CABI invasive species projects
CABI investigates a range of major invasive species problems around the world, the impacts they have and provides solutions. With over 100 years of experience, CABI develops workable approaches to tackle the biggest threats. Find out more about our invasive species projects below.
Woody weeds in East Africa
Many exotic trees and shrubs have been introduced into Africa and become destructive invasive species. They're reducing native biodiversity and limiting the livelihoods of those that live in rural communities. CABI is trying to mitigate these impacts in East Africa by generating and sharing knowledge on their effects and finding ways that they can be controlled.
Managing invasive species in selected forest ecosystems of South East Asia
Invasive species are threatening forest habitats in South East Asia. They also indirectly affect the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forests for food, commodities and energy. CABI and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with partners, have developed a project aimed at conserving globally important forests in the region. The initial aim is to enhance the capacity of Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam to manage their invasive alien species.
Controlling pest pear in Laikipia
Pastoralists in northern Kenya are heavily dependent on livestock. Their lives are being devastated by the non-native cactus Opuntia stricta. This weed has invaded the last good grazing land and when livestock and wildlife eat its fruits the spines can cause infection and death. Chemical and mechanical control methods are expensive and impractical, so we are helping to introduce a new sustainable method: a sap-sucking insect that feeds solely on the cactus.
Managing invasive rubbervine in Brazil
Invasion by the alien plant rubbervine (devil’s claw) is endangering native flora and fauna in northeastern Brazil. In the Caatinga the endemic Carnauba palm, with its highly valued wax, has come under threat. CABI, in collaboration with Brazilian counterparts, is seeking to evaluate the rust Maravalia cryptostegia as a potential biocontrol agent for devil’s claw. The same rust has been used in Australia to successfully control another invasive alien rubbervine species.
See more of our current invasive species research
Invasive species impact the livelihoods of the rural poor who are dependent on natural resources for income and food security. CABI is implementing an ambitious programme to address this complex issue.