Yensiwe Mbuyisa shares her MSc project findings: The effects of temperature and water availability on the water use efficiency and isotopic discrimination of two Myrtacae species, Eucalyptus grandis and Syzyguim guineneese.

A fascinating talk by Megan van den Berg on the invaded range of the invasive tree fern, Sphaeropteris cooperi in South Africa and on Reunion Island. The range of S. cooperi is predicted to shrink, although the degree of decline is expected to depend on climate and time.

Mr Peter Lukey, Chief Director: Environment knowledge and information at DFFE, presented his keynote address titled, ‘Lost in translation – trying to bridge the science/policy divide’.

PhD candidate, Sarah Ackland, gives an interesting talk on how iNaturalist was used as tool to record the presence of alien species in African marine protected areas (MPA). A total of 27 species were recorded in 18 MPAs across 8 countries.

Abusisiwe Ndaba presenting her preliminary PhD findings of changes observed in ant assemblages over 20 years.

Raquel Garcia giving a fascinating talk highlighting the importance of microclimate as a driver of ectotherm responses to plant invasions.

Masters candidate, Bridget O’Connor sharing her MSc research: The effects of age, thermal acclimation and heat stress on the walking speed of a beetle.

The prize for the best PhD presentation goes to Penny Richardson; the first runner up is Tania Poque; and the second runner up is Abusisiwe Ndaba. Congratulations!

The prize for the best MSc presentation goes to Aidan Bossert; the first runner up is Olivia Jones; and the second runner up is Bridget O'Connor. Congratulations!

Aidan Bossert, winner of the best MSc presentation with Director, Guy Midgley.

Perry Richardson, winner of the the best PhD presentation, with Director Guy Midgley.

blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/annual-res…

A book on the ecology and management of one of the most destructive invasive trees in Africa was recently published. The book, The Ecology and Management of Invasive Prosopis Trees in Eastern Africa, was co-edited by C·I·B professor, Brian van Wilgen. blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/scientists…

🎉Call for experts to serve on Alien Species Risk Analysis Review Panel – closing date 14 March 2025. Read more at: blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/call-for-e…

Tortoises in invaded habitats: do thermal changes affect their performance? Read more at: blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/tortoises-…

Lost fynbos seeds from underground ‘time capsules’ in South Africa can grow again – new study Read more at: blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/lost-fynbo…

We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our colleague and good friend, John Measey. Our condolences to John’s family and friends. John was a superb herpetologist, an excellent lecturer, supervisor and mentor. He will be sorely missed. blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/passing-of…

📣Exciting new advert!📣 A funded post-doc position looking at the management of invasions in Marine Protected Areas. For more information on the project and how to apply: blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/project/un…

A new study highlights how marginal or bottom-up projects called “Seeds of success” are addressing invasive species while creating social and economic benefits. Read more about the study at: blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/small-inno…

A recent study, co-authored by CIB Core Team member John Wilson, highlights that One Biosecurity is essential to implement One Health. Read the paper at: blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/bridging-t… BioScience: doi.org/10.1093/biosci…