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.

King of the air returns

Invasive alien trees pose a very significant threat indeed to freshwater invertebrates, especially endemic species, in the biodiversity hotspot of the Cape Floristic Region. Among these invertebrates are dragonflies, which are highly sensitive to changes in habitat, especially the adverse effects of alien invasive trees. However, with removal of these trees there can be a very rapid and substantial recovery of this endemic fauna, as well as that of other, more geographically widespread, species.

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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.

26 July 2010

A recent paper by C·I·B core team member Bettine Jansen van Vuuren has shed light on the need for renewed and intensified conservation efforts to ensure the survival of the giant sable in Angola. read article

20 July 2010

Marguerite Blignaut, a PhD student within the Molecular Ecology Group embarked on what has become known as the “world tour” within the laboratory. The aim of the trip was to collect Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass) samples from its native range in North Africa, and invasive ranges in Spain. read article

16 July 2010

Springtails are key contributors to soil ecosystem functioning and occur in virtually all environments. These small (typically 1 mm or less in length) arthropods are absent only from the most extreme habitats, and elsewhere can reach densities of hundreds of thousands of individuals per square meter. read article

CIB Sponsored Events

• August – November 2010
  A celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, Stellenbosch – South Africa
• 7 – 9 March 2011
  2nd International Invasive Bird Conference, Cape Town – South Africa

Biological Invasion-Related Events

• 2 – 6 August 2010
  2nd International Workshop Invasive Plants in the Mediterranean Type Regions of the World, Trabzon – Turkey
• 30 Aug – 3 Sep 2011
  11th International Conference on the Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions, Szombathely – Hungary

Past CIB Events

• 19 – 23 January 2009
  The 3rd Biodiversity Conservation Academy
• 12 – 14 November 2008
  ”Fifty years of invasion ecology – the legacy of Charles Elton”