Impacts of Invasive Species on Commercial Forest Plantations in Africa Context: A Review
Keywords:
Commercial Forestry,, Invasive Species,, Exotic Species,, Forest ManagementAbstract
Planting forests with non-native or exotic species are increasing worldwide as the demand
for forest product, ecosystems and environmental benefits continue to grow. Characteristic
life-history traits such as simple establishment, speedy growth, high propagule pressure,
and low shade tolerance render the exotic trees better alternatives in commercial forest
establishment. Several exotic tree species in forests now feature notably on the lists of
invasive alien plants in many parts of the world and require to be sustainably managed to
provide opportunities that enhance economic development. However, the consequence of
exotic invasive species in commercial forestry remains largely fragmented in development
and management. This paper, therefore, attempts to collate this information by looking at
the status of exotic invasive species in commercial forests, their beneficial aspects and
threats in commercial forestry. Management of exotic invasive species through a review of
126 papers from secondary sources discussing invasive species and their consequences on
commercial forests are also explored. The overall impact is huge economic and ecological
loss. The knowledge is useful to predict problems in other regions of the world with the same
species and to guide research or management actions on other problematic but less studied
tree species.
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