Are protected areas in Africa harbouring invasive species?
Protected areas, long thought of as safe refuges for animals and plants, are under increasing threats from invasive species which not only affect biodiversity but also people’s livelihoods. Protected areas can have huge social and economic value, particularly in Africa, where national parks are a major tourist attraction and a significant source of income. But according to the Global Invasive Species Programme, of which IUCN and CABI are partners, many managers of protected areas in Africa are not aware of the severity of the problem which is on their doorsteps nor how to address it. “Habitat conservation is vital for stemming the decline in biodiversity and the establishment of protected areas is an important mechanism for achieving this aim,” says Sarah Simons, Director of the Global Invasive Species Programme. “But, with invasive species rapidly invading our ever-increasing protected areas unchecked, we are in danger of exacerbating one of the greatest threats to biodiversity.” Mala
