Naturalized and invasive alien plants in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Abstract Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, covers an area of 20,000 km 2 and is one the world’s most widely known protected areas. Like many areas, KNP facing increasing problem with introduction spread alien plants. However, species prioritization using poor baseline data remains a key challenge for managers globally. Publications, expert opinion, field observations indicate that 407 plant taxa have been recorded in KNP; this list also included hybrids, ornamentals, records could only be identified to genus level, extralimitals (i.e., native elsewhere Africa; 22 total); addition, two are considered eradicated, three potentially eradicated. Such extensive lists poorly defined species’ statuses accumulated over long periods time poses challenges current decision-making processes. This especially important management naturalized (maintaining self-sustaining populations) invasive (subset spreading populations), because needs identify target high-priority vulnerable sites. Here, we provide up-to-date inventory occur natural areas beyond tourist camps other infrastructure) thus represent potential threat diversity park. We 146 such taxa, which 30 casuals, 58 naturalized, 21 become invasive, 37 species, status determined. Twelve globally widespread, occurring more than 100 regions, five Pontederia crassipes , Lantana camara Opuntia stricta Chromolaena odorata Mimosa pigra ) listed among worst species. The flora comprises 41 families. Solanaceae (45.5%) Asteraceae (26.1%) over-represented compared non-invasive mostly originates from North America America, largely consists perennials herbaceous found no significant results regarding effect origin life span on invasion status. Despite steady increase numbers plants since 1980s, classified as generally earlier introductions not increased substantially beginning century. Our paper highlights carefully revised reflecting situation present strong knowledge base effective strategies. In addition addressing gaps related distribution global scale, large contributes understanding invasions landscapes varying unique habitat types.