Scientific Publications
Skosana, T. E., K. J. Esler and A. J. Rebelo (2025). Exploring the trade-offs between spatial and spectral resolution in mapping invasive alien trees. Ecological Informatics. 92: 103448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103448.
Van Zitters, M., A. J. Rebelo, J. Mingo, K. J. Esler (2025). The Effect of Active Versus Passive Interventions on Riparian Rehabilitation Success. Restoration Ecology. 43 (3) 195-212. https://doi.org/10.3368/er.43.3.195.
Cogill, L.S., M. Toucher, P. Wolski, K. J. Esler, A. J. Rebelo (2025). Evaluating the performance of satellite-derived evapotranspiration products across varying bioclimates in South Africa. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment. 38: 101612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2025.101612.
Rebelo, A.J., J. Glenday, P.B. Holden, S. Gokool, D. Gwapedza, P. Metho, and J Tanner (2024). Structural differences across hydrological models affect certainty of predictions of nature-based solution benefits. Ecological Modelling. 110940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2024.110940.
Van Cleemput, E. P.B. Adler, K. Nash Suding, A.J. Rebelo, B. Poulter, L.E. Dee (2025). Scaling-up ecological understanding with remote sensing and causal inference, Trends in Ecology & Evolution, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2024.09.006.
Rebelo, A.J., P.M. Holmes, A.G. Rebelo, S. Martin, S. Hattas, S. Hall, and K.J. Esler (2024). Soil seed bank resilience in passively restored endangered Sand Fynbos following a century of pine plantations. Plants, People, Planet. 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10611.
Frenzel, P., O. Brunings, K.J. Esler, D.C. le Maitre, and A.J. Rebelo (2024). How well do endemic wetland plant species perform in water purification? Wetlands. 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-024-01871-y.
Hale, S.E., L. Tann, A.J. Rebelo, K.J. Esler, A.P.M. de Lima, A.F. Rodrigues, A.E. Latawiec, N.A. Ramírez-Agudelo, E. Roca Bosch, L. Suleiman, N. Singh, A.M.P. Oen (2023). Evaluating Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Peri-Urban Areas. Water 15 (5), 893. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15050893.
van Velden, J.L., Biggs, R.1, Hichert, T., Booth, P., Büchner-Marais, C., Esler, K.J., Lewarne, M., Potgieter, L.J., Rahlao, S., Rebelo, A.J., Robinson-Smythe, T., van Wilgen, N.J., and D.M. Richardson (2023) Futures for invasive alien species management: using bottom-up innovations to envision positive systemic change. Sustainability Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-023-01406-0.
de Lima, A.P.M., A.F. Rodrigues, A.E. Latawiec, V. Dib, F.D. Gomes, V. Maioli, I. Pena, F. Tubenchlak, A.J. Rebelo, K.J. Esler, A.M.P. Oen, N.A. Ramírez-Agudelo, ER. Bosch, N. Singh, L. Suleiman, and S. E. Hale. (2022). Framework for Planning and Evaluation of Nature-Based Solutions for Water in Peri-Urban Areas. Sustainability. 14:1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137952.
Holden, P.B., Rebelo A.J., Wolski P., Odoulami R.C., Lawal K.A., Kimutai J., Nkemelang T., and New M.G. (2022). Nature-based solutions reduce impact of anthropogenic climate change on hydrological drought risk. Nature Communications Earth & Environment. 3(51). https://doi.org/1ature Communications Earth & Environment0.1038/s43247-022-00379-9.
Rebelo, A.J., Holden, P.B., Hallowes, J., Eady, B., Cullis, J., Esler K.J., and M.G. New. (2022). The hydrological benefits of investing in ecological infrastructure: Invasive alien tree clearing in the Berg and Breede Catchments, South Africa. Journal of Hydrology. 610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2022.127771.
Rebelo, A.J., Sieben E., Meire P. and K. Esler. (2022). What drives patchiness in palmiet wetlands? Wetland Ecology & Management. 30: 785–811. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-021-09853-1.
du Plessis, N.S., Rebelo, A.J., Richardson D.M., and K.J. Esler (2022). Guiding long-term restoration of riparian ecosystems degraded by plant invasions in peri-urban areas: Insights from South Africa. Ambio. 51: 1552–1568. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01691-y.
Rebelo, A.J., Gokool, S., Holden, P.B. and M. G. New. (2021). Can Sentinel-2 be used to detect invasive alien trees and shrubs in Savanna and Grassland Biomes? Remote Sensing Applications: Society & Environment. 23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2021.100600.
Rebelo, A.J., Holden, P.B. Esler, K.J., and New, M.G. (2021). Benefits of water-related ecological infrastructure investments to support sustainable land use: A review of evidence from critically water-stressed catchments in South Africa. Royal Society Open Science. 8(4). https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.201402.
