Bothalia - African Biodiversity & Conservation ISSN: (Online) 2311-9284, (Print) 0006-8241 Page 1 of 21 Original Research Terrestrial invasions on sub-Antarctic Marion and Prince Edward Islands Authors: Background: The sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands (PEIs), South Africa’s southernmost 1 Michelle Greve territories have high conservation value. Despite their isolation, several alien species have Rabia Mathakutha1 Christien Steyn1 established and become invasive on the PEIs. Steven L. Chown2 Objectives: Here we review the invasion ecology of the PEIs. Affiliations: Methods: We summarise what is known about the introduction of alien species, what 1Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of influences their ability to establish and spread, and review their impacts. Pretoria, South Africa Results: Approximately 48 alien species are currently established on the PEIs, of which 26 are 2School of Biological Sciences, known to be invasive. Introduction pathways for the PEIs are fairly well understood – species Monash University, Australia have mainly been introduced with ship cargo and building material. Less is known about establishment, spread and impact of aliens. It has been estimated that less than 5% of the PEIs Corresponding author: is covered by invasive plants, but invasive plants have attained circuminsular distributions on Michelle Greve,
[email protected] both PEIs. Studies on impact have primarily focussed on the effects of vertebrate invaders, of which the house mouse, which is restricted to Marion Island, probably has the greatest impact Dates: on the biodiversity of the islands. Because of the risk of alien introductions, strict biosecurity Received: 01 Aug. 2016 regulations govern activities at the PEIs. These are particularly aimed at stemming the Accepted: 05 Dec.