Managing biological invasions: charting courses to desirable futures in the Cape Floristic Region |
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Authors: | Núria Roura-Pascual David M Richardson R Arthur Chapman Tanja Hichert Rainer M Krug |
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Institution: | 1.Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany & Zoology,Stellenbosch University,Matieland,South Africa;2.CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment,Stellenbosch,South Africa;3.OneWorld Sustainable Investments,Roggebaai,South Africa;4.Institute for Futures Research,Stellenbosch University,Bellville,South Africa;5.àrea de Biodiversitat, Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya,Solsona,Catalonia |
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Abstract: | Invasive species alter the functioning of natural ecosystems, creating “novel ecosystems” comprising species occurring in
combinations with no analogs within a given biome. This poses major challenges for managers who cannot rely exclusively on
previous experiences. Multiple factors that drive invasion and which interact in complex ways demand innovative management
approaches. We show the utility of scenario planning in considering options for management in a region with substantial problems
with invasive alien plants: South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region. The approach allows us to identify the driving forces that
shape the status and trajectories of major woody invasive plants and to identify sensible strategies by considering a set
of scenarios based on the main uncertainties that encapsulate the linkages between the various components of the management
of biological invasions. Attitudes of landowners and management capacity are shown to be the crucial uncertainties influencing
the spread of major invasive species; axes based on these factors define our scenarios. Mapping current management projects
onto scenario axes highlighted key differences among areas. These insights can assist in directing particular management units
toward more desirable futures. Our study highlights the need to link social, political and legal constraints with ecological
processes to assure the effectiveness of management operations in controlling biological invasions. |
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