The eradication of Carpobrotus spp. in the sand-dune ecosystem at Sterpaia (Italy, Tuscany): indications from a successful experience

Carpobrotus spp. is a well-known invasive plant native to South Africa whose detrimental effects on local communities are widely documented. We report the experience from the eradication of this species from the Coastal Park of Sterpaia, a Natural Protected Area of Local Interest in Tuscan coast (Italy), an action comprised in a restoration project carried out from 2012 to 2015. In the area of study, Carpobrotus spp. occurred on about 8000 m2 mostly with a cover close to 100 %. The eradication was carried out mainly by the use of chemical control (glyphosate), with the integration of manual removal in areas with a low Carpobrotus spp. stand cover. To evaluate the recovery of native species vegetation we sampled the total cover of Carpobrotus spp. and of the other native plants before the treatments and for 3 years after them. The control with glyphosate resulted an efficient method, leading to a significant decrease of Carpobrotus spp. cover and to a rapid recovery in native species cover and richness and diversity. The composition of the sampled plots displayed critical changes already 1 year after the control actions on the invasive species. In conclusion, our results report the important consequences of the eradication of this invasive species, particularly showing the good results achieved by means of chemical control methods, resulting in a rapid recover of native species.