Chapter 20
Analysing the Risks Posed by Biological
Invasions to South Africa
Sabrina Kumschick , Llewellyn C. Foxcroft , and John R. Wilson
Abstract Risk analysis is an important decision-support tool for the management of
biological invasions. South Africa, as a signatory to international agreements, has
enacted legislation requiring risk analyses to be conducted if trade is to be restricted
or regulated and if alien species are to be introduced. In this chapter, we outline the
various needs for risk analyses for biological invasions in South Africa, summarise
the current status, and make recommendations for a way forward. In particular, we
highlight the need to move away from approaches that are purely based on expert
opinion or entirely reactive, and propose a new system and process which includes
the use of a structured risk analysis framework with clear guidelines to avoid expert
bias. We highlight the need to assess risk, consider risk management options
(including benefits), and to develop clear recommendations. The proposed process
also involves the review of recommendations by an independent panel. We further
note that the effectiveness of such approaches will be defined by their transparency,
their accuracy, how feasible they are to implement in practice, and the trust that
people have in the system.
S. Kumschick (*) · J. R. Wilson
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University,
Stellenbosch, South Africa
South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town,
South Africa
e-mail: sabrina.kumschick@gmail.com
L. C. Foxcroft
Conservation Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University,
Stellenbosch, South Africa
© The Author(s) 2020
B. W. van Wilgen et al. (eds.), Biological Invasions in South Africa, Invading
Nature - Springer Series in Invasion Ecology 14,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3_20
573
Analysing the Risks Posed by Biological
Invasions to South Africa
Sabrina Kumschick , Llewellyn C. Foxcroft , and John R. Wilson
Abstract Risk analysis is an important decision-support tool for the management of
biological invasions. South Africa, as a signatory to international agreements, has
enacted legislation requiring risk analyses to be conducted if trade is to be restricted
or regulated and if alien species are to be introduced. In this chapter, we outline the
various needs for risk analyses for biological invasions in South Africa, summarise
the current status, and make recommendations for a way forward. In particular, we
highlight the need to move away from approaches that are purely based on expert
opinion or entirely reactive, and propose a new system and process which includes
the use of a structured risk analysis framework with clear guidelines to avoid expert
bias. We highlight the need to assess risk, consider risk management options
(including benefits), and to develop clear recommendations. The proposed process
also involves the review of recommendations by an independent panel. We further
note that the effectiveness of such approaches will be defined by their transparency,
their accuracy, how feasible they are to implement in practice, and the trust that
people have in the system.
S. Kumschick (*) · J. R. Wilson
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University,
Stellenbosch, South Africa
South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town,
South Africa
e-mail: sabrina.kumschick@gmail.com
L. C. Foxcroft
Conservation Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa
Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University,
Stellenbosch, South Africa
© The Author(s) 2020
B. W. van Wilgen et al. (eds.), Biological Invasions in South Africa, Invading
Nature - Springer Series in Invasion Ecology 14,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3_20
573