Dr Michelle Greve from the Department of Plant Science accompanied by two MSc students, visited Marion Island from the 12^th of April until the 15^th of May this year. They conducted research concerning alien plant species on the island.

Marion Island forms part of the Prince Edwards Island group, South Africa’s own sub-Antarctic islands, situated about 1800 km SSE of Cape Town. Marion Island has a rugged terrain with no roads and, hence, can only be accessed by ship. They were taken to the island by the prestigious SA Agulhas II.

The typical climate experienced on these islands is cold, wet and windy, with snow cover during the winter months. These islands have no permanent residence. However, on Marion Island there are annual research groups that over-winter to conduct research on the vegetation, geology, weather, birds and mammals of the island. 

Marion Island is perhaps better known for its diverse bird and mammal life and often the unique ecosystems are overlooked. The vegetation is dominated by bryophytes and lichens, with vascular plants only comprising of about 23 indigenous species and 18 alien species.

They formed part of the take-over researchers 2015 that only stayed on the Marion Island for about a month. The main research purpose was to measure plant traits of all the higher plant taxa of the island, both native and alien. Trait information can then be used to distinguish between the native and alien plants as method to determine why these aliens are so successful. This will help management authorities to infer the necessary procedures and screening protocols to prevent future alien species from reaching the islands.

Rabia Mathakutha  

Christien Steyn

Dr. Michelle Greve 

The time spent on Marion Island encouraged both team and individual work. It was an extraordinary experience that not only led our research but also helped with our own personal development.

Photo credits: C. Steyn, R. Mathakutha and M. Greve