Browsing by Author "Wilson, John R.U."
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- ItemA proposed national strategic framework for the management of Cactaceae in South Africa(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Kaplan, Haylee; Wilson, John R.U.; Klein, Hildegard; Henderson, Lesley; Zimmermann, Helmuth G.; Manyama, Phetole; Ivey, Philip; Richardson, David M.; Novoa, AnaBackground: South Africa has a long history of managing biological invasions. The rapid increase in the scale and complexity of problems associated with invasions calls for new, more strategic management approaches. This paper explores strategic management approaches for cactus invasions in South Africa. Cacti (Cactaceae) have had a long history of socio-economic benefits, considerable negative environmental and socio-economic impacts, and a wide range of management interventions in South Africa. Objectives: To guide the future management of cactus invasions, a national strategic framework was developed by the South African Cactus Working Group. The overarching aim of this framework is to reduce the negative impacts of cacti to a point where their benefits significantly outweigh the losses. Method: Four strategic objectives were proposed: (1) all invasive and potentially invasive cactus species should be prevented from entering the country, (2) new incursions of cactus species must be rapidly detected and eradicated, (3) the impacts of invasive cacti must be reduced and contained and (4) socio-economically useful cacti (both invasive and non-invasive species) must be utilised sustainably to minimise the risk of further negative impacts. Results: There are currently 35 listed invasive cactus species in the country; 10 species are targeted for eradication and 12 are under partial or complete biological control. We discuss approaches for the management of cactus species, their introduction and spread pathways and spatial prioritisation of control efforts. Conclusion: A thorough understanding of context-specific invasion processes and stakeholder support is needed when implementing strategies for a group of invasive species.
- ItemThe threats posed by the pet trade in alien terrestrial invertebrates in South Africa(Elsevier, 2020) Nelufule, Takalani; Robertson, Mark P.; Wilson, John R.U.; Faulkner, Katelyn T.; Sole, Catherine; Kumschick, SabrinaThe pet trade has been a major pathway for the introduction of vertebrate invaders, but little is known about its role in invertebrate invasions. Here we assess the trade in terrestrial invertebrates (excluding spiders) in South Africa and the potential of this trade to result in biological invasions and impacts. Pet stores, websites, and expositions were visited, and a list of the taxa traded was compiled. DNA barcoding was used to determine if the species were correctly identified in the trade. Information on invasion history and impact elsewhere was used to assess the potential for species to become invasive and have impact in South Africa. We found 53 alien terrestrial invertebrate taxa that were traded, although only 36 of these matched a valid species name. Of 11 species tested using DNA barcoding nine were correctly identified. Species accumulation curves were produced, but did not reach an asymptote, suggesting there are many species in the trade that were not recorded. The most common species were used as food for pets, rather than as pets themselves. None of the species were reported to be invasive elsewhere, and few had records of causing negative impacts (the exception being moderate impacts to human health caused by venomous scorpions). Therefore, there is little evidence that the invertebrates traded pose a significant threat to South Africa. However, given uncertainties in which taxa are traded and the lack of data on invasiveness and impact, there might be a significant invasion debt. We recommend continued monitoring and engagement with the industry.