Midgley, S.J.E., Esler, K.J., Holden, P.B., Rebelo, A.J., Stuart-Hill, S.I, Cullis, J.D.S. and N. Methner. (2021). Typologies of collaborative governance for scalable nature-based solutions in two strategic South African river systems. Ambio. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01531-z.
Walters, D., Kotze, D., Rebelo, A.J., Pretorius, L. Job, N. Lagesse, J., and E. Riddell. (2021). Validation of a rapid wetland ecosystem services assessment technique using the Delphi Method. Ecological Indicators. 125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.107511.
Holden,* P.B, Rebelo*, A.J., and New, M.G. (2021). Mapping Invasive Alien Trees in Water Towers: A combined approach using satellite imagery, drone technology and expert engagement. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment. 21: 100448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2020.100448. *EQUAL LEAD AUTHORS
Rebelo, A.J., Jarmain, C., Esler, K.J., Cowling R. M., and D. C. Le Maitre (2020). Water-use characteristics of palmiet (Prionium serratum), an endemic South African wetland plant. WaterSA. 46(4): 558–572. https://doi.org/10.17159/wsa/2020.v46.i4.9069.
Rebelo, A.J., Morris, C., Meire P. and Esler, K.J. (2019). Ecosystem services provided by South African palmiet wetlands: a case for investment in strategic water source areas. Ecological Indicators. 101: 71-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.12.043.
Rebelo, A.J., Emsens, W., Meire P., and Esler K.J. (2018). The impact of anthropogenically induced degradation on the vegetation and biochemistry of South African palmiet wetlands. Wetland Ecology & Management. 26(6): 1157–1171. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-018-9638-3.
Rebelo, A.J., Emsens, W., Esler K.J., and Meire P. (2018). Quantification of water purification in South African Palmiet Wetlands. Water Science & Technology. 78(5):1199-1207. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2018.389.
Rebelo, A.J., Somers, B., Esler K.J., and Meire P. (2018). Plant functional trait data and reflectance spectra for 22 palmiet wetland species. Data in Brief. 20: 1209–1219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.08.113.
Rebelo, A.J., Somers, B., Esler K.J., and Meire P. (2018). Can wetland plant functional groups be spectrally discriminated? Remote Sensing of Environment. 210: 25-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2018.02.031.
Rebelo, A.J., Rebelo A.G., Rebelo A.D. & Bronner G.N. (2019). Clear-felling of pine plantations in threatened fynbos habitats does not restore successional small mammal communities. African Ecology. 57(2): 212-225. DOI: 10.1111/aje.12591.
Rebelo, A.J., Scheunders P., Esler K.J., and Meire P. (2017). Detecting, mapping and classifying wetland fragments at a landscape scale. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment. 8: 212-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2017.09.005.
Boerema* A., Rebelo*, A.J., Bodi M.B., Esler K.J, and Meire P. (2017). Is the reality of ecosystem services adequately quantified? Journal of Applied Ecology. 54: 358–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12696. *EQUAL LEAD AUTHORS
Rebelo, A.J., Le Maitre D., Esler K.J., & Cowling R.M. (2015). Hydrological responses of a valley-bottom wetland to land-use/land-cover change in a South African catchment: making a case for wetland restoration. Restoration Ecology. 23(6): 829–841. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12251.
Esler, K and A.J. Rebelo. (2014). Book Review: Quantifying Functional Biodiversity. African Journal of Range & Forage Science. 1-2.
Crookes, D.J., Blignaut, J.N., de Wit, M.P., Esler, K.J., Le Maitre, D.C., et al. and A.J. Rebelo. (2013). System dynamic modelling to assess economic viability and risk trade-offs for ecological restoration in South Africa. Journal of Environmental Management. 120:138-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.02.001.
Rebelo A.J., Le Maitre D., Esler K.J., and Cowling R.M. (2012). Are We Destroying Our Insurance Policy? The Effects of Alien Invasion and Subsequent Restoration. A case study of the Kromme River System, South Africa. Chapter 16 in Landscape Ecology Book. Springer. Eds: B. Fu and K.B. Jones. Pp 335-364. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6530-6_16.
Bird, M., J. Day, and A.J. Rebelo. (2012). Physico-chemical impacts of terrestrial alien vegetation on temporary wetlands in a sclerophyllous Sand fynbos ecosystem. Hydrobiologia. 711(1): 115-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-013-1470-4.
Policy Briefs
Glenday J., Rebelo A.J., Holden P., Metho P., Tanner J.L., Gwapedza D., Gokool S., Jumbi F. 2023. Deep waters: How ignoring uncertainty in hydrological modelling increases water security risk. Policy Brief. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.24658755.v1.
