Abstract
Globally, there have been differing views on whether the proliferation of invasive species will be of benefit as a livestock feed source or it will have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The infestation of invasive plants such as Prosopis species does not only affect the groundwater levels but also threatens the grazing capacity and species richness of most of the semi-arid areas around South Africa. Though Prosopis is invasive, it is however of good nutritive value and can serve as an alternative source of protein and minerals for livestock during the dry season. Bush encroachment by browsable invasive species can be controlled through biological methods by using organisms such as livestock. The utilisation of Prosopis through browse benefits livestock production and at the same time reduces its spread, thereby preventing possible environmental harm that may arise. Although several studies have been carried out globally on the assessment of the Prosopis species’ nutritive value and also on the threat of this invasive species to the environment, there is a need to update the state of knowledge on this species, particularly in the context of the semi-arid areas of South Africa where the dry season is characterised by less herbage of poor quality. It is therefore critical to understand whether Prosopis is a beneficial invader, or a detriment that needs to be eradicated. This review will contribute knowledge towards finding practical solutions to controlling Prosopis species and whether utilising Prosopis as a feed source will limit its spread and result in a vegetation structure where Prosopis becomes part of the ecosystem with limited detrimental impact. This means that the several components of the species such as nutritive value and the negative impact associated with this plant species along with the means to control its spreading must be well understood to recognise the plant species’ vital contribution to the ecosystem.
Highlights
In South Africa over the past half-century, various species of deciduous, leguminous thorn tree species have been introduced for various purposes, such as timber, firewood, bark for tannins, medicines, windbreaks, edible products for humans, and fodder for animals [1,2]
Different Prosopis Species In South Africa, three different Prosopis plant species were introduced from North, South, and Central America in the last 1800s, namely, P. glandulosa, P. chilensi, and P. velutina (Figure 1) [29]
The ecosystem activities, i.e., water supply, soil quality, and grazing areas, have been negatively impacted by Prosopis invasions, resulting in a range of negative results for native farmers [24,53,54,55]. Even though it can provide supplement protein in the dry winter season, Wise et al [24] reported that the utilisation of Prosopis species is very limited or suppressed due to the existence of anti-nutritional factors, which tend to be poisonous to the livestock if consumed in large quantities
Summary
In South Africa over the past half-century, various species of deciduous, leguminous thorn tree species have been introduced for various purposes, such as timber, firewood, bark for tannins, medicines, windbreaks, edible products for humans, and fodder for animals [1,2]. These trees include Acacia mearnsii, Opuntia ficus-indica, and Prosopis species. Other than overwhelming the grazing land, devouring excessive amounts of groundwater, and reducing biodiversity, Prosopis is a very noxious invader, with areas of high infestation resulting in surrounding indigenous plants failing to deliver valuable ecosystem services for that ecological niche [15]. The information will aid in developing sustainable management strategies for the benefit of both biodiversity conservationists and livestock producers
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