Abstract
South Africa has a rich history of managing invasive alien animal populations. This chapter explores examples of animal control projects, their resourcing and degree of success or failure. Out of 1023 alien animal species present in South Africa, 80 are designated for compulsory control or eradication in national legislation, and 24 are currently being controlled with the aim of eradication or containment. Only two species have been successfully eradicated from mainland SA and its near-shore islands: Otala punctata (the Freckled Edible Snail) and Trogoderma granarium (the Khapra Beetle). These two projects took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and were rapid responses by small groups of role players to small infestations. In contrast, most current projects are larger, involving complex stakeholder management and considerable technical complexity. Three further invertebrate species are currently controlled through integrated pest management (Bactrocera dorsalis, the Oriental Fruit Fly) or nest removal (Vespula germanica, the German Wasp and Polistes dominula, the European Paper Wasp). No marine species are currently subject to control. Among vertebrates, 12 freshwater fish species have been controlled in localised areas, according to their specific listing in legislation and protected area management priorities; two amphibian, two bird and five mammal species are currently subject to control using a wide variety of techniques. Inter-institutional working groups have played a significant role in promoting the success of invasive alien species management in South Africa. Three working groups are actively addressing new and existing invasions, and promoting awareness and cooperation among a wide range of organisations, as well as recording the experience and learning of these groups.
Highlights
On average 50–100 alien animal taxa, including feral domestic animals, have established naturalised or invasive populations per quarter degree square in South Africa (Picker and Griffiths 2017)
Vertebrates make up 30% of introduced animal species in South Africa (n 1⁄4 309; Picker and Griffiths 2017), while insects, crustacea, annelids, molluscs and arachnids make up the remaining 70% (713 species; van Wilgen and Wilson 2018)
We describe the control projects that have been attempted in South Africa, including the methods used, when the operation started, how long the operation lasted, by whom it was undertaken, and what funding/resources were used
Summary
Experience and Lessons from Alien and Invasive Animal Control Projects in South Africa. Jordaan , Minette Karsten , John S. Turner , Nicola J. van Wilgen , Ruan Veldtman , Tsungai A. Jordaan CapeNature Biodiversity Capabilities Directorate, Cape Town, South Africa. S. Terblanche Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Turner CapeNature Biodiversity Capabilities Directorate, Cape Town, South Africa. N. J. van Wilgen Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. R. Veldtman Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. Zengeya South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa.
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