Rebelo, A.J., L.S. Cogill, T. Skosana, K.J. Esler, E. Douwes, J. Jay, S. Magagula, B. Madikizela, C. Marais, N. McLeod, J. Phangisa, and T. Sawunyama. 2025. Alien Tree Invasion in South Africa: Status and Impacts on Water in Strategic Water Source Areas. Policy Brief. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30593438.
Popular Articles
Van Vuuren, L. & A.J. Rebelo. 2025. Feature: Invasive Alien Plants. Water vs wood: The high cost of alien trees in South Africa’s catchments. The Waterwheel: volume 24(6). https://www.wrc.org.za/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/WW%20Nov%20-%20Dec%202025_web.pdf
Rebelo, A.J., K.J. Esler, P.M. Holmes, A.G. Rebelo (2025) Lost fynbos seeds from underground ‘time capsules’ in South Africa can grow again – new study. The Conversation. 17 March 2024. https://theconversation.com/lost-fynbos-seeds-from-underground-time-capsules-in-south-africa-can-grow-again-new-study-247906.
Rebelo, A.J. (2025) Environment facility grant a huge boost for SA's peatlands. Cape Times. 4 February 2025. https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/cape-times/20250204/281599541194096.
Rebelo, A.J., et al. (2024) SWS Scientists exchange ideas with Chinese wetland scientists about wetland restoration including the use of constructed wetlands. Wetland Science & Practice, October 2024: 274-280. https://members.sws.org/wetland-science-and-practice.
Holden, P., Hoffman T, Djenontin INS, Esler K, Gannon K, Humphrey G, Mbidzo M, Mtati N, New M, Ndlovu V, Razafimanantsoa AHI, Rebelo A.J., Savory S, Thorn JPR, Visser M & Ziervogel G (2023). Stories of social (in)equity in nature-based solutions. https://sites.google.com/view/tesnbsworkshop/stories.
Rebelo, A.J., K.J. Esler and D.C. Le Maitre (2023) New project aims to map alien invasive trees. Waterwheel. Feb 2023. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-waterb-v22-n1-a6.
Rebelo, A.J., P.B. Holden, K.J. Esler, and M. New (2022) Removing alien plants can save water: we measured how much. The Conversation. May 2022. https://theconversation.com/removing-alien-plants-can-save-water-we-measured-how-much-181811.
Holden, P.B., A.J. Rebelo, J. Kimutai, K.A. Lawal, P. Wolski, R.C. Odoulami, T. Nkemeland, and M. New (2022) Clearing alien trees can help reduce climate change impact on Cape Town’s water supply. March 2022. https://theconversation.com/clearing-alien-trees-can-help-reduce-climate-change-impact-on-cape-towns-water-supply-177463.
Rebelo, A.J. (2021) SA's rich plant heritage: Fighting biodiversity loss. News24. May 2021. https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/guestcolumn/opinion-sas-rich-plant-heritage-fighting-biodiversity-loss-20210522.
Kotze, D. & Rebelo, A.J. (2021) Win-win with What-The Hack Workout. Veld & Flora. https://botanicalsociety.org.za/veld-and-flora-june-2021/.
Rebelo, A.J. & Esler, K.J. (2021) Why the fire on Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain was particularly devastating. The Conversation. April 2021. https://theconversation.com/why-the-fire-on-cape-towns-iconic-table-mountain-was-particularly-devastating.
Rebelo, A.J. & Coertze, N. (2021) Mapping alien trees to protect our forests. News24. March 2021. https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/guestcolumn/opinion-mapping-alien-trees-to-protect-our-forests.
Rebelo, A.J. & Coertze, N. (2021) Tracking alien trees using satellite imagery at Tokai Park. February 2021. https://tokaipark.com/2021/02/tokai-park/.
Rebelo, A.J. (2020) Stellenbosch University student plans to use a combination of satellite imagery and drone footage to map alien trees in the Garden Route Dam catchment. The George Herald. August 2020. https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/General/student-to-use-high-tech-to-map-alien-trees-in-garden-route-dam-catchment-202009151042.
Rebelo, A.J., Holmes, P. M., Esler, K.J., Samways, M.J. and Rebelo, A.G. (2020) Cape Town’s climate strategy isn’t perfect, but every African city should have one. The Conversation. 10 November 2020. https://theconversation.com/cape-towns-climate-strategy-isnt-perfect-but-every-african-city-should-have-one.
Rebelo, A.G., and Rebelo, A.J. (2020) Fynbos, dwarf chameleons and butterflies: The nature of the lockdown. News24. 27 July 2020. https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/guestcolumn/opinion-nature-of-the-lockdown-20200727.
