The C·I·B is an inter-institutional Centre of Excellence established in 2004 within the DST-NRF Centres of Excellence Programme. Its members undertake research on the biodiversity consequences of biological invasions, largely through post-graduate student training. The principal aims of the Centre's work are to reduce the rates and impacts of biological invasions by furthering scientific understanding and predictive capability, and by developing research capacity.

The C·I·B has its physical home at the University of Stellenbosch, but comprises a network of senior researchers and their associated postdoctoral associates and graduate students throughout South Africa. Find out more about us.

The role of polyploidy in facilitating plant invasions

Much remains to be understood about why some introduced species become invasive whereas others do not. Recently, polyploidy (whole genome duplication) has been proposed as an important determinant of invasiveness in plants. Genome duplication has played a major role in the evolutionary history of angiosperms and can drastically alter a plant’s genetic make-up, morphology, physiology and ecology within only one or a few generations.

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Alien & Invasive Animals: A South African Perspective

by Mike Picker and Charles Griffiths

While alien plants have been well publicised, this is the first book to be published on alien animals of Africa. It describes the history of each invasion, and the ecological and economic impacts in South Africa; and it discusses the effect of introduced biocontrol agents (usually insects), which are also alien species released deliberately to control problem plants.

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In support of our vision, we are offering bursaries to students who are studying towards an Honours, Masters or Doctoral degree in biodiversity, environmental sociology or invasion biology. Click on links to the left under “Student & Research support” to find out more about the support and bursaries that are on offer.

Biological Invasion-Related Events

• 24 – 27 Apr 2012
  Weeds across borders, Cancun, Mexico
• 12 – 14 Sept 2012
  NeoBiota 2012, Pontevedra, Spain

• 2 March 2011
  Invasive Birds Workshop, Stellenbosch – South Africa
• 17 – 21 January 2011
  The 5th Biodiversity Conservation Academy
• 11 – 15 January 2010
  The 4th Biodiversity Conservation Academy
• 19 – 23 January 2009
  The 3rd Biodiversity Conservation Academy
• 12 – 14 November 2008
  ”Fifty years of invasion ecology – the legacy of Charles Elton”