Abstract

Biological invasions have increased dramatically in the past centuries and are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity today. Chromolaena odorata, a herbaceous shrub from the Americas, is one of the most widespread and problematic invasive plant species in the tropics and sub-tropics. The plant is a serious problem in South Africa, where invasive species threaten biodiversity and use up water resources. This study combines data on the distribution of C. odorata with ecological and clearing management data to evaluate the efficacy of an invasive plant clearing program over its decade of operation in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Densities and local extent of the C. odorata invasion were significantly reduced during the period of operations of the clearing program. Seasonal effects impacted clearing efficacy, namely a reduction in efficacy during the seed dispersal period. Clearing success was positively associated with clearing effort and fire frequency and negatively associated with rainfall. Management implications drawn from the results include halting clearing during the seed-drop period, giving extra attention to areas with more rainfall and other water availability, and incorporating fire with other clearing methods where possible.

Keywords

Invasive species; Control; Management; Fire; Rainfall; Savanna; Chromolaena odorata; Working for Water

Published in

South African Journal of Botany
2017, Volume: 109, pages: 203-213

SLU Authors

• Rozen-Rechels, David

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • École Normale Supérieure (ENS)

• Le Roux, Elizabeth

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

• Cromsigt, Joris

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Associated SLU-program

SLU Plant Protection Network


Sustainable Development Goals

SDG15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2016.12.007

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/81176