Tackling Contentious Invasive Plant Species: A Case Study of Buffel Grass in Australia

Author:

Grice, Tony; Friedel, Margaret ; Marshall, Nadine; Van Klinken, Rieks

Date of Publication:

2012-02

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Journal Title:

Environmental Management

Volume:

49

Issue:

2

Pages:

285-294

Abstract:

In Australia numerous plants species are both valuable in production systems and have negative impacts as invasive species. It has been common to either, treat them as weeds and prohibit their use, or to allow their unfettered exploitation, leaving land managers who experience their negative effects to individually contend with them. Pennisetum ciliare (buffel grass) is a species that is widely used as a pasture grass but spreads beyond the locations at which it has been sown with documented deleterious environmental impacts. There has been no attempt to broadly and systematically address the issues that this presents or to resolve the apparently conflicting positions of the different stakeholders. Research into the views of individual pastoral land-holders and relevant organisations in relation to buffel grass has indicated that there is some mutual acceptance by proponents and opponents of each other's views and concerns about this species. We suggest this provides some basis for consideration of a more systematic and comprehensive approach to the management of this contentious plant species. It is important to ascertain the most appropriate balance between legislative and non-legislative mechanisms. Where legislative elements are included it may be most effective to use avenues other than those provided by state-level pest management regulations. A national approach, catering for regional circumstances, needs and opportunities, is also likely to be important. Engagement of the full spectrum of stakeholders in both development and implementation of a broad strategic approach will be critical.

Publisher:

Springer

Keywords:

conflict resolution; contentious plants; management strategy; policy; production; weed

Field Of Research:

Terrestrial Ecology

Full Text Availability:

Manuscript (pdf) (219KB)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9781-6

URL:

Link to Publisher's Version

Rights Notice:

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011

Identifier:

EP10851

Publication Sub Type:

Journal article - Refereed

Language:

English

Attribution Statement:

Grice, Tony; Friedel, Margaret; Marshall, Nadine; Van Klinken, Rieks. Tackling Contentious Invasive Plant Species: A Case Study of Buffel Grass in Australia. Environmental Management. 2012; 49(2):285-294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-011-9781-6