scholarly journals The Promise of Genetics and Genomics for Improving Invasive Mammal Management on Islands

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brock T. Burgess ◽  
Robyn L. Irvine ◽  
Gregg R. Howald ◽  
Michael A. Russello

Invasive species are major contributors to global biodiversity decline. Invasive mammalian species (IMS), in particular, have profound negative effects in island systems that contain disproportionally high levels of species richness and endemism. The eradication and control of IMS have become important conservation tools for managing species invasions on islands, yet these management operations are often subject to failure due to knowledge gaps surrounding species- and system-specific characteristics, including invasion pathways and contemporary migration patterns. Here, we synthesize the literature on ways in which genetic and genomic tools have effectively informed IMS management on islands, specifically associated with the development and modification of biosecurity protocols, and the design and implementation of eradication and control programs. In spite of their demonstrated utility, we then explore the challenges that are preventing genetics and genomics from being implemented more frequently in IMS management operations from both academic and non-academic perspectives, and suggest possible solutions for breaking down these barriers. Finally, we discuss the potential application of genome editing to the future management of invasive species on islands, including the current state of the field and why islands may be effective targets for this emerging technology.

ZooKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 829 ◽  
pp. 85-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ko-Huan Lee ◽  
Tien-Hsi Chen ◽  
Gaus Shang ◽  
Simon Clulow ◽  
Yi-Ju Yang ◽  
...  

Invasive species have impacted biodiversity all around the world. Among various ecosystems, islands are most vulnerable to these impacts due to their high ratio of endemism, highly specialized adaptation, and isolated and unique fauna. As with other subtropical islands, Taiwan faces constant risk of biological invasions and is currently ranked as one of the countries most affected by invasive amphibians and reptiles. In this paper, a comprehensive checklist of all known exotic amphibians and reptiles is provided, including twelve species which have successfully colonized Taiwan and six species with a controversial status. We provide an update on the knowledge of all these species including their distribution, colonization history, threats to native animals, and population trends based on literature records, fauna surveys, and data collected during invasive species eradication and control programs. A list of species with high invasive potentials is also provided. This study reports, for the first time, a comprehensive survey of invasive herpetofauna in Taiwan, which should provide a valuable reference to other regions which might suffer from similar invasion risk.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 121-127
Author(s):  
Ajay Karki ◽  
Rajan P Paudel

Invasive species are top threat to biodiversity because of their negative effects on floral and faunal species, food web, on ecosystems and their habitat. Their inherent capability to adjust in wide range of environmental conditions and spread at higher pace with economic activities like travel, trade and tourism have necessitated a concern for their prevention and protection. This has been recognized by Convention on Biodiversity that calls the contracting parties to prevent introduction and control or eradication of invasive species. Nepal as a signatory to this convention has to take essential legal and managerial actions to abide by the convention. This paper reviews some literatures and existing legal documents dealing with the invasive species management. The paper finds out that there is impact of Mikenia micrantha in Chitwan National Park and it may affect the productivity the area. There are legal provisions and institutional setup at National and local level under different acts, regulations and guidelines that influence the introduction, control and eradication of this species. This paper recommends that the full functioning of these provisions and institutional setup is required to manage the invasive species. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v5i0.10261 The Initiation 2013 Vol.5; 121-127


Author(s):  
Alberto Jean-Baptiste ◽  
Pedro A. Macario ◽  
Gerald Alexander Islebe ◽  
Benedicto Vargas-Larreta ◽  
Luciano Pool ◽  
...  

Understanding the role of invasive species in ecosystem functioning represents one of the main challenges in ecology. Pteridium aquilinum is a successful cosmopolitan invasive species with negative effects on the ecological mechanisms that allow secondary succession. In this study we evaluated whether P. aquilinum favours the establishment of alternative states, as well as the effect of recovery strategies on the secondary succession. A random stratified sampling was established with three treatments, each one with at least 50 year of fern invasion and with variations on the periodicity of fires and cuttings (chapeos) vs one control without fern bracken We determined the species richness and composition, as well as the relative importance value (IVI) in each treatment. We found that P. aquilinum decreases the action of the mechanisms that allow secondary succession, particularly facilitation. The recovery strategies consist in monthly cuttings and control fires allow to recover the secondary succession and eventually, the regeneration of areas invaded by P. aquilinum. Our study has relevant implications on the ecology of alternative state, and in practical strategies to maintain tropical forests, as well as for the maintenance of environmental services and sustainability.


EDIS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Demian F. Gomez ◽  
Jiri Hulcr ◽  
Daniel Carrillo

Invasive species, those that are nonnative and cause economic damage, are one of the main threats to ecosystems around the world. Ambrosia beetles are some of the most common invasive insects. Currently, severe economic impacts have been increasingly reported for all the invasive shot hole borers in South Africa, California, Israel, and throughout Asia. This 7-page fact sheet written by Demian F. Gomez, Jiri Hulcr, and Daniel Carrillo and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation describes shot hole borers and their biology and hosts and lists some strategies for prevention and control of these pests. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr422


2020 ◽  
Vol 637 ◽  
pp. 195-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
EM DeRoy ◽  
R Scott ◽  
NE Hussey ◽  
HJ MacIsaac

The ecological impacts of invasive species are highly variable and mediated by many factors, including both habitat and population abundance. Lionfish Pterois volitans are an invasive marine species which have high reported detrimental effects on prey populations, but whose effects relative to native predators are currently unknown for the recently colonized eastern Gulf of Mexico. We used functional response (FR) methodology to assess the ecological impact of lionfish relative to 2 functionally similar native species (red grouper Epinephelus morio and graysby grouper Cephalopholis cruentata) foraging in a heterogeneous environment. We then combined the per capita impact of each species with their field abundance to obtain a Relative Impact Potential (RIP). RIP assesses the broader ecological impact of invasive relative to native predators, the magnitude of which predicts community-level negative effects of invasive species. Lionfish FR and overall consumption rate was intermediate to that of red grouper (higher) and graysby grouper (lower). However, lionfish had the highest capture efficiency of all species, which was invariant of habitat. Much higher field abundance of lionfish resulted in high RIPs relative to both grouper species, demonstrating that the ecological impact of lionfish in this region will be driven mainly by high abundance and high predator efficiency rather than per capita effect. Our comparative study is the first empirical assessment of lionfish per capita impact and RIP in this region and is one of few such studies to quantify the FR of a marine predator.


2019 ◽  
pp. 37-47
Author(s):  
Yao Yueqin ◽  
Oleksiy Kozlov ◽  
Oleksandr Gerasin ◽  
Galyna Kondratenko

Analysis and formalization of the monitoring and automatic control tasks of the MR for the movement and execution of various types of technological operations on inclined and vertical ferromagnetic surfaces are obtained. Generalized structure of mobile robotic complex is shown with main subsystems consideration. Critical analysis of the current state of the problem of development of universal structures of mobile robots (MRs) for the various types of technological operations execution and elaborations of computerized systems for monitoring and control of MR movement is done. In particular, wheeled, walked and crawler type MRs with pneumatic, vacuum-propeller, magnetic and magnetically operated clamping devices to grip with vertical and ceiling surfaces are reviewed. The constructive features of the crawler MR with magnetic clamping devices capable of moving along sloping ferromagnetic surfaces are considered. The basic technical parameters of the MR are shown for the further synthesis of computerized monitoring and automatic control systems. Formalization of the tasks of monitoring and control of the MR positioning at the processing of large area ferromagnetic surfaces is considered from the point of view of control theory.


2020 ◽  
Vol