The Utilization Of Alien Plant Invaders In Nigeria

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2019 in the subject Biology - Botany, grade: A, , course: Biology, language: English, abstract: This study reviews the utilization of alien plant invaders in Nigeria, with a view to recommending these plants to Nigerians considering their utilization potential. The overall aim of this research project is reflected in the following research questions: How does educational awareness have impact on the utilization of plant invaders? What was the utilization of alien plants invasions? How does climate change and variability aid the invasion of alien species? How do alien plant invaders affect the economic, recreational and environmental uses? Invasive alien species have been introduced to Nigeria from different parts of the world both intentionally and unintentionally and they are affecting indigenous plants and animal communities. The intentional spread has been a result of ongoing and increasing human redistribution of species to support agriculture, forestry, mariculture, horticulture and recreation. This supplies a continuous pool of species from which invasive aliens are recruited. The invasive alien species were also introduced as commercial plants or ornamental garden plants. Invasions also occurred countrywide as a result of seed introductions, of tree and shrub clearing for pasture and grazing infestations. The unintentional introductions of IAPs include disease organisms, agricultural weeds and insect pests. However, they were broughtwithout their natural enemies, which results in these plants reproducing copiously.

This book synthesises key insights from a century of ecological research and monitoring efforts in one of Africa's oldest protected areas.

INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES Invasive Alien Species: Observations and Issues from Around the World Volume 1: Issues and Invasions in Africa Invasive alien species are spreading into new ecosystems each year. The impacts caused by these invaders can be swift and devastating. The topic of invasive alien species is large, complex, and globally significant at various scales, exacerbated by the globalization of world economies and increased trade and commerce that has overcome natural barriers to species movement. Invasive alien species threaten global food supplies, water quality and availability, and energy production and delivery. With the added risks associated with global climate change, the global homogenization of plants, animals, and microbes is a major factor in the decline in ecosystem health and ecosystem services worldwide. To counter this trend, there is a critical need to unify governments, cultures, and programs to improve cross-boundary coordination to effectively address the wide range of invasive alien species threats to the environment, economies, and to plant and animal health; particularly human health. This 4-volume work is the first to compile a set of useful material for key topics, to provide a better understanding of the overall global threat of invasive alien species and the diverse array of problems faced around the world, and assemble material that includes potential replicable solutions to overcome these threats. The books also highlight the threat posed by invasive alien species in terms of a global ‘call to action’. Since invasive species know no boundaries, it is our hope that by compiling material from different scientific and social perspectives around the world, and sharing knowledge and examples of a diverse array of associated topics, we can advance global awareness and improve unified national responses to the threat posed by invasive alien species.

The global spread of plant species by humans is both a fascinating large scale experiment and, in many cases, a major perturbation to native plant communities. Many of the most destructive weeds today have been intentionally introduced to new environments where they have had unexpected and detrimental impacts. This 2003 book considers the problem of invasive introduced plants from historical, ecological and sociological perspectives. We consider such questions as 'What makes a community invasible?', 'What makes a plant an invader?' and 'Can we restore plant communities after invasion?' Written with advanced students and land managers in mind, this book contains practical explanations, case studies and an introduction to basic techniques for evaluating the impacts of invasive plants. An underlying theme is that experimental and quantitative evaluation of potential problems is necessary, and solutions must consider the evolutionary and ecological constraints acting on species interactions in newly invaded communities.

This book is an initiative of a subcommittee of SCOPE (Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment) which realized that the integrity of many natural ecosystems was being threatened by the ingress of invasive species.

This edited book highlights the potential and actual contributions of the sustainable management and utilization of indigenous biological resources and environment for the development of Africa. The book centers on documenting current trends and issues in the field of resource use and conservation with the view of emphasizing their benefits to the pursuit of development within the region. By documenting the array of natural resources and environment in Africa, this book addresses the topical knowledge and understanding gaps that characterize conservation (rationale for sustainable resource exploration), utilization patterns, and conservation challenges including policy status, environmental threats, impacts of tourism, reduction in food resources, etc., and their effects on the sustainable development of Africa. Through an integrated approach, the book focuses on below and above-ground biological resources and the diverse scales of environment that characterize Africa. This collection of works is very helpful for natural and social scientists, policymakers, strategists, researchers, government and non-government organizations, biodiversity and environmental managers, climate change scientists, practitioners, activists, conservationists, academics, ecologists, undergraduate and postgraduate students, and others who want to learn about and understand the best way to use and protect Africa's resources and heritage sustainably.