A new research shows that invasive alien plant species introduced as ornamental plants at tourism facilities are spreading rapidly throughout the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, posing a major threat to plant and animal species. Many of the plants have been intentionally introduced into tourism game parks but are now colonising areas far away from human settlement. Without urgent interventions, scientists predict the rapid spread of these alien species will convert much of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem into a “green desert”, significantly reducing wildlife numbers and hurting tourism. Scientists found 212 alien or exotic plant species introduced into gardens in the Masai-Mara National Reserve and adjoining conservancies. Failure to act could see the devastation of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem as we know it.”

Source: The Star June 13, 2017 10:52 UTC