A5076742466- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Plant and animal studies
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Land Use and Ecosystem Services
- Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Urban Green Space and Health
- Botany, Ecology, and Taxonomy Studies
- Environmental Conservation and Management
- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Forest Management and Policy
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Urban Agriculture and Sustainability
- Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics
- Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
- Botany and Plant Ecology Studies
- Economic and Environmental Valuation
- Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Soil erosion and sediment transport
- Peatlands and Wetlands Ecology
- Soil and Land Suitability Analysis
Stellenbosch University
2013-2023
Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Science
2017-2023
RWTH Aachen University
2023
City of Cape Town
2014-2018
Zoological Society of London
2014
Estación Biológica de Doñana
2014
University of Vienna
2014
Besides a general consensus regarding the negative impact of invasive alien species in literature, only recently has decline native attributable to biological invasions begun be quantified many parts world. The cause-effect relationship between establishment and proliferation extinction is, however, seldom demonstrated. We conducted meta-analysis studies Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) examine: (1) whether invasion plant indeed causes reduction number at different spatial temporal...
Abstract Aim The biophysical impacts of invasive Australian acacias and their effects on ecosystem services are explored used to develop a framework for improved restoration practices. Location South Africa, Portugal Chile. Methods A conceptual model responses the increasing severity (density duration) invasions was developed from literature our knowledge how these affect options restoration. Case studies identify similarities differences between three regions severely affected by acacias:...
Abstract Non‐native species cause changes in the ecosystems to which they are introduced. These changes, or some of them, usually termed impacts; can be manifold and potentially damaging biodiversity. However, impacts most non‐native poorly understood, a synthesis available information is being hindered because authors often do not clearly define impact. We argue that explicitly defining impact will promote progress toward better understanding implications biodiversity caused by species;...
Despite intensive research during the past decade on effects of alien species, invasion science still lacks capacity to accurately predict impacts those species and, therefore, provide timely advice managers where limited resources should be allocated. This has been partly by context-dependent nature ecological impacts, highly skewed toward certain taxa and habitat types, lack standardized methods for detecting quantifying impacts. We review different strategies, including specific...
Abstract Aim A major challenge for invasion ecology is to identify high‐impact invaders guide prioritization of management interventions. We argue that species with the potential cause regime shifts (altered states ecosystem structure and function are difficult or impossible reverse) should be prioritized. These modify ecosystems in ways enhance their own persistence suppress native through reinforcing feedback processes. Methods Using both systems analysis meta‐analysis approaches, we...
Riparian ecosystems in South Africa's fynbos biome are heavily invaded by alien woody plants. Although large-scale clearing of these species is underway, the assumption that native vegetation will self-repair after has not been thoroughly tested. Understanding processes mediate recruitment following invasive crucial for optimising restoration techniques. This study aimed to determine recovery patterns implementation different management interventions. We tested influence two treatments...
Impacts of invasive alien N 2 ‐fixing woody species and how they can persist as soil legacy effects after control are well appreciated, but present barriers to restoration is poorly understood. Finding better ways deal with these essential improving outcomes. In this study, we review 440 studies identify potential management actions for the restoration, provide practical application examples actions. Our findings suggest that altered microbial communities, depleted native seed banks,...
In 1945, the Royal Society of South Africa published a wide-ranging report, prepared by committee led Dr C.L. Wicht, dealing with preservation globally unique and highly diverse vegetation south-western Cape. The publication Wicht Committee's report signalled initiation research programme aimed at understanding, ultimately protecting, ecosystems Cape Floristic Region. This has continued for over 70 years, it constitutes longest history concerted scientific endeavour conservation an entire...
This study investigated the autogenic recovery potential of native vegetation after clearing dense stands invasive alien trees in two critically endangered types South Africa's Cape Floristic Region: Flats Lowland Fynbos and Swartland Alluvium Fynbos. Sampling was done areas previously occupied by tree Acacia saligna plantations Pinus radiata a fynbos reference site. Treatments varied terms length invasion management histories. Plots under pines recovered well indigenous perennial species...
Abstract To reduce the negative impacts of invasive plants, management interventions such as control or eradication are usually necessary. It is often assumed that plants will diminish immediately after interventions. However, in some cases invader can have legacy effects soil might persist for long periods, preventing natural restoration areas managed. Therefore, to achieve re‐establishment a functional native ecosystem it important understand how legacies soil. This paper explores this...