scholarly journals Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of invasive alien species in island ecosystems

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAMIE K. REASER ◽  
LAURA A. MEYERSON ◽  
QUENTIN CRONK ◽  
MAJ DE POORTER ◽  
L.G. ELDREGE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Island Ecosystems ◽  
Socioeconomic Impacts ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The Impact

Minimizing the impact of invasive alien species (IAS) on islands and elsewhere requires researchers to provide cogent information on the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of IAS to the public and policy makers. Unfortunately, this information has not been readily available owing to a paucity of scientific research and the failure of the scientific community to make their findings readily available to decision makers. This review explores the vulnerability of islands to biological invasion, reports on environmental and socioeconomic impacts of IAS on islands and provides guidance and information on technical resources that can help minimize the effects of IAS in island ecosystems. This assessment is intended to provide a holistic perspective on island-IAS dynamics, enable biologists and social scientists to identify information gaps that warrant further research and serve as a primer for policy makers seeking to minimize the impact of IAS on island systems. Case studies have been selected to reflect the most scientifically-reliable information on the impacts of IAS on islands. Sufficient evidence has emerged to conclude that IAS are the most significant drivers of population declines and species extinctions in island ecosystems worldwide. Clearly, IAS can also have significant socioeconomic impacts directly (for example human health) and indirectly through their effects on ecosystem goods and services. These impacts are manifest at all ecological levels and affect the poorest, as well as richest, island nations. The measures needed to prevent and minimize the impacts of IAS on island ecosystems are generally known. However, many island nations and territories lack the scientific and technical information, infrastructure and human and financial resources necessary to adequately address the problems caused by IAS. Because every nation is an exporter and importer of goods and services, every nation is also a facilitator and victim of the invasion of alien species. Wealthy nations therefore need to help raise the capacity of island nations and territories to minimize the spread and impact of IAS.

scholarly journals The ecology of ponds in the context of human activity and geography – environmental DNA and beyond

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Bacela-Spychalska ◽  
Annette Taugbøl ◽  
Wiesław Babik ◽  
Maciej Pabijan ◽  
David Strand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Genomic Variation ◽  
Genomic Diversity ◽  
Parasitic Fungus ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Geographic Regions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pond Ecosystems

Pond ecosystems are hotspots of freshwater biodiversity, often containing many rare and protected species that are not commonly found elsewhere (Harper et al. 2018;Harper et al. 2019). However, even if they constitute c.a. 30% of freshwaters by area, still not enough effort has been put into pond monitoring and management and pond ecosystems are hence relatively poorly understood. Results of ECOPOND project will lead to add valuable knowledge upon pond diversity in geographic gradient taking for consideration human impact by comparing rural and urban areas. The sample design in ECOPOND includes six geographic regions, spanning from the south of Poland to the middle of Norway, where we will sample five replicates of urban and rural ponds in close geographic proximity, making it possible to test the impact of urbanization on biodiversity and biotic homogenization across latitude. We will sample all ponds at spring and late summer, making it possible to assess also seasonality in biodiversity. ECOPOND will utilize environmental DNA and RNA to perform biodiversity screening. The extracted eDNA and eRNA fragments will be amplified with the use of several selected markers for vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi and bacteria. Comparisons between eDNA and eRNA metabarcoding are hypothesized to allow inference between present and past diversity, as eRNA is thought to be only available from live organisms in the community. Moreover, ECOPOND aims at testing the effects of selected invasives species that can have on whole ecosystems. By sampling a range of biotic and abiotic parameters describing studied ponds, we will incorporate the available data for the ponds and employ occupancy modelling methods to assess the habitat preferences of selected invasive alien species. Then we will develop a method that can contribute towards an earlywarning system of evaluating threats to ecosystem status. One of the focus species will be the parasitic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), an infectious fungal pathogen that has caused a number of amphibian declines and extinctions. The European amphibians seem less affected by the parasite at present. However, the fungi could be a direct driver of reduced genetic variation due to selection, or directly reduce the infected amphibian’s overall fitness by reducing the microbiotic diversity on their skin, which in many cases acts as a second immune system. ECOPOND will therefore provide data on genomic variation (using RADseq) for two amphibian species: the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) and the common toad (Bufo bufo). We will investigate populations of these species inhabiting ponds that are infected and not infected by Bd as well as collect data on their skin microbes (identified using metabarcoding). We will also contrast the genomic diversity between the replicated urban/rural setup and look for repeatable genomic changes. This setup will also be compared for the genomic variation for a potential native prey, the blue-tailed dragonfly, as will ponds with and without fish and/or amphibians (possibly also comparing between native and IAS top-predators) in order to look for predatory selective sweeps in the genome and transcriptome (experimental setup). All ponds will also be analyzed for over 20 water quality parameters and include data on a range of site characteristics that will be used as explanatory variables in all models. ECOPOND will compare large datasets across large geographic regions and will provide detailed knowledge of biodiversity patterns in vertebrates, invertebrates, fungal and microbial species, as well as genomic composition and skin biodiversity for animals inhabiting the same ponds set in an urban context. As a total, ECOPOND will obtain data on the location and status of biodiversity interests, gather data that can help in preventing the establishment of invasive alien species, and eradicating or controlling species that have already become established. And finally, ECOPOND will work closely with stakeholders and develop statistical techniques that can be used for monitoring, detection and protection of biodiversity.

