Invasion science in South Africa: The definitive collection

Abstract

Biological invasions by alien pests, weeds and pathogens are a global phenomenon, with increasing impacts on the environment, economy and human health. Traditionally, the poster children of the impacts of biological invasions have been oceanic islands such as Hawai’i and New Zealand, with continental areas being viewed as less prone to the ravages of invasive alien species. Yet this perspective is rapidly changing as continental areas begin to address the threat of biological invasions. For over a decade, the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB) in South Africa has played a leading role in this changing perspective through outstanding research to reduce the rates and biodiversity impacts of biological invasions by furthering scientific understanding and predictive capability. Now, the major advances in current understanding of biological invasions delivered by the many researchers affiliated to the CIB have been captured in an encyclopaedic volume entitled Biological Invasions in South Africa.