Centre for Invasion Biology
Page Image
Page Content
Centre for Invasion Biology
More than ever, humanity is faced with environmental problems that influence our day-to-day lives. One such challenge is that of invasive species. Another is global warming. Climate change may affect the spread and impact of invasive species, and therefore scientists at the Centre for Invasion Biology (C•I•B) are exploring the link between the two. For Africa this could have serious consequences for the prevalence of tropical diseases like sleeping sickness and malaria
With intercontinental travel having become commonplace, people frequently move species around – sometimes intentionally, but often unintentionally. These movements have consequences, many of them unforeseen. Insects, microorganisms, plants, fish, reptiles and mammals introduced into an area may thrive and become invasive. Invasive species cost the planet about 5% of its gross domestic product a year.
As part of Stellenbosch University’s HOPE Project biologists at the Centre for Invasion Biology (C•I•B) are studying the potential impact and distribution of tsetse flies due to climate change. Six of more than 30 species of tsetse flies that occur in Sub-Saharan Africa are carriers of the parasite Trypanosomiasis that causes potentially fatal sleeping sickness. This puts more than 60 million people living in Africa at risk.
The C•I•B, an inter-institutional Centre of Excellence based at Stellenbosch University (SU), works to reduce the rate and impact of biological invasions. It furthers scientific understanding of the mechanisms and processes at play and how biological invasions can be prevented and managed.
The C•I•B was established under the Centres of Excellence Programme of the South African government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its hub is at SU, and it has a network of senior researchers, associates and students at a range of institutions throughout the country.
The C•I•B has made the impact of climate change on invasion biology a key focus area. It is anticipated that the scientific work being done by the C•I•B will make a major difference to people’s quality of life and provide relevant expertise to assist policy and decision makers.