scholarly journals A framework for prioritising present and potentially invasive mammal species for a national list

NeoBiota ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 31-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro Bertolino ◽  
Leonardo Ancillotto ◽  
Paola Bartolommei ◽  
Giulia Benassi ◽  
Dario Capizzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
National Level ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Scanning Procedure ◽  
Horizon Scanning ◽  
Species Management ◽  
The Eu

The European Union (EU) has recently adopted a regulation on invasive alien species that foresees the possibility of developing lists of species of National Concern. We developed a prioritisation process for alien mammals already established in Italy, but not yet included in the EU list (n = 6 species) and a systematic horizon-scanning procedure to obtain ranked lists for those species that are already introduced worldwide or traded in Italy (n = 213). Experts were asked to score these species, by evaluating their likelihood of establishment and spread and the magnitude of their potential impacts on biodiversity, economy, human-health and society. The manageability of each species was also evaluated, both for the proritisation and the horizon-scanning processes. We produced five lists that ranked species according to their potential spread and impacts and their manageability. These will allow policy-makers to select outputs according to a balance between risk assessment and risk management, establishing priorities for alien species management at the national level.

The Impact of Tax and Expenditure Limitations on Municipal Revenue Volatility

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tucker C. Staley
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
State Level ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Tax And Expenditure Limitations ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
Expenditure Limitations ◽  
Revenue Volatility ◽  
Stringency Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Stable revenue flows are paramount for policy makers at all levels of government in order to effectively and efficiently provide goods and services to constituents. This work examines the relationship between tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) and municipal revenue volatility. The current literature suggests that more stringently binding TELs at the state level are associated with greater levels of revenue volatility. This work tests whether this finding extends to the local level of government as well. Examining ninety-nine municipalities over eight years (2004–2011), this work provides evidence that the stringency level of TELs is associated with reduced fluctuations in municipal revenue streams.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ON BIODIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE IN MORNI HILLS OF WESTERN HIMALAYA

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anup Chandra ◽  
Ashok Kumar Dhakad
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Western Himalaya ◽  
Lantana Camara ◽  
Mountain Range ◽  
Forest Communities ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
The Impact

Species diversity, especially in forests, is one of the most important indices used to evaluate forest productivity, sustainability of forest communities and its ecological functioning and stand structure. Invasive alien species (IAS) are usually considered to be the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction. The present study aims to characterize estimate the species richness, dominance of certain species distribution and population structure of major species in the study areas i.e. Kalka, Morni and Pinjore forest range of Panchkula Forest Division, Haryana lies under the Shiwalik mountain range of Western Himalaya. To achieve this, phytosociological study was carried out using quadrat method to assess the impact of IAS on plant diversity. We took twenty quardrats laid down in each site (10×10m for tree layer; 3×3m for shrubby layer and 1×1m for herbaceous flora) in both, invaded sites and control sites (without any IAS). In the study sites, Lantana camara was the major threat to the native flora. In general, diversity index (H) was higher at control site, however, species richness was found to be more in Lantana infested sites for trees and more or less equal for herbs and shrubs in control sites. This indicates the invasion of L. camara after the establishment of tree species in study sites. In all sites, the seedlings have significant more number than saplings and trees. But the conversion of saplings into trees was poor as well as the production of seedlings and their survival rate was very less or drastically reduced. Thus, there is an urgent need of conservation and management of alien invasive species in Himalayas and other parts of Indian forests. Lantana camara infestation can be managed if we utilize it for making handmade papers, handicrafts, baskets, toys, etc. by involving the self help groups and village forest communities.

scholarly journals Corrigendum to: A collaboratively derived environmental research agenda for Galápagos

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Arturo Izurieta ◽  
Byron Delgado ◽  
Nicolas Moity ◽  
Monica Calvopiña ◽  
Iván Cedeño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Galápagos is one of the most pristine archipelagos in the world and its conservation relies upon research and sensible management. In recent decades both the interest in, and the needs of, the islands have increased, yet the funds and capacity for necessary research have remained limited. It has become, therefore, increasingly important to identify areas of priority research to assist decision-making in Galápagos conservation. This study identified 50 questions considered priorities for future research and management. The exercise involved the collaboration of policy makers, practitioners and researchers from more than 30 different organisations. Initially, 360 people were consulted to generate 781 questions. An established process of preworkshop voting and three rounds to reduce and reword the questions, followed by a two-day workshop, was used to produce the final 50 questions. The most common issues raised by this list of questions were human population growth, climate change and the impact of invasive alien species. These results have already been used by a range of organisations and politicians and are expected to provide the basis for future research on the islands so that its sustainability may be enhanced.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES AND GENDER

