Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5617
Title: Spatial distribution of invasive large fever berry trees (Croton megalobotrys) in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area: Gokwe, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mark Matsa
Kudzai Andrew Mugogo
Innocent Mahakata
Beauty Dzawanda
Roberta Mavugara
Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, Senga, P.O Box 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, Senga, P.O Box 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Senior Terrestrial Ecologist at Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute, Gokwe, Zimbabwe
Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, Senga, P.O Box 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Department of Geography, Environmental Sustainability and Resilience Building, Midlands State University, Senga, P.O Box 9055, Gweru, Zimbabwe
Keywords: Invasive species
Large fever berry tree
Soil quality
Riverine vegetation
Sengwa Wildlife Research Area
Issue Date: 22-Mar-2023
Publisher: SpringerOpen
Abstract: Background The invasion of rangelands by invasive plant species is a major threat to biodiversity in most parts of Zimbabwe posing not only an ecological challenge but a growing management and eradication challenge as well. However, there is sparse information relating to the spatial distribution of these species and the conditions promoting their growth and development particularly in Sothern Africa. The study assessed the spatial distribution of the invasive large fever berry tree and associated soil type in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. A mixed methods research design triangulating qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized. All known sites occupied by large fever berry trees were obtained from the Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute’s records on invasive plant species. Ground truthing was done for all sites and global positioning system coordinates of occupied areas were collected. Mapping of invaded areas by the large fever berry tree was done using Quantum GIS software. Coordinates were imported to show points with the large fever berry tree. Altitude of invaded areas and soil samples were also collected for soil analysis and a soil texture triangle was used to come up with the soil type associated with the growth and spread of the large fever berry trees. Results The results show that the large fever berry tree occupied areas along major rivers and streams on loam soils. An area of 16.5km2 which is 4.4% of the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area is invaded by the large fever berry tree. Results further indicated that sandy- loam soils were associated with the growth and development of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. Veld fires were also identified as a factor influencing the spread of the large fever berry tree species in the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. Conclusion In conclusion, a holistic framework was developed to curb the invasion of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. It is recommended that further studies be conducted outside the protected area to establish soil characteristics and invasion rates in order to fully understand drivers of its invasion.
URI: https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5617
Appears in Collections:Research Papers

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