Rebelo, A.J., Holden, P.B., New, M., Rebelo. A.G., Johnston, P., Nkemeland, T., and Le Maitre, D.C. (2019) What science tells us about fire hazards facing Cape Town and its surrounds. The Conversation. October 11, 2019 https://theconversation.com/what-science-tells-us-about-fire-hazards-facing-cape-town-and-its-surrounds.
Rebelo, A.J. & Methner, N. (2019) Protecting our water-related ecological infrastructure -by building an investment case. Waterwheel. Sept 2019.
Rebelo, A.J. & Rebelo A. G. (2019) Cape Nature is in dire straits. 28 July 2019. Weekend Argus. https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/weekend-argus-sunday-edition/20190728/281840055270775.
Rebelo, A.J. & Morris, C. (2019) Financial incentives could spur cities and land owners to protect wetlands The Conversation. 5 June 2019. https://theconversation.com/financial-incentives-could-spur-cities-and-land-owners.
Rebelo, A.J. (2018) Mapping valley-bottom palmiet wetlands: where are they now and how has that changed? Veld & Flora. December 2018.
Rebelo, A.J., Le Maitre, D.C. (2018). Breaking down the myth that planting forests could help drought regions. Cape Times 4 June 2018, Page 9.
Rebelo A.J., Le Maitre D., Esler K.J., and Cowling R.M. (2013). Restoring the Kromme. Veld & Flora. December 2013. Page 202-203.
Rebelo, A.J., and K. Gull. (2011). Urban Water Use. TIPS Policy Brief. March 2012. Available: http://www.tips.org.za/paper/policy-brief-asset-research-tips-4-urban-water-use.
Radio and TV Interviews
21 March 2025, Radio Interview: Radio Islam. Hidden time capsules old fynbos seeds found alive beneath Cape soils: https://soundcloud.com/radioislam/hidden-time-capsules-old-fynbos-seeds-found-alive-beneath-capes-soil-dr-alanna-rebelo.
26 February 2025, Radio Interview: The Aubrey Masango Show. Exploring Green skills & Sponge cities as a potential solution to flooding in South Africa. 702 Cape Talk:; https://www.primediaplus.com/weird-and-wonderful-exploring-green-skills-sponge-cities-as-a-potential-solution-to-flooding-in-south-africa/.
6 May 2022, TV Interview: Alien trees are threatening water supplies. Newzroom Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Omowrt2NmQ.
6 May 2022, Radio Interview: Radio 786: 15:25. Alien trees and water.
1 June 2021, Radio Interview: Cape Talk: 8:10, Refilwe Moloto, Breakfast Show. The Tokai-Cecilia Management Framework. https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/418038/biodiversity-view-is-silenced-in-debate-on-tokai-pine-trees-says-fotp-ecologist.
22 April 2021, Radio Interview: Cape Talk: 8h10, Refilwe Moloto, Breakfast Show. The Cape Town Fire. https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/414477/alien-trees-and-fynbos-fuel-loads-are-a-ticking-time-bomb-warns-researcher.
17 November 2020, Radio Interview: 08h20-08h25; Mr Stephen Grootes; SAFM. The CoCT Draft Climate Change Strategy. https://omny.fm/shows/safm-sunrise-1/how-cape-town-s-climate-strategy-falls-short?in_playlist=safm-sunrise-1!podcast.
13 November 2020, Radio Interview: 09h20-09h28; Mr Inayet Wadee; Salaamedia. The CoCT Draft Climate Change Strategy, https://fb.watch/1K9kPLPqEp/.
16 October 2019, TV Interview: Experts worry about Cape fire season. ENCA: https://youtu.be/k1dcA2y3YN0.
14 October 2019, TV Interview: SAWA holds an indaba on Wetlands and Climate Change. SABC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q58oC3Nojco.
7 June 2019, Radio Interview: 10h10-10h20; Jeremy van Wyk; Cape Talk Upfront with Refilwe Moloto show: http://www.capetalk.co.za/podcasts/294/upfront-with-refilwe-moloto/217618/why-and-how-cape-town-should-be-farming-water.
1 March 2019, Radio Interview: 14h10-14h30; Pippa Hudson; Cape Talk afternoon show (1-3pm): http://www.capetalk.co.za/podcasts/127/afternoons-with-pippa-hudson/189754/pippas-planet-wetlands.
10 August 2018, TV Interview: Wetlands in the Western Cape are being seriously threatened. SABC2 News: http://peararchive3.co.za/SynopsisClip/2018-08-12/14581061E1B.html.
5 Jun 2018, Radio Interview: 4:40 into insert, RSG: World Environment Day
5 June 2018, Radio Interview: Smile.fm
Short Films
2023 Extinction Rebellion - The story of Tokai Park's plant diversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CShC_pFwnro.
2024 The Plight of South Africa's Peculiar Peatlands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQCKAjCC89c.