Distribution of invasive alien Tithonia (Asteraceae) species in eastern and southern Africa and the socioecological impacts of T. diversifolia in Zambia

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dc.contributor.authorWitt, Arne B.R.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorShackleton, Ross T.en_ZA
dc.contributor.authorBeale, Timen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorNunda, Winnieen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorVan Wilgen, Brian W.en_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2021-08-23T10:22:39Z
dc.date.available2021-08-23T10:22:39Z
dc.date.issued2019-09-25
dc.descriptionCITATION: Witt, A. B. R., et al. 2019. Distribution of invasive alien Tithonia (Asteraceae) species in eastern and southern Africa and the socio-ecological impacts of T. diversifolia in Zambia. Bothalia 49(1). doi:10.4102/abc.v49i1.2356
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at https://journals.abcjournal.aosis.co.za/index.php/abc
dc.description.abstractBackground: Many alien plant species, such as Tithonia diversifolia, T. rotundifolia and T. tubaeformis, have been introduced to areas outside of their natural distribution range to provide benefits, but have subsequently become invasive, threatening biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the current distribution and dates of introduction of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa and to document the effects of T. diversifolia on rural livelihoods in Zambia. Method: Roadside surveys, and other sources of information, were used to determine the distribution of invasive Tithonia species in eastern and southern Africa. Household interviews were conducted to gauge perceptions and understand the impacts of T. diversifolia on local livelihoods in Zambia’s Copperbelt province. Results: Tithonia diversifolia is widespread in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Malawi and parts of Zambia but less so in Zimbabwe. Tithonia rotundifolia was comparatively uncommon in eastern Africa but common in some southern African countries, while T. tubaeformis was invasive in Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and possibly also Zimbabwe. According to the majority of respondents in Zambia, T. diversifolia has negative impacts on native vegetation, mobility or access, water availability, crop yields and animal health. Conclusion: Invasive Tithonia species are widespread and spreading throughout much of Africa. Livelihood and biodiversity costs have not been considered by those actively promoting the use and further dissemination of T. diversifolia. We therefore recommend that detailed cost–benefit studies should be undertaken to support informed decisions on the future management of these species.en_ZA
dc.description.urihttps://journals.abcjournal.aosis.co.za/index.php/abc/article/view/2356
dc.description.versionPublisher’s version
dc.format.extent11 pages : illustrations, mapsen_ZA
dc.identifier.citationWitt, A. B. R., et al. 2019. Distribution of invasive alien Tithonia (Asteraceae) species in eastern and southern Africa and the socio-ecological impacts of T. diversifolia in Zambia. Bothalia 49(1). doi:10.4102/abc.v49i1.2356
dc.identifier.issn2311-9284 (online)
dc.identifier.issn0006-8241 (print)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.4102/abc.v49i1.2356
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/111879
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherSouth African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectBiological invasions -- Africa, Southernen_ZA
dc.subjectTithonia (Asteraceae) -- Effect of global warming onen_ZA
dc.subjectAlien plants -- Economic aspectsen_ZA
dc.subjectInvasive species -- Managementen_ZA
dc.subjectIntroduced organisms -- Health aspects -- Africaen_ZA
dc.titleDistribution of invasive alien Tithonia (Asteraceae) species in eastern and southern Africa and the socioecological impacts of T. diversifolia in Zambiaen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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