Invasive alien plant species pose a significant threat to South Africa’s agriculture, water security, human livelihoods and well-being and our rich biodiversity. To manage these species effectively and mitigate their impacts, researchers and conservationists are implementing biological control programmes that target the most problematic of these invasive plants.

Invasive alien plants are species introduced into South Africa from other geographical regions and once introduced they establish and proliferate where they are not wanted.  These invasive aliens affect everyone, not only through their spread into natural ecosystems but also in agricultural and urban settings. They exacerbate water scarcity, increase fire risks, reduce land productivity, pose challenges to human health and outcompete indigenous plants.

Annually South Africa spends billions of Rand on control efforts to manage invasive alien plants and reduce the impact on ecosystem services.  The loss of ecosystem services such as water availability and grazing have severe economic implications for South Africa.  Without effective management, these costs will continue to escalate.

Dense stand of Acacia mearnsii, black wattle, taking water away from agriculture,
increasing fire intensity and out competing indigenous biodiversity.  (Photo: David Taylor)

Last Modified: Thu, 13 Feb 2025 09:49:14 SAST