Invasive species introduced through human activity is the single biggest threat to the health of our ecosystems. Invasive species thrive in new areas because of a lack of natural limiting factors, such as species utilising them for food and pathogens causing sickness, which would have been found in their natural environment. Because of this, and if they find th...e new environment conducive, they will out compete the species which occur naturally in that area.
The other animal and insect species which occur in the area are not adapted to this new species. These invasive species will not be utilised as part of the natural system. This is how alien plant species can cause large areas to loose their ecological health and become green deserts.
The control of alien invasive species is a huge challenge and often it is impossible to remove such species from the environment after they have taken hold. In such cases the problem can at best be managed to try and prevent severe impacts.
Problem plants offer the biggest challenge in our National Parks. Plant species such as prickly pear, hakea, lantana, red sesbania, queen of the night, spanish reed, water lettuce and water hyacinth, all have a severe impact on the environment.
Control measures are in place to try and stop the spread of these species. Legislation demands the eradication of certain species and controls the propagation and use of other species. Control programs remove invasives through manual clearing, chemical control and through biological control measures.
The SANParks Honorary Rangers are active supporters of control programs based in our National Parks. Hack parties participate in the physical control of such species. We also support projects by providing funding. Education on this subject is important and we are involved in displays and talks aimed at informing the public on this issue.
The Invasive Species Eradication Group is headed by Grant Coleman - grant@honoraryrangers.org
For more information: http://sanparksvolunteers.org/
Verity and Dean Cherry had an African dream in 1999 and started Nhongo Safaris® to eliminate the logistical challenges of international visitors on safari. We provide a once in a lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiast that demand quality overnight safaris in South Africa and most particularly the Kruger National Park. We want to enrich our visitors’ experience by providing Luxury Safari Packages or African Safari Holidays and maintain our position as leader in Kruger Park Safaris.
Featured post
Some of Nhongo Safaris Fleet of Open Safari Vehicles
The photo shows some of our fleet of Open Safari Vehicles used while on safari in the Kruger National and Hwange National Parks. These ve...
No comments:
Post a Comment