Fire regulates the abundance of alien plant species around roads and settlements in the Serengeti National Park

Fire significantly reduces the abundance of alien plant species in the Serengeti National Park, contrary to findings in other African savannahs. The study identified 15 alien species with an 80% probability of occurrence within 50 meters of roads or settlements. While no difference was found between road and settlement proximity, alien species presence declined with distance from these sources. Cumulative fire frequency over the past 13 years was the most critical factor in limiting alien plant cover, though some species like Tagetes minuta thrived with more frequent fires. This research highlights the complex interaction of alien plants with fire, suggesting that traditional fire management may not be effective and advocating for alternative approaches such as physical removal or biological control.

Bukombe, J., Smith, S., Kija, H., Loishooki, A., Sumay, G., Mwita, M., Mwakalebe, G., & Kihwele, E. (2018). Fire regulates the abundance of alien plant species around roads and settlements in the Serengeti National Park. Management of Biological Invasions, 9(3), 357–367. https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2018.9.3.17