Pet stores, aquarists and the internet trade as modes of introduction and spread of invasive macrophytes in South Africa

Martin, Grant D; Coetzee, Julie A

Title: Pet stores, aquarists and the internet trade as modes of introduction and spread of invasive macrophytes in South Africa
Creator: Martin, Grant D, Coetzee, Julie A
Date: 2011
Type: Article
Identifier: vital:6843
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011045
Description: Submerged aquatic invasive plant species are increasingly being recognised as a major threat to South African water ways. Pet stores, aquarists and the internet-mediated trade were investigated as pathways for submerged invasive macrophyte introductions into South Africa. Online and manually distributed surveys were used to determine the extent of movement of invasive as well as indigenous submerged plant species in South Africa. Sixty-four stores and twenty-three aquarists were surveyed. Four areas of risk were identified in this study. Firstly, and most importantly, a variety of invasive and/or prohibited plants are sold by pet stores. Secondly, there is a lack of knowledge regarding identification as well as regulation of submerged species, which may then result in the unintentional trade of potentially invasive species. It seems that, in many cases, the pet stores are ignorant or misinformed of the potential dangers, rather than intentionally attempting to breach the legislation. Thirdly, aquarists own, trade and move plants in and around the country, which makes it very difficult to monitor which species are being moved around South Africa and to what extent. Finally, the internet is a pathway of potential concern, but it is difficult to quantify its contribution to the trade of invasive species in South Africa.
Format: 10 p, pdf
Language: English
Relation: Martin, G.D and Coetzee, J.A. (2011) Pet stores, aquarists and the internet trade as modes of introduction and spread of invasive macrophytes in South Africa. Water SA, 37 (3). pp. 371-380.

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Martin, Grant D (Dr)

SDG 12. Responsible Consumption and Production

Coetzee, Julie A (Prof)

RU DST/NRF SARChI for Insects in Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystems

RU Department of Botany

SDG 14. Life Below Water

SDG 15. Life On Land

RU Department of Zoology and Entomology

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