![]() Among vertebrates, freshwater fish species (17) and mammals (13) are most often introduced, while fewer birds (9) and reptiles (1) and no amphibian species have been introduced from outside the country. ![]() ![]() Vertebrates make up 30% of introduced animal species in South Africa (n = 309 Picker and Griffiths 2017), while insects, crustacea, annelids, molluscs and arachnids make up the remaining 70% (713 species van Wilgen and Wilson 2018). This tally belies a range of invasion levels of different taxa from very low in amphibians and marine fish, to very high in freshwater fish (van Rensburg et al. On average 50–100 alien animal taxa, including feral domestic animals, have established naturalised or invasive populations per quarter degree square in South Africa (Picker and Griffiths 2017). ![]() Three working groups are actively addressing new and existing invasions, and promoting awareness and cooperation among a wide range of organisations, as well as recording the experience and learning of these groups. Inter-institutional working groups have played a significant role in promoting the success of invasive alien species management in South Africa. Among vertebrates, 12 freshwater fish species have been controlled in localised areas, according to their specific listing in legislation and protected area management priorities two amphibian, two bird and five mammal species are currently subject to control using a wide variety of techniques. No marine species are currently subject to control. Three further invertebrate species are currently controlled through integrated pest management ( Bactrocera dorsalis, the Oriental Fruit Fly) or nest removal ( Vespula germanica, the German Wasp and Polistes dominula, the European Paper Wasp). In contrast, most current projects are larger, involving complex stakeholder management and considerable technical complexity. These two projects took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and were rapid responses by small groups of role players to small infestations. ![]() Only two species have been successfully eradicated from mainland SA and its near-shore islands: Otala punctata (the Freckled Edible Snail) and Trogoderma granarium (the Khapra Beetle). Out of 1023 alien animal species present in South Africa, 80 are designated for compulsory control or eradication in national legislation, and 24 are currently being controlled with the aim of eradication or containment. This chapter explores examples of animal control projects, their resourcing and degree of success or failure. South Africa has a rich history of managing invasive alien animal populations. ![]()
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