Invasive Alien Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan for a private landowner in Knysna
Project Type:
Invasive Alien Species Assessments and Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan
Client:
Private landowner
Consultants:
Apex Conservation Services
Location:
Knysna, Western Cape
Year:
2025
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Invasive alien plant infestations on the property
Invasive alien plants present
Representation of IA vegetation within management units
Summary:
Apex was contracted by a private landowner in Knysna to undertake an invasive alien species (IAS) assessment. The two deliverables for the project were:
- Survey the property and compile an IAS inventory.
- Preparation of an Invasive Alien Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan (IASMC&EP).
The overarching aim of this project was to bring the client’s properties under compliance with the relevant legislation, including the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (2004) (NEM:BA) and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (1983) (CARA). To comply with this legislation, the listed IAS present on the property must be identified, an IASMC&EP compiled to control the identified IAS, and the landowner must implement the IAS control measures in accordance with the plan.
The study area assessed is situated north of Knysna within the Garden Route District Municipality, in the Western Cape. Apex surveyed two properties, representing an estimated 15 hectares, during this assessment. After the completion of the field survey, 16 species of invasive alien plants (IAPs) had been identified within the assessed property. Seven invasive alien animals likely to occur in the area were also identified. Apex divided the properties into eight management units (MUs) and these were mapped. These MUs were developed to assist the consultant and the landowner with work planning, identifying priority areas for clearing, scheduling, and costing.
The IASMC&EP was compiled to provide the landowner with a systematic approach to implement IAS control measures on the properties and to provide necessary guidelines to ensure effective results. For each MU, the plan provides a description of: the habitat type and condition; the indigenous vegetation type and its associated ecological threat status; IAS present; and the fire risk due to the presence of IAPs. For each IAS in the MUs, the average density is provided, and the appropriate control method and biomass management method is identified for different age classes, as well as the control objectives and timeframes per species. The workload and budget required to control IAS in each MU is also provided. A prioritization model, based on factors of the IAS present in each MU, such as risk to biodiversity, fire risk, risk to water resources, and previous IAS control investment, was used to develop a control schedule. A monitoring guideline is also provided which will allow the landowner to determine whether the control programme has been effective and aid in planning for future control efforts.
The IASMC&EP was submitted to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and has been approved.