A spatio-temporal, landscape perspective on Acacia dealbata invasions and broader land use and cover changes in the northern Eastern Cape, South Africa.

摘要: Biological invasions and human land use both have the potential to drastically alter patterns processes of landscapes, driving habitat fragmentation altering natural disturbance regimes. The proliferation an invasive species depends on composition configuration landscape, as well invasiveness species. To effectively manage a highly species, such Acacia dealbata, it is crucial understand historical progression invasion within landscape. This study sought examine landscape dynamics biological by tracking spread A. dealbata broader use/land cover (LULC) changes at different spatio-temporal scales in northern Eastern Cape. A time-series aerial photographs were systematically classified according designated LULC categories ArcGIS track extent rate dealbata. Markedly dynamic, multi-directional, spatio-temporally variable transitions observed across Cape over last six decades. frequently retained high proportion time, despite loss other classes, net increase occurred overall annual 0.11–0.21%, occupying approximately 8–18% all sampled sites 2013. Any management interventions limit or control should therefore consider nuances landscapes.