Atlas of alien and translocated indigenous aquatic animals in southern Africa

Abstract

This report serves as an introduction to the problem of alien and translocated aquatic animals in southern Africa is given followed by checklists of the different species which have been introduced into or translocated within the subcontinent. Detailed accounts of all alien and translocated species are then given, including an illustration and map of the southern African distribution of each species. An index to the genus and species of all taxa included in the atlas is also provided.

At least 33 species of introduced alien aquatic animals and 25 species of translocated indigenous species have frequently been recorded in natural waterbodies in southern Africa, and of these at least 29 alien species and 23 translocated indigenous species have established populations in natural or semi-natural aquatic habitats. Nine species (8 alien and one indigene) which were previously introduced into natural waterbodies have failed to establish populations and most of these are now locally extinct. An additional 26 alien and 30 translocated indigenous species are suspected to have established populations in natural waterbodies but then- status in southern Africa is poorly known. At least 14 alien aquatic species which are currently in captivity in southern Africa could prove to be a nuisance if they escape. Seven alien species have established breeding populations in semi-captive situations but have not established populations in the wild although they have had the opportunity to do so.