invasive specieslatest news & developments
Freshwater fish, sharks, rays, endemic plants and iconic mammals are among the country’s fastest-declining species, as invasive species, reduced freshwater flows and pollution intensify. (Wikimedia Commons)

Illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and climate stress driving rapid biodiversity decline in SA

Freshwater fish, sharks, rays, endemic plants and iconic mammals are among the country’s fastest-declining species, as invasive species, reduced freshwater flows and pollution intensify

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
The invasive Opuntia stricta flourishing under the canopy of a native tree in the Kruger National Park. (Photo: SANParks)

Study shows growing number of alien plants infesting Kruger Park

Twenty-one species in the national park are invasive, five of which are among the 100 worst invaders globally

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Without biocontrol, Hartbeespoort Dam could be 70% covered in superweed

Tiny bugs winning the fight against invasive water hyacinth in Hartbeespoort Dam

Without biocontrol, Hartbeespoort Dam could be 70% covered in superweed

  • Sheree Bega
8 min read
CapeNature warns against ferret ownership after concerns about a growing environmental threat. (Belinda Speed)

Ferrets: Adorable companions or ecological threats in South Africa?

CapeNature warns against ferret ownership after concerns about a growing environmental threat This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

  • Sheree Bega
1 min read
Yellow Oleander, Thevetia peruviana. Single open flower and buds growing in Phrao, Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Photo by FlowerPhotos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Invasive alien plant species in eThekwini parks need to be removed

KwaZulu-Natal’s urban spaces are filled with invasive alien species that need to be removed, according to a study by a master’s student employed by the Natural Science Collection Facility.  The study by Maxine Manickum looked at tree diversity in urban parks in eThekwini municipality. “There is a strong presence of invasive alien plants and a […]

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
Committed: Volunteers scrape the invasive weeds and litter, which have been dragged in by members of the rowing and canoeing clubs, onto Wemmer Pan’s banks. Photos: Madison Bannon

Restoring Wemmer Pan’s glory

A diverse community of rowing enthusiasts and local residents who volunteer their time is working tirelessly to clean up the historic pan

8 min read

Encounters with Palestine and the environment

These subjects take centre stage at a festival showcasing nearly 50 documentaries

  • Eyaaz
9 min read
An oak tree infested (left) with the invasive shot hole borer will eventually die.

Invasive beetle fells mighty oaks

The trees were first introduced to South Africa in 1656 and have become cultural icons

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
In early February, AfriForum, together with several other organisations, businesses and community members, removed more than 1 623 tonnes of water lettuce from the Vaal River. Photo: AfriForum

Spraying toxic herbicide on Vaal River to rid it of water lettuce ‘is criminal’

Water specialists have said the use of glyphosate is in contravention of the National Water Act and is a risk for humans and toxic for aquatic life

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
In early February, AfriForum, together with several other organisations, businesses and community members, removed more than 1 623 tonnes of water lettuce from the Vaal River. Photo: AfriForum

Vaal River residents say water lettuce is ‘national crisis’

If allowed to pass the Vaal River Barrage, the plant has access to a journey of about 1 000km of the middle and lower Vaal river, the Bloemhof Dam and then into the Orange river

  • Sheree Bega
11 min read