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Brief - Policy Brief
Alien Tree Invasion in South Africa Status and Impacts on Water in Strategic Water Source Areas
Published: 2025
Report No: WRC Project Number C2022/2023-00901
Authors: McLeod N, Douwes E, Phangisa J, Rebelo AJ, Magagula S, Jay J, Esler KJ, Cogill LS, Skosana T, Marais C, Sawunyama T, Madikizela B
Abstract
Clearing woody invasive alien plants (hereafter “alien trees”) in all four of the study catchments could release over 100 mm per annum if they are restored to a native treeless ecosystem, such as grasslands, shrublands or wetlands. Even restoring to a treed ecosystem, such as a forest (where appropriate), produces water gains compared to alien tree invasions of wattle, pine, gum and poplar (by ~20 mm per annum).
Authors
MN
McLeod N
DE
Douwes E
PJ
Phangisa J
RA
Rebelo AJ
MS
Magagula S
JJ
Jay J
EK
Esler KJ
CL
Cogill LS
ST
Skosana T
MC
Marais C
ST
Sawunyama T
MB
Madikizela B
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