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
Sajani Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ecological Change ◽  
Fuel Wood ◽  
The Impact

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) is considered the second major cause of biodiversity loss and habitat degradation. They pose a serious threat to different ecosystems of Nepal such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries and natural systems. Invasive alien species affect people's livelihoods and human well-being. Some species are important sources of fuel wood, fodder, timber and food products for local households and communities. Similarly, some species hold cultural, spiritual and recreational significance. In contrast, they also harm livelihoods and increase vulnerability via land encroachment and reduction in mobility or access. In some cases, they also diminish the abundance of natural resources used by households and reduce agricultural production. This results in a loss of their income and increases vulnerability. Furthermore, some invasive species have also negative implications on human health and safety. Likewise, they are responsible for reducing the cultural value of landscapes. Invasive Alien Species are well-recognized drivers of social-ecological change. Extensive research on invasive species in Nepal has yet to be done. Therefore, the impact of invasive species on livelihoods and human well-being is a lesser-known concept.  The effect of benefits and costs analysis of invasive species on livelihoods and human well-being remains pivotal for policy-making and management. This article is based on the development of a comprehensive national strategy and plan of action to control and manage IAS in Nepal. It discusses the broader aspect and status of IAS in Nepal.

scholarly journals Warming mediates intraspecific multiple predator effects from an invasive crustacean

2021 ◽  
Vol 168 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross N. Cuthbert ◽  
Ryan J. Wasserman ◽  
Tatenda Dalu ◽  
Elizabeta Briski
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Trophic Interactions ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Feeding Rates ◽  
Functional Responses ◽  
Multiple Predator Effects ◽  
Predator Interactions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Predator Effects

AbstractInvasive alien species impacts might be mediated by environmental factors such as climatic warming. For invasive predators, multiple predator interactions could also exacerbate or dampen ecological impacts. These effects may be especially pronounced in highly diverse coastal ecosystems that are prone to profound and rapid regime shifts. We examine emergent effects of warming on the strength of intraspecific multiple predator effects from a highly successful invasive gammarid Gammarus tigrinus, using a functional response approach towards larval chironomids (feeding rates under different prey densities). Single predator maximum feeding rates were three-times higher at 24 °C compared to 18 °C overall, with potentially prey destabilising type II functional responses exhibited. However, pairs of gammarids exhibited intraspecific multiple predator effects that were in turn mediated by temperature regime, whereby synergisms were found at the lower temperature (i.e. positive non-trophic interactions) and antagonisms detected at the higher temperature (i.e. negative non-trophic interactions) under high prey densities. Accordingly, warming scenarios may worsen the impact of this invasive alien species, yet implications of temperature change are dependent on predator–predator interactions. Emergent effects between abiotic and biotic factors should be considered in ecological impact predictions across habitat types for invasive alien species.

scholarly journals Scientific literature on invasive alien species in a megadiverse country: advances and challenges in Mexico

NeoBiota ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 ◽  
pp. 113-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge E. Ramírez-Albores ◽  
Ernesto I. Badano ◽  
Joel Flores ◽  
José Luis Flores-Flores ◽  
Laura Yáñez-Espinosa
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Socioeconomic Impacts ◽  
Future Studies

Interest in invasive species has increased around the world over the last several decades. In Mexico, studies on invasive species date as early as 1939 and the number of publications has increased considerably in recent decades. However, to our knowledge, the analysis of information gaps and research priorities is lacking. Therefore, it is necessary to identify gaps in the knowledge of invasive species in order to define future research priorities and focus conservation efforts. We assessed the current state of knowledge of biological invasions in Mexico based on the existing literature. Our aim was to identify in which areas information is absent or insufficient and which areas should be prioritised. We identified a total of 869 references. The number of references increased over time and the topics were strongly biased towards two areas: 1) natural history and geographical distribution patterns and 2) effects on native biota and ecosystems. The remaining topics were only moderately or poorly studied. Most studies focused on vascular plants (n = 280) and fishes (n = 174). Notably, a large portion of the references (n = 215) focused on only eight invasive alien species, including their ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Only 95 references examined the effects of alien species on biodiversity; these studies were mainly carried out on islands (n = 41) or in terrestrial or freshwater ecosystems in protected natural areas (n = 165). The findings of the present review can guide future studies in filling in the existing research gaps on biological invasions. Additionally, future studies should aim to define national priorities of the impacts of biological invasions and to promote the prevention and control of alien species by considering the distinct vectors and pathways of introduction and movement.

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