The balance of trade in alien species between South Africa and the rest of Africa

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Authors

Faulkner, Katelyn T.
Hurley, Brett Phillip
Robertson, Mark P.
Rouget, Mathieu
Wilson, John R.U.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

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Publisher

AOSIS Open Journals

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Alien organisms are not only introduced from one biogeographical region to another but also spread within regions. As South Africa shares land borders with six countries, multiple opportunities exist for the transfer of alien species between South Africa and other African countries; however, the direction and importance of intra-regional spread is unclear. OBJECTIVES : The aim of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the introduction of alien species into Africa and the spread of species between South Africa and other African countries. METHOD : We developed scenarios that describe the routes by which alien species are introduced to and spread within Africa and present case studies for each. Using data from literature sources and databases, the relative importance of each scenario for alien birds and insect pests of eucalypts was determined, and the direction and importance of intra-regional spread was assessed. RESULTS : Alien species from many taxonomic groups have, through various routes, been introduced to and spread within Africa. For birds and eucalypt insect pests, the number of species spreading in the region has recently increased, with South Africa being a major recipient of birds (14 species received and 5 donated) and a major donor of eucalypt insect pests (1 species received and 10 donated). For both groups, many introduced species have not yet spread in the region. CONCLUSION : The intra-regional spread of alien species in Africa represents an important and possibly increasing threat to biosecurity. To address this threat, we propose a framework that details how African countries could cooperate and develop a coordinated response to alien species introductions.

Description

This paper was initially delivered at the 43rd Annual Research Symposium on the Management of Biological Invasions in South Africa, Goudini Spa, Western Cape, South Africa on 18-20 May 2016.

Keywords

South Africa (SA), Alien species, Africa, Spread of species, African countries

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Faulkner, K.T., Hurley, B.P., Robertson, M.P., Rouget, M. & Wilson, J.R.U., 2017, ‘The balance of trade in alien species between South Africa and the rest of Africa’, Bothalia 47(2), a2157. https://DOI.org/ 10.4102/abc.v47i2.2157.