As climate change, human expansion, industrialisation and agriculture continue to increase, we are losing more of our natural environment and are severely affecting our biodiversity. This damage is exacerbated by invader plants that were mostly introduced to assist in developing human habitats. Some of these invasive plants have spiraled out of control and are now posing a real threat, not just to the natural environment but to our water security.
A 2011 study found that up to 14% of our surface water is lost to alien invasive plants (AIPs). AIPs can take over rivers, causing damage to wetlands, which are critical in the maintenance and storage of water, as well as jeopardizing the health and balance of delicate estuarine ecosystems. The loss of water available in rivers also decreases the amount of drinking water available and increases the concentration of contaminants in the water.
The Green Net has identified the removal of AIPs as one of the most important things that we as citizens can do to help ensure water security for people on the South Coast. AIP removal programmes are also a quick and easy way to provide many jobs and boost economic development.
We’ve identified some of the most prolific AIPs on the South Coast and included these in our biodiversity calendar, each month featuring AIPs in flower, to encourage people to remove these plants as they appear. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife put out a call earlier this month for the public to help control the spread of pompom weed. These are Class 1 Alien Invaders and should be removed by the roots if possible and left to die completely.
Two other AIPs to look out for this month are pampas grass and Kahili ginger lily. These plants need to be removed where possible as they constrict waterways and take over fields. They out-compete native species and force wildlife out of the area.
To win a Green Net Biodiversity Calendar, WhatsApp a picture of yourself removing one of the AIPs mentioned in this article to 084 9872018 by Monday, February 27.
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