Rivers as drivers of plant invasions in an African savanna: integrating invasiveness and impact across spatial and temporal scales
| Name: | Rivers as drivers of plant invasions in an African savanna: integrating invasiveness and impact across spatial and temporal scales |
|---|---|
| Researchers: |
Pyšek Petr (researcher) Canavan Susan (member in research team) Novoa Perez Ana (member in research team) Moravcová Lenka (member in research team) Pyšková Klára (member in research team) Hejda Martin (member in research team) Čuda Jan (member in research team) |
| Provider: | GAČR |
| Number: | 22-23532S |
| Realization from: | 2022 |
| Realization to: | 2024 |
| Summary: | For the model area of Kruger National Park we will estimate the influx of propagules brought about by rivers from surrounding populated areas, map the distribution of the most noxious IAS by means of high-resolution aerial imagery, measure their inter-annual invasion dynamics, and identify factors that determine the extent of their invasions. Their impact on savanna vegetation and soils, including microbial and fungal communities, will be measured, and how these invasions affect resources available to large herbivores will be monitored by using camera traps. The data will provide basis for predictive modelling of future invasion dynamics in relation to changing climate, river flow dynamics, fire regime and other key factors. This will allow us to develop management recommendations based on identification of most risky areas, taking the probability of IAS spread and impact into account. |