Conservation Issues in the Republic of South Africa

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those native populations1. Mallards and hybrids of mallards actively compete with indigenous birds for resources and mallard males have even been known to drown offspring of other species3. Of the three birds mentioned, I would say the mallard duck has the most direct and observable effect on biodiversity in South Africa.

With regard to controlling invasive birds and limiting their effects, there are a few different solutions currently in action. Kruger National Park asks that any visitors observing invasive bird species report it to park officials for removal3. The South African National Parks organization has an “Alien Biota Section” that collects information on whereabouts of invasive species to examine and eradicate them. This department also encourages visitors to inform them of any sightings1.

The City of Cape Town published a special edition of their biannual environmental newsletter “Enviroworks4” that focused on invasive species and control of invasive species. One major point was their implementation of the Invasive Species Unit. They have adopted several strategies, which follow in sequence should the previous prove unsuccessful: prevention, detection, control, eradication, containment, and finally restoration. Essentially, the Invasive Species Unit wants first to prevent any alien species from entering the country. If unsuccessful, they move on to different management methods and finally restore any damage done by the invasive species. This newsletter also highlights biocontrol as a viable option and encourages citizens to take part in eliminating invasive species4.

Invasive species pose real threats to biodiversity and ecosystem health in general. South Africa’s large and diverse bird population makes it particularly susceptible to invasive bird species like the Myna, house crow, and mallard duck. These species each threaten South Africa’s biodiversity in a different way, which illustrates how devastating invasives can be if multiple species invade a single ecosystem. South African agencies do have control methods in place, however, and encourage citizens and visitors alike to help solve this problem. With time, perhaps South Africa will be able to remove these invasive birds and other threatening alien species. 

References

1 South African National Parks. "Alien Invaders." South African National Parks. Web. 12 Jul 2013. <http://www.sanparks.org/groups/birders/alien_birds.php>.

2 Invasive Species South Africa. "House Crow." Invasive Species South Africa. Web. 12 Jul 2013. <http://www.invasives.org.za/component/k2/item/367-house-crow- corvus- splendens.html>.

3 Siyabona Africa. "Kruger Park Guide." Invasive Alien Bird Species Pose A Threat. Siyabona Africa. Web. 15 Jul 2013. <http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark- times-3-6-bird-threat-22588.html>

4 City of Cape Town. "Invasive species: a threat to our heritage." Enviroworks. Jun 2012: 1. Web. 15 Jul. 2013. <http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/EnvironmentalResource Management/publications/Documents/Enviroworks_Jun12.pdf>.