The spread of alien species within Africa is increasing, according to Bizcommunity. Since 2000 more alien insect pests of eucalyptus trees have spread to other African countries from South Africa than have been introduced to these African countries from other continents. To manage the spread of these alien species countries need to cooperate, communicate and share information and skills.

 

Many alien plants and animals have been introduced to Africa from other regions and then have spread from country to country, often having devastating effects.

 

Recently a number of alien species have spread extremely rapidly across the continent, posing a particularly high threat to food security and livelihoods.

 

The fall armyworm, native to the Americas, was first recorded in west and central Africa in early 2016 and then in South Africa in January 2017.

 

One is a caterpillar known as the Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). The species, native to the Americas, was first recorded in west and central Africa in early 2016 and then in South Africa in January 2017.

 

The moths of the armyworm are strong fliers and the species may have spread through flight to South Africa from other African countries. Although the species attack a wide range of crops, it poses a particularly serious threat to grain farmers. It is extremely difficult to manage.

 

Once a species is introduced to one African country it’s highly likely it will spread to others on the continent because borders checks are weak.African countries would need to work together and share information and skills. This would also allow countries to prepare for the arrival of species, and to draw up plans to reduce their impact.

 

Source: <a href=”http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/410/358/166482.html”>Bizcommunity</a>