scholarly journals Evaluating invasion risk for freshwater fishes in South Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean M. Marr ◽  
Bruce R. Ellender ◽  
Darragh J. Woodford ◽  
Mhairi E. Alexander ◽  
Ryan J. Wasserman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Invasion Risk ◽  
Introduction Pathways

Background: South Africa, as a signatory of the Convention on Biological Diversity, has an obligation to identify, prioritise and manage invasive species and their introduction pathways. However, this requires knowledge of the introduction pathways, factors influencing establishment success, invasive potential, current distributions and ecological impacts. Objectives: To evaluate the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) to predict the invasion risk posed by fish species proposed for introduction into South Africa. Method: FISK assessments were compiled for species whose invasion status in South Africa was known. A Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to calibrate the FISK for South Africa. The calibrated FISK was used to evaluate the risk that three species recently proposed for importation for aquaculture could become invasive in South Africa. Results: A FISK score of 14 was identified as the threshold to delineate between species that could become invasive in South Africa and those that are unlikely to become invasive. Of the three species evaluated, Silurus glanis had a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa, Lates calcarifer was likely to be invasive and Oncorhynchus tshawytscha was unlikely to be invasive in South Africa. Conclusion: FISK was demonstrated to be a useful risk assessment tool to evaluate the invasion risk posed by species proposed for use in aquaculture. For the large number of fish imported for the pet trade, a rapid screening assessment to flag potentially high risk species was recommended prior to a full FISK assessment for flagged species.

scholarly journals Classifying the introduction pathways of alien species: are we moving in the right direction?

NeoBiota ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 143-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn T. Faulkner ◽  
Philip E. Hulme ◽  
Shyama Pagad ◽  
John R. U. Wilson ◽  
Mark P. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Position Paper ◽  
Level Of Detail ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
International Organisations ◽  
Introduction Pathways ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
Classification Framework ◽  
The Right

Alien species are introduced to new regions in many different ways and for different purposes. A number of frameworks have been developed to group such pathways of introduction into discrete categories in order to improve our understanding of biological invasions, provide information for interventions that aim to prevent introductions, enable reporting to national and international organisations and facilitate the prediction of threats. The introduction pathway classification framework proposed by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as a global standard is comprised of six main categories and 44 sub-categories. However, issues have arisen with its implementation. In this position paper, we outline five desirable properties of an introduction pathway classification framework – it should be compatible (i.e. the level of detail of the categories is similar to that of the available data), actionable (i.e. categories link to specific interventions), general (i.e. categories are applicable across the contexts that are of interest (e.g. taxa, habitats and regions)), equivalent (i.e. categories are equivalent in their level of detail) and distinct (i.e. categories are discrete and easily distinguished) – termed the CAGED properties. The six main categories of the CBD framework have all of the CAGED properties, but the detailed sub-categories have few. Therefore, while the framework has been proposed by the CBD as a global standard and efforts have been made to put it into practice, we argue that there is room for improvement. We conclude by presenting scenarios for how the issues identified could be addressed, noting that a hybrid model might be most appropriate.

scholarly journals Applying the Convention on Biological Diversity Pathway Classification to alien species in Europe

NeoBiota ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 333-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Pergl ◽  
Giuseppe Brundu ◽  
Colin A. Harrower ◽  
Ana C. Cardoso ◽  
Piero Genovesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Species Introduction ◽  
Introduction Pathways ◽  
Classification Framework ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Access To Data ◽  
Taxonomic Groups

