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Original Research
Biological invasions in South African National Parks
Submitted: 24 August 2016 | Published: 31 March 2017
About the author(s)
Llewellyn C. Foxcroft, South African National Parks (SANParks); Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, South AfricaNicola J. van Wilgen, South African National Parks (SANParks); Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Johan A. Baard, South African National Parks (SANParks), South Africa
Nicholas S. Cole, South African National Parks (SANParks), South Africa
Abstract
Method: To compile the species list, we started with the 2011 SANParks alien species list. Name changes were updated and SANParks ecologists and park managers contacted to verify the species lists and add new records. Species reported by external experts were added in the same manner. The management programme costs and species controlled per park per year were extracted from SANParks’ Working for Water programme database.
Results: SANParks has listed 869 alien and extra-limital species, including 752 plants and 117 animals, increasing from 781 alien species in 2011. About R 590 million has been spent by the Working for Water/Biodiversity Social Programmes since 2000/2001. Of the species recorded, 263 are listed by NEM:BA, including 12 Category 1a species, 184 Category 1b species, 28 Category 2 species and 39 Category 3 species.
Conclusion: While large clearing programmes have been maintained since at least 1998, improving prioritisation is necessary. We provide a short synopsis of (1) what alien species are present in SANParks, (2) the species and parks that management has focused on, (3) the implications of the NEM:BA Invasive Alien Species Regulations and (4) future developments in monitoring.
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