Invasive Plant Management and Monitoring.

Each observation includes the species’ density, location, and phenological state, feeding into a live, centralised database shared across the SVC to track infestations and coordinate control. Particular attention is given to high-risk areas, such as the Save River, staff housing, and disturbed habitats, where species like Lantana and Tagetesthrive. The policy also addresses emerging threats such as Psidium guajava (guava) and Physalis peruviana (Cape gooseberry), which are currently confined to garden areas but pose significant dispersal risks.

Species are categorised based on the urgency and type of response they require—ranging from general contract removal to species-specific eradication strategies. Control methods are tailored to the biology and location of each species and include mechanical removal, selective herbicide use, and, when appropriate, biological control. Restoration efforts, such as erosion control and indigenous plant recovery, follow clearing operations to stabilise the landscape. A complementary garden policy further regulates ornamental plantings within staff compounds, limiting the use of invasive or potentially invasive exotics and promoting the transition to water-efficient, indigenous vegetation. The long-term vision includes establishing a nursery to support the propagation of native plants. By taking a proactive, data-driven, and community-inclusive approach, SWC’s IAP programme lays a foundation for early intervention, containment, and long-term ecological resilience.