The number of alien species arriving within new regions has increased at unprecedented rates. Managing the pathways through which alien species arrive and spread is important to reduce the threat of biological invasions. Harmonising information on pathways across individual sectors and user groups is therefore critical to underpin policy and action. The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) has been developed to easily facilitate open access to data of alien species in Europe. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Pathway Classification framework has become a global standard for the classification of pathways. We followed a structured approach to assign pathway information within EASIN for a subset of alien species in Europe, which covered 4169 species, spanning taxonomic groups and environments. We document constraints and challenges associated with implementing the CBD Pathway Classification framework and propose potential amendments to increase clarity. This study is unique in the scope of taxonomic coverage and also in the inclusion of primary (independent introductions to Europe) and secondary (means of dispersal for species expansion within Europe, after their initial introduction) modes of introduction. In addition, we summarise the patterns of introduction pathways within this subset of alien species within the context of Europe. Based on the analyses, we confirm that the CBD Pathway Classification framework offers a robust, hierarchical system suitable for the classification of alien species introduction and spread across a wide range of taxonomic groups and environments. However, simple modifications could improve interpretation of the pathway categories ensuring consistent application across databases and information systems at local, national, regional, continental and global scales. Improving consistency would also help in the development of pathway action plans, as required by EU legislation.

scholarly journals Assessing introgressive hybridization in roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus): Lessons from South Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M van Wyk ◽  
Desiré L Dalton ◽  
Antoinette Kotzé ◽  
J. Paul Grobler ◽  
Prudent S. Mokgokong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Introgressive Hybridization ◽  
West African ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
African Region ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Roan Antelope

Biological diversity is being lost at unprecedented rates, with admixture and introgression presenting major threats to species’ conservation. To this end, our ability to accurately identify introgression is critical to manage species, obtain insights into evolutionary processes, and ultimately contribute to the Aichi Targets developed under the Convention on Biological Diversity. A case in hand concerns roan antelope, one of Africa’s most iconic large mammal species. Despite their large size, these antelope are sensitive to habitat disturbance and interspecific competition, leading to the species being listed as Least Concern but with decreasing population trends, and as extinct over parts of its range. Molecular research identified the presence of two evolutionary significant units across their sub-Saharan range, corresponding to a West African lineage and a second larger group which includes animals from East, Central and Southern Africa. Within South Africa, one of the remaining bastions with increasing population sizes, there are a number of West African roan antelope populations on private farms, and concerns are that these animals hybridize with roan that naturally occur in the southern African region. We used a suite of 27 microsatellite markers to conduct admixture analysis. Our results unequivocally indicate evidence of hybridization, with our developed tests able to accurately identify F1, F2 and non-admixed individuals at threshold values of qi = 0.20 and qi = 0.15, although further backcrosses were not always detectable. Our study is the first to confirm ongoing hybridization in this iconic African antelope, and we provide recommendations for the future conservation and management of this species.

scholarly journals Clearing a Path Towards Effective Alien Invasive Control: the Legal Conundrum

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
AR Paterson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Fire Risk ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Agricultural Potential ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Alien Invasive Plants

Alien invasive plants pose significant ecological, social and economic challenges for South Africa. These species threaten South Africa’s rich biodiversity, deplete our scarce water resources, reduce the agricultural potential of land, cause soil erosion and intensify flooding and fires. According to recent estimations, over eight percent of land in South Africa has been invaded by these species and at current rates of expansion their impact could double in the next fifteen years.   In an attempt to curb the impending crises, the South African government has promulgated eleven national and various provincial laws which contain mechanisms for regulating the different threats posed by alien invasive plants.  Certain of these laws are framework in nature while the majority are sectoral and aimed at regulating these species for one of the following four main purposes: biodiversity conservation; water conservation; agricultural management; and fire risk management. The responsibility for administering these laws spans four national departments, nine provincial environmental authorities, provincial conservation authorities, numerous local and statutory authorities. This fragmented regime, coupled with the adoption of a command and control approach to regulation, has proven inept in effectively regulating the spread of alien invasive plants in South Africa. This reality led the previous Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mr Valli Moosa, to call for the development of a “coherent legislative framework … streamlined along the lines of the principles endorsed by the Convention on Biological Diversity”. This article critically analyses the government’s attempts to develop such a “coherent legislative framework” to regulate alien invasive plants in light of recent legislative reform. It is divided into two parts. Part one critically considers South Africa’s current laws of relevance to alien invasive plants with specific emphasis on their fragmented approach to planning and implementation. Part two provides suggestions on how the current legislative framework can be rationalised to entrench a more integrated, and hopefully successful, approach to the future regulation of alien invasive plants in South Africa.  

