Scholarlink

<p>The Ice plant <i>Carpobrotus edulis</i>, native to South Africa, has become a notorious invasive species globally. Due to its rapid growth and efficient reproduction, it forms dense mats that outcompete native vegetation, threatening ecosystems and endemic species. This study evaluates efforts to control <i>C. edulis</i> in two Portuguese protected areas: Berlenga Island, where manual removal was employed, and Barreta Island, with manual removal, and the use of mulching sheets. The effectiveness of these techniques was assessed by monitoring <i>C. edulis</i> regrowth and native vegetation recovery. Removal efforts significantly improved native vegetation cover on both islands. Both manual removal and the use of mulching sheets proved effective in controlling <i>C. edulis;</i> however, mulching sheets accelerated the recovery of native species, with plant coverages surpassing that of non-invaded areas. Species composition in treated areas gradually converged with that of non-invaded controls, although some differences remained by the end of the monitoring period. Native species richness and diversity increased significantly, with endemic plants colonizing the treated areas by the sixth year post-removal on Berlenga Island. Persistent regrowth of <i>C. edulis</i> was observed in areas subjected to manual removal, highlighting the need for continued intervention. In contrast, no regrowth occurred in mulching sheet areas, though seed viability and external sources remain potential risks. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of <i>C. edulis</i> removal techniques in restoring native plant communities, emphasizing the critical role of sustained management for long-term success. The findings provide valuable insights into invasive species control and biodiversity restoration in coastal ecosystems.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

From invasion to restoration: control strategies of Carpobrotus edulis and native vegetation restoration on sandy and rocky Islands in Portugal

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月20日

查看全文
  • Tânia Nascimento,
  • Nuno Oliveira,
  • Ana Isabel Fagundes,
  • Carlos Silva,
  • Paulo Crisóstomo,
  • Joana Andrade

摘要

The Ice plant Carpobrotus edulis, native to South Africa, has become a notorious invasive species globally. Due to its rapid growth and efficient reproduction, it forms dense mats that outcompete native vegetation, threatening ecosystems and endemic species. This study evaluates efforts to control C. edulis in two Portuguese protected areas: Berlenga Island, where manual removal was employed, and Barreta Island, with manual removal, and the use of mulching sheets. The effectiveness of these techniques was assessed by monitoring C. edulis regrowth and native vegetation recovery. Removal efforts significantly improved native vegetation cover on both islands. Both manual removal and the use of mulching sheets proved effective in controlling C. edulis; however, mulching sheets accelerated the recovery of native species, with plant coverages surpassing that of non-invaded areas. Species composition in treated areas gradually converged with that of non-invaded controls, although some differences remained by the end of the monitoring period. Native species richness and diversity increased significantly, with endemic plants colonizing the treated areas by the sixth year post-removal on Berlenga Island. Persistent regrowth of C. edulis was observed in areas subjected to manual removal, highlighting the need for continued intervention. In contrast, no regrowth occurred in mulching sheet areas, though seed viability and external sources remain potential risks. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of C. edulis removal techniques in restoring native plant communities, emphasizing the critical role of sustained management for long-term success. The findings provide valuable insights into invasive species control and biodiversity restoration in coastal ecosystems.