Embedded Files
Ecology of biological invasions
Invasive species can be major ecosystem stressors, and their interaction with other global change stressors, such as land-use change or disease, is not fully understood. Ecosystems can have multiple species invasions at multiple trophic levels. As a result, native species can be affected by top-down, bottom-up, or both forces. These effects of global change are well exemplified in the Greater Everglades – climate change, invasive species, encroaching urbanization are all looming over the multi-billion dollar restoration efforts. Currently, non-native amphibians and reptiles are the primary taxonomic group through which our research addresses these impacts.
Influence of wildlife trade
Studies that explicitly analyze the progression of species through the sequential stages of the invasion process (transport; introduction; establishment; spread) have been crucial to identifying underlying patterns common across a range of taxa. The primary framework within which we address this topic is through the global wildlife trade, which is a major pathway for non-native species introductions and simultaneously contributes to declines of wild populations due to overharvesting.
Risk assessment for the prevention of invasion, economic impacts, and disease vectors
The most cost-effective method for the management of invasive species is to prevent their introduction. Currently, US trade in live non-native organisms is largely unregulated, and as a result, the number of species introduced through this pathway continues to increase. In order to implement preventative risk assessment, it must be shown that the cost of those invasive species outweighs the benefit to importing each new species.
Management of biological invasions
In order to address and reduce the impacts of invasive species, effective management tools and decision-making processes need to be developed. Currently, there is no formalized process for prioritization or a transparent, documented decision-making process that guides invasive species research and management efforts in the state of Florida. We, in collaboration with USGS, are investigating trade-offs within the context of a decision theoretic framework, to identify optimal actions based on management goals and constraints, available budgets and the demography of the invasive population.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse