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Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss, and island ecosystems are particularly vulnerable. For example, IAS directly threaten 47% of critically endangered island birds, and most bird extinctions since 1600 have been on islands. In the Caribbean, nearly 84% of critically endangered and endangered species and 34% of seabird breeding sites are being negatively impacted by IAS. These include predation, competition, disease, habitat modification, and ecosystem disruption, but many problems are caused by only a handful invasive mammal predators. The impacts of IAS are evident in Caribbean birds from mangroves to mountains, and yet we are only beginning to understand and address the issues. For instance, Black-capped Petrel, Grenada Dove, and White-breasted Thrasher are all vulnerable to cat and mongoose predation, and their successful recovery may require investment and innovation to resolve those challenges. This symposium will explore some of the problems, solutions, and next steps to managing invasive species for the benefit of our Caribbean birds.
Organizer: Kirsty Swinnerton, BirdsCaribbean Invasive Species Working Group; Email: kirstyswinnerton@gmail.com
Purpose: Participants of this symposium will share knowledge about invasive species and their impacts in the Caribbean region and demonstrate how practitioners are managing the threats to Caribbean birds. We will also investigate prevention mechanisms including education, policy, and biosecurity, and consider some of the future risks from invasive species.
Overview: Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the main causes of global biodiversity loss, and island ecosystems are particularly vulnerable. For example, IAS directly threaten 47% of critically endangered island birds, and most bird extinctions since 1600 have been on islands. In the Caribbean, nearly 84% of critically endangered and endangered species and 34% of seabird breeding sites are being negatively impacted by IAS. These include predation, competition, disease, habitat modification, and ecosystem disruption, but many problems are caused by only a handful invasive mammal predators. The impacts of IAS are evident in Caribbean birds from mangroves to mountains, and yet we are only beginning to understand and address the issues. For instance, Black-capped Petrel, Grenada Dove, and White-breasted Thrasher are all vulnerable to cat and mongoose predation, and their successful recovery may require investment and innovation to resolve those challenges. This symposium will explore some of the problems, solutions, and next steps to managing invasive species for the benefit of our Caribbean birds.
Objectives:
To share and advance the knowledge of invasive species and the impacts to Caribbean birds
Demonstrate the successes and challenges of invasive species prevention and management in the Caribbean region highlighting novel and collaborative approaches
Describe how invasive species knowledge is shared and applied
Discuss the future concerns of invasive species and risks to Caribbean birds.
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