scholarly journals Alien plants of Europe: introduction pathways, gateways and time trends

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11270
Author(s):  
Margarita Arianoutsou ◽  
Ioannis Bazos ◽  
Anastasia Christopoulou ◽  
Yannis Kokkoris ◽  
Andreas Zikos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
First Record ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Native Range ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Introduction Pathways ◽  
Introduction Pathway ◽  
In The Wild

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) pathways classification framework used in the implementation of the European Union’s (EU) Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species (IAS Regulation) has recently been adopted by the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN), the official information system supporting the implementation of the IAS Regulation. In the current paper, the result of an alignment of the primary introduction pathways of all alien plants in Europe included in the EASIN catalogue is presented, based on the CBD framework. In total, 6,250 alien plant taxa (marine plants excluded), both alien to Europe (native range outside Europe) and alien in Europe (native range partially in Europe) are reported. Altogether 5,175 plant taxa had their primary introduction pathway aligned based on the CBD framework, while for the rest the pathway remains unknown. In addition, the taxonomy, year and country of its first record in the wild are provided for each taxon. Our analyses reveal that the main primary introduction pathways of alien plants into Europe are linked to accidental escapes from ornamental and horticultural activities. Northwestern European countries seem to act as the main gateway areas of alien plants into Europe. Recent first observations of new alien taxa growing spontaneously exhibit a contemporary accelerating trend for plants alien to Europe, particularly linked to ornamental and horticultural activities. On the other hand, the number of new plants alien in Europe seems to have stabilized over the last few decades. The present work can assist in the prioritization of introduction pathways control, with the target of slowing down the rate of alien plants introductions into Europe, following also the requirements of the IAS Regulation.

scholarly journals South Africa’s Red List of Terrestrial Ecosystems (RLEs)

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1048
Author(s):  
Andrew Skowno ◽  
Maphale Monyeki
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Statutory Protection ◽  
Ecosystem Level

Ecosystem level indicators are emerging as important pillars of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity; at the same time, the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLEs) is experiencing rapid global uptake. We applied a systematic RLE assessment to 456 terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa between 2017 and 2021. What sets South Africa apart in this endeavour is that an independently formulated ecosystem threat status indicator was developed between 2004 and 2008 and the list of threatened ecosystems (effectively a proto RLE) was integrated into the national environmental regulatory framework in 2011. Through this, Critically Endangered and Endangered types were afforded a form of statutory protection through increased regulation of land-use change activities. We describe the transition to the IUCN RLE framework and focus on both the technical steps of incorporating the best available data into a credible assessment, and the unique social and legal processes to ensure that the biodiversity conservation sector in South Africa understood and supported the proposed replacement of the existing list of threatened ecosystems (2011) with the RLE (2021). We discuss the policy development steps required in South Africa, and the pros and cons of maintaining a legislative link for RLE implementation.

scholarly journals Challenging the State: Devolutionary Tenure Transitions for Saving and Expanding Forests

Human Ecology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Alden Wily
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Property Rights ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Property Relations ◽  
The Will ◽  
Customary Land

AbstractI address a contentious element in forest property relations to illustrate the role of ownership in protecting and expanding of forest cover by examining the extent to which rural communities may legally own forests. The premise is that whilst state-owned protected areas have contributed enormously to forest survival, this has been insufficiently successful to justify the mass dispossession of customary land-owning communities this has entailed. Further, I argue that state co-option of community lands is unwarranted. Rural communities on all continents ably demonstrate the will and capacity to conserve forests – provided their customary ownership is legally recognized. I explore the property rights reforms now enabling this. The replication potential of community protected forestlands is great enough to deserve flagship status in global commitments to expand forest including in the upcoming new Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

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