Article
Plant Sciences
A. Mabusela, C. M. Shackleton, N. Gwedla
Summary: This study examined the distribution of seven woody IAS in small towns in the Eastern Cape, revealing uneven distribution between towns and land uses within towns. The research found that townships had the highest proportion of recorded IAS plants, followed by affluent neighborhoods and RDP neighborhoods. Small towns in the region are confirmed to have widespread woody IAS, highlighting the need for local-scale inventories and management.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Kyra N. Anderson, Megan M. Dotterweich, Linnea E. Staab, Andrew A. Levora, Kristin M. Hardy
Summary: Differences in the stress experience of sessile organisms across the intertidal zone can impact phenotype. The anaerobic capacity of B. glandula in the lower intertidal zone is not caused by increased predation. There was a short-term operculum closure response to predators, but it did not result in significant differences in LDH activity.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Roy A. Lubke
Summary: The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate that marram grass, although affecting dune dynamics, is not an invasive species in South Africa. The study concludes that marram grass does not always persist in dune systems and behaves similarly to indigenous species as a dune pioneer. These findings suggest that marram grass can be successfully used in dune stabilization without causing invasive effects.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Magnus Alm Rosenblad, Anna Abramova, Ulrika Lind, Pall Olason, Stefania Giacomello, Bjorn Nystedt, Anders Blomberg
Summary: This study characterized the genome of the bay barnacle Balanus improvisus, revealing its haploid genome size of approximately 740 Mbp and highly fragmented assembly due to high nucleotide diversity and repeat content. These genomic features can guide the development of a high-quality reference genome for further exploration of barnacle biology and antifouling strategies.
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paulo Vilela Cruz, Janderson Batista Rodrigues Alencar, Mylena Neves Cardoso, Fabricio Beggiato Baccaro
Summary: Cloeon dipterum, a rare exotic aquatic insect species, has recently been introduced to Argentina. Using modelling techniques, we predicted the areas of high invasion risk in South America, including two potential new areas for introduction: Patagonia and the northeast of Brazil. These models provide specific regions for detecting colonization expansion and implementing measures to prevent introduction.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luambo Jeffrey Ramarumo
Summary: This study compiled a list of invasive grass species that provide ecosystem services in South Africa and highlighted the potential threats they pose to the ecological integrity if not properly managed.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Onyekachi Esther Nwoko, Chester Kalinda, Tawanda Manyangadze, Moses John Chimbari
Summary: This study aimed to assess the species diversity, abundance, and distribution of freshwater snails in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, and investigate their correlation with environmental factors. The findings revealed a close relationship between the distribution of freshwater snails and rainfall and temperature, and highlighted the potential health and economic risks associated with their presence.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Malizo Ntalo, Khuliso Emmanuel Ravhuhali, Bethwell Moyo, Onke Hawu, Ntokozo Happy Msiza
Summary: Among plant invaders, Lantana camara has the highest environmental impact in terms of its effects on South African biodiversity, water supplies, and rangeland production. Despite its toxicity to livestock, L. camara has potential as a protein supplement for small ruminants in semi-arid areas. This review aims to evaluate its impact on goats and other ruminant livestock in southern Africa and discuss the prospects of using goats as a biological management tool.
Article
Plant Sciences
V. L. Williams, E. M. Wojtasik, M. J. Byrne
Summary: South Africa's colonial past has influenced its environmental history, including the introduction of alien plants. Indian laborers from Tamil Nadu in the 1860s brought Zulu healing practices and plant knowledge to South Africa, leading to the establishment of the first traditional medicine shops in the country. Traditional medical knowledge, primarily Ayurvedic, was transplanted into South African healing traditions through the use of new plants and practices.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chelsey Matthys, Nolwethu Jubase, Vernon Visser, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: This study provides the first detailed assessment of the distribution and invasive potential of Melaleuca rugulosa in South Africa. The research reveals the presence of a naturalized population and predicts its future spread. The risk analysis suggests a medium risk classification, recommending the species for eradication.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jing Chen, Fangzhou Ma, Yanjing Zhang, Chenbin Wang, Haigen Xu
Summary: The study comprehensively evaluated invasion risk levels of Chinese provinces using multiple invasion indices and taxonomic groups, predicting distribution patterns based on environmental and anthropogenic factors. Results identified 17 provinces as high invasion risk regions, with environmental and anthropogenic factors showing similar prediction abilities on invasive species richness.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fook-Choy Yap, Hsi-Nien Chen, Benny K. K. Chan
Summary: Through studying coral-associated barnacles, we found that the morphology of their attachment organs is similar regardless of host species, and the settlement and metamorphosis processes are influenced by chemical cues. Larvae of barnacles with different host specificities only settle on their specific hosts, with one species displaying exploratory behavior before settlement while the other species settles directly. These findings suggest that host specificity and exploratory behavior in barnacle larvae are results of adaptive evolution.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
L. J. McGaw, A. G. Omokhua-Uyi, J. F. Finnie, J. Van Staden
Summary: The review investigated the traditional use and biological activity of invasive alien plants and weeds in South Africa, identifying 89 plant species used in traditional medicine, with 61% being invasive alien species. This information provides a basis for further research and development of these plants as medicinal resources.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mariana Mihaela Urziceanu, Alina Georgiana Cislariu, Eugenia Nagoda, Alma Lioara Nicolin, Dragos Stefan Mantoiu, Paulina Anastasiu
Summary: The study analyzed the invasive risk of the alien plant species Humulus scandens, finding its high invasion potential in areas with milder climate and frequent flooding events, with potential devastating effects on entire water catchment areas.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luca Afonso, Karen Esler, Mirijam Gaertner, Sjirk Geerts
Summary: The shrub Hypericum canariense is an emerging invader in South Africa, with both ornamental and naturalized populations. It forms persistent seed banks and can resprout after cutting. Clearing efforts should continue for 10 years to eradicate the species, with an estimated cost of ZAR25000.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)