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Abstract
Mimosa pigra L. is a tropical/sub-tropical spiny shrub that is becoming invasive in several parts of Asia, Australia and Africa. It is spreading on several floodplains where it can form thick, impenetrable, one-species stands that exclude other plants and most animals - both terrestrial and aquatic. M. pigra has invaded the floodplain of the Kafue River - a significant tributary of the Zambezi - in Zambia, especially within the regularly flooded areas of Lochinvar National Park (LNP). Here it has spread from a small infestation of about 2 ha in the early 1980s to at least 29,000 ha by 2005 - and is still spreading. This invasion is occupying a significant proportion of the protected floodplain - in the national park, which is also a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and an Important Bird Area - with significant exclusion and negative impacts on the local biodiversity and on tourism, conservation and floodplain use by livestock and fisheries. The spread of M. pigra has resulted in the disappearance of some lekking sites for the endemic and vulnerable Kafue lechwe antelope (Kobus leche kafuensis) and its displacement from LNP into areas where it receives less protection resulting in increased illegal off-take of this threatened sub-species. Additionally, dense M. pigra stands have occupied preferred habitat for water birds and its further spread is likely to result in a drastic collapse of water bird populations in LNP. In response, the Environmental Council of Zambia in collaboration with the Zambia Wildlife Authority and with the support of a UNEP/GEF Project has conducted physical and chemical control measures since 2007. Thus far, an area approximated at 501.6 ha (17.3% of the current M. pigra infestation in LNP) has been cleared, resulting in the return of some water birds and herbivores including the lechwe. This paper presents the current status of the Mimosa invasion, its impact on biodiversity and the current control measures being employed, with emphasis on clearance of the invasive Mimosa in the protected areas.
