecosystems.

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Invasion science for society: A decade of contributions from the Centre for Invasion Biology

Cited by 31 publications

References 49 publications

A rapid survey of the invasive plant species in western Angola

A rapid survey of the invasive plant species in western Angola

Exploring integrative research in the context of invasive alien plant management

South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA): review of current knowledge, constraints and future needs for documenting spider diversity (Arachnida: Araneae)

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