in a South African context have been rather limited in scope. For example, van
Wilgen et al. (2008) called for the use of risk assessments for the herpetofauna present
in South Africa, mainly introduced through the pet trade. Alien fish have been
extensively assessed for their risks in South Africa (Ellender and Weyl 2014; Marr
et al. 2017), also necessitated by the conflicts between conservationists and recreational anglers (see Weyl et al. 2020, Chap. 6). An exception to this is the ‘watch list’
approach outlined above (Faulkner et al. 2014), which is applicable in any given
region and can rapidly assess a wide variety of taxonomic groups. Most recently, we
developed a risk analysis framework to underpin the regulation of alien taxa and aid
management decisions (Kumschick et al. 2018). It is applicable to any taxonomic
group and can be used pre- and post-border.
The need for risk analyses on biological invasions has been formally adopted in
South African legislation (Box 20.1). The legislation outlines actions related to alien
species that need risk analyses to be completed. This includes permits for the
importation of new alien species into the country and to carry out restricted activities
involving some listed species, the listing of alien species under national legislation
(Fig. 20.3), and the introduction and subsequent release of alien species for biological control (see Hill et al. 2020, Chap. 19). For all these issues, processes are being
instituted and frameworks developed in South Africa, which need to be followed to
carry out the respective activities. In Table 20.1, we summarise the legislative needs
for risk analysis in South Africa, how they are currently implemented, and provide
recommendations for the future (for further details see the discussion below).
Box 20.1 Key International and South African Legislation Pertaining
to the Risk Analysis of Biological Invasions
International agreements under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) require
the assessment of risks before certain activities involving an alien taxon,
especially trade, can be restricted, or before a new taxon should be allowed
for import. These agreements recognise the standards set by the International
Plant Protection Convention (IPPC; FAO 1996) and the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE 2011). The assessment of the risk that a species poses
allows for the distinction between potentially harmful and benign taxa. However, risk analysis additionally includes considerations regarding whether and
how these risks can be managed (Convention on Biological Diversity 2002).
These international standards and agreements which South Africa is part of
are complemented by legal obligations which need to be considered and
followed where risk analysis is required. Specifically, the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA, Act 10 of 2004) Alien and
Invasive Species Regulations (in short, NEM:BA A&IS Regulations; Department of Environmental Affairs 2014) outline the necessary content of risk
analyses for the application of permits, including for import and restricted
activities.
582
S. Kumschick et al.
Wilgen et al. (2008) called for the use of risk assessments for the herpetofauna present
in South Africa, mainly introduced through the pet trade. Alien fish have been
extensively assessed for their risks in South Africa (Ellender and Weyl 2014; Marr
et al. 2017), also necessitated by the conflicts between conservationists and recreational anglers (see Weyl et al. 2020, Chap. 6). An exception to this is the ‘watch list’
approach outlined above (Faulkner et al. 2014), which is applicable in any given
region and can rapidly assess a wide variety of taxonomic groups. Most recently, we
developed a risk analysis framework to underpin the regulation of alien taxa and aid
management decisions (Kumschick et al. 2018). It is applicable to any taxonomic
group and can be used pre- and post-border.
The need for risk analyses on biological invasions has been formally adopted in
South African legislation (Box 20.1). The legislation outlines actions related to alien
species that need risk analyses to be completed. This includes permits for the
importation of new alien species into the country and to carry out restricted activities
involving some listed species, the listing of alien species under national legislation
(Fig. 20.3), and the introduction and subsequent release of alien species for biological control (see Hill et al. 2020, Chap. 19). For all these issues, processes are being
instituted and frameworks developed in South Africa, which need to be followed to
carry out the respective activities. In Table 20.1, we summarise the legislative needs
for risk analysis in South Africa, how they are currently implemented, and provide
recommendations for the future (for further details see the discussion below).
Box 20.1 Key International and South African Legislation Pertaining
to the Risk Analysis of Biological Invasions
International agreements under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) require
the assessment of risks before certain activities involving an alien taxon,
especially trade, can be restricted, or before a new taxon should be allowed
for import. These agreements recognise the standards set by the International
Plant Protection Convention (IPPC; FAO 1996) and the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE 2011). The assessment of the risk that a species poses
allows for the distinction between potentially harmful and benign taxa. However, risk analysis additionally includes considerations regarding whether and
how these risks can be managed (Convention on Biological Diversity 2002).
These international standards and agreements which South Africa is part of
are complemented by legal obligations which need to be considered and
followed where risk analysis is required. Specifically, the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA, Act 10 of 2004) Alien and
Invasive Species Regulations (in short, NEM:BA A&IS Regulations; Department of Environmental Affairs 2014) outline the necessary content of risk
analyses for the application of permits, including for import and restricted
activities.
582
S. Kumschick et al.