Bogatsu awarded bursary to study invasive Salvinia

Botswana Wild Bird Trust (BWBT) through Okavango Eternal, a funding Partnership between the National Geographic Society and De Beers Corporation, has awarded a bursary to Gofaone Bogatsu to complete her Master of Science in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

Bogatsu, 28, who hails from Makaleng in the North East District, Botswana is conducting a study on the invasive plant species that is now found in the Okavango Delta called Salvinia Molesta, or widely known as ‘Mochibambo’ in the local Seyei dialect. “My research focuses on Salvinia, a genus of floating aquatic ferns. Salvinia is of particular interest due to its ecological impact, invasiveness, and potential implications, making it a compelling subject for study,” Bogatsu says.

She adds that she chose to focus on ‘Mochibambo’ because of its unique characteristics and the challenges it poses in aquatic ecosystems. She highlights that as an invasive species, Salvinia can rapidly cover water surfaces, impacting native flora and fauna, disrupting ecosystems, and affecting water quality. And that is why understanding the ecological dynamics of Salvinia is crucial for effective management and conservation efforts. Bogatsu says she aims to contribute to the knowledge base surrounding Salvinia, as well as investigating its growth patterns, ecological interactions, and potential for biocontrol. “Ultimately, I hope to provide insights that can inform sustainable management strategies, aiding in the preservation of aquatic ecosystems affected by Salvinia infestations.” BWBT research director, Dr Rainer von Brandis commended Bogatsu’s research proposals on Salvinia saying the plant has the potential to severely damage the Okavango Delta.

“The Salvinia problem in the Okavango Delta has the potential to become very serious. The weevils play an important role in controlling the weed but there seems to be much annual variability in spatial extent and density of the weed,” von Brandis says. He warns that “if it gets out of control it can damage the ecosystem quite severely”.