scholarly journals Managing conflict-generating invasive species in South Africa: Challenges and trade-offs

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsungai Zengeya ◽  
Philip Ivey ◽  
Darragh J. Woodford ◽  
Olaf Weyl ◽  
Ana Novoa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Value Systems ◽  
Hierarchy Theory ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Cognitive Hierarchy ◽  
Negative Impacts

Background: This paper reviewed the benefits and negative impacts of alien species that are currently listed in the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act no 10 of 2004) and certain alien species that are not yet listed in the regulations for which conflicts of interest complicate management. Objectives: Specifically, it identified conflict-generating species, evaluated the causes and driving forces of these conflicts and assessed how the conflicts have affected management. Method: A simple scoring system was used to classify the alien species according to their relative degree of benefits and negative impacts. Conflict-generating species were then identified and further evaluated using an integrated cognitive hierarchy theory and risk perception framework to identify the value systems (intrinsic and economic) and risk perceptions associated with each conflict. Results: A total of 552 alien species were assessed. Most of the species were classified as inconsequential (55%) or destructive (29%). Beneficial (10%) and conflict-generating (6%) species made a minor contribution. The majority (46%) of the conflict cases were associated with more than one value system or both values and risk perception. The other conflicts cases were based on intrinsic (40%) and utilitarian (14%) value systems. Conclusions: Conflicts based on value and risk perceptions are inherently difficult to resolve because authorities need to balance the needs of different stakeholders while meeting the mandate of conserving the environment, ecosystem services and human well-being. This paper uses the identified conflict-generating species to highlight the challenges and trade-offs of managing invasive species in South Africa.

scholarly journals Are Introduced Alien Species More Predisposed to Invasion in Recipient Environments If They Provide a Wider Range of Services to Humans?

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 553
Author(s):  
Kowiyou Yessoufou ◽  
Annie Estelle Ambani
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Propagule Pressure ◽  
Phylogenetic Signal ◽  
Dna Barcode ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Invasion Success ◽  
Alien Invasive Species ◽  
Unexpected Finding

The drivers of invasion success of alien species remain, to some extent, a matter of debate. Here, we suggest that the services (the benefits humans obtain from a species) provided by alien plants could predict their invasion status, such that alien species providing more services would be more likely to be invasive than not. The rationale for this expectation is that alien species providing multiple services stand a better chance of being introduced in various numbers and multiple times outside their native range (propagule pressure theory). We investigated this hypothesis on alien woody species in South Africa. First, we defined 12 services provided by all the 210 known naturalized alien woody plants in South Africa. Then, we tested for a phylogenetic signal in these services using a DNA barcode-based phylogeny. Finally, we tested for potential links between the services and invasion status by fitting GLM models with appropriate error families. We found a phylogenetic signal in most services, suggesting that closely related species tend to provide similar services. Counter-intuitively, we consistently found that alien non-invasive species tend to provide more services, or even unique services, in comparison to alien invasive species. Although alternative scenarios are plausible to explain this unexpected finding, we speculate that harvesting alien plants for human benefits may limit their invasion ability. This warrants further investigation.

scholarly journals Promise and challenges of risk assessment as an approach for preventing the arrival of harmful alien species

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuben P. Keller ◽  
Sabrina Kumschick
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tool Development ◽  
Acceptable Risk ◽  
Species Introductions ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Intentional Introduction

Background: Harmful alien species impose a growing environmental, economic and human well-being burden around the globe. A promising way to reduce the arrival of new species that may become harmful is to utilise pre-border risk assessment (RA) tools that relate the traits of introduced species to whether those species have become established and harmful. These tools can be applied to species proposed for intentional introduction so that informed decisions can be made about whether each species poses an acceptable risk and should be allowed for import. Objectives: A range of approaches to RA tool development have emerged, each relying on different assumptions about the relationships between traits and species impacts, and each requiring different levels and types of data. We set out to compare the qualities of each approach and make recommendations for their application in South Africa, a high biodiversity developing country that already has many invasive species. Method: We reviewed five approaches to pre-border RA and assessed the benefits and drawbacks of each. We focused on how pre-border RA could be applied in South Africa. Results: Recent legislation presents a framework for RA to evaluate species introductions to South Africa, but we find that this framework assumes an approach to RA that is relatively slow and costly and that does not leverage recent advances in RA tool development. Conclusion: There is potential for proven RA approaches to be applied in South Africa that would be less costly and that could more rapidly assess the suite of species currently being introduced.

Residents risk perception of P2P vacation accommodation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Camprubí ◽  
Joan B. Garau-Vadell
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Studies ◽  
New Form ◽  
Negative Impacts

Purpose Peer-to-peer (P2P) vacation accommodation has recently emerged as a disruptive new form of tourism development. Its potential negative impacts (economic, socio-cultural and environmental) may make residents feel at risk. Therefore, this paper aims to explore residents’ risk perceptions related to the growth of P2P vacation accommodation. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study was conducted in Mallorca (Spain) among 529 residents and a cluster analysis was carried out. Findings Results indicate clearly differentiated sociodemographic and attitudinal profiles, which can be classified into four tourist types. The conclusions of the paper suggest implications for tourist managers. Originality/value In the field of tourism studies, risk perception has been explored from the perspective of both tourists and hosts. To date, however, residents’ perception of risk has received little attention. Given the importance of resident-tourist interaction in fostering successful destinations this paper focusing on this arena.

scholarly journals Smaller climatic niche shifts in invasive than non-invasive alien ant species

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia K. Bates ◽  
Sébastien Ollier ◽  
Cleo Bertelsmeier
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Climatic Niche ◽  
Spatial Spread ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Niche Shifts ◽  
Negative Impacts

Abstract The globalization of trade and human movement has resulted in the accidental dispersal of thousands of alien species worldwide at an unprecedented scale. Some of these species are considered invasive because of their extensive spatial spread or negative impacts on native biodiversity. Explaining which alien species become invasive is a major challenge of invasion biology, and it is often assumed that invasiveness is linked to a greater ability to establish in novel climates. To test whether invasive species have expanded more into novel climates than non-invasive alien species, we quantified niche shifts of 82 ant species. Surprisingly, invasive species showed smaller niche shifts than non-invasive alien species. Independent of their invasiveness, the species with the smallest native niches and range sizes, experienced the greatest niche shifts. Overall, our results challenge the assumption that invasive species are particularly good pioneers of novel climates.

scholarly journals A proposed national strategic framework for the management of Cactaceae in South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haylee Kaplan ◽  
John R.U. Wilson ◽  
Hildegard Klein ◽  
Lesley Henderson ◽  
Helmuth G. Zimmermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Strategic Framework ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Management Approaches

Background: 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.

Invasive Shot Hole Borers Euwallacea fornicatus, E. kuroshio, and E. perbrevis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

EDIS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Demian F. Gomez ◽  
Jiri Hulcr ◽  
Daniel Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Forest Resources ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Ambrosia Beetles ◽  
Invasive Insects ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control

Invasive species, those that are nonnative and cause economic damage, are one of the main threats to ecosystems around the world. Ambrosia beetles are some of the most common invasive insects. Currently, severe economic impacts have been increasingly reported for all the invasive shot hole borers in South Africa, California, Israel, and throughout Asia. This 7-page fact sheet written by Demian F. Gomez, Jiri Hulcr, and Daniel Carrillo and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation describes shot hole borers and their biology and hosts and lists some strategies for prevention and control of these pests. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr422

The Biology of Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen J. Esler ◽  
Anna L. Jacobsen ◽  
R. Brandon Pratt
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Mediterranean Type Ecosystems

The world’s mediterranean-type climate regions (including areas within the Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia, California, and Chile) have long been of interest to biologists by virtue of their extraordinary biodiversity and the appearance of evolutionary convergence between these disparate regions. Comparisons between mediterranean-type climate regions have provided important insights into questions at the cutting edge of ecological, ecophysiological and evolutionary research. These regions, dominated by evergreen shrubland communities, contain many rare and endemic species. Their mild climate makes them appealing places to live and visit and this has resulted in numerous threats to the species and communities that occupy them. Threats include a wide range of factors such as habitat loss due to development and agriculture, disturbance, invasive species, and climate change. As a result, they continue to attract far more attention than their limited geographic area might suggest. This book provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to mediterranean-type ecosystems. As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate these regions although their management, conservation, and restoration are also considered.

scholarly journals Measuring HIV Risk Perception and Behavior: Results from Round 1 of the Cognitive Interviewing Project with young women and men who have sex with men in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 2307-2318
Author(s):  
Jessica Milne ◽  
Hannah Brady ◽  
Thembekile Shato ◽  
Danielle Bohn ◽  
Makhosazana Mdladla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Cognitive Interviewing ◽  
Hiv Risk Perception ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
And Behavior

scholarly journals Public perceptions of Lyme disease and climate change in southern Manitoba, Canada: making a case for strategic decoupling of climate and health messages

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Cameron ◽  
Rhéa Rocque ◽  
Kailey Penner ◽  
Ian Mauro
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Health Messages ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Climate And Health

Abstract Background Despite scientific evidence that climate change has profound and far reaching implications for public health, translating this knowledge in a manner that supports citizen engagement, applied decision-making, and behavioural change can be challenging. This is especially true for complex vector-borne zoonotic diseases such as Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease which is increasing in range and impact across Canada and internationally in large part due to climate change. This exploratory research aims to better understand public risk perceptions of climate change and Lyme disease in order to increase engagement and motivate behavioural change. Methods A focus group study involving 61 participants was conducted in three communities in the Canadian Prairie province of Manitoba in 2019. Focus groups were segmented by urban, rural, and urban-rural geographies, and between participants with high and low levels of self-reported concern regarding climate change. Results Findings indicate a broad range of knowledge and risk perceptions on both climate change and Lyme disease, which seem to reflect the controversy and complexity of both issues in the larger public discourse. Participants in high climate concern groups were found to have greater climate change knowledge, higher perception of risk, and less skepticism than those in low concern groups. Participants outside of the urban centre were found to have more familiarity with ticks, Lyme disease, and preventative behaviours, identifying differential sources of resilience and vulnerability. Risk perceptions of climate change and Lyme disease were found to vary independently rather than correlate, meaning that high climate change risk perception did not necessarily indicate high Lyme disease risk perception and vice versa. Conclusions This research contributes to the growing literature framing climate change as a public health issue, and suggests that in certain cases climate and health messages might be framed in a way that strategically decouples the issue when addressing climate skeptical audiences. A model showing the potential relationship between Lyme disease and climate change perceptions is proposed, and implications for engagement on climate change health impacts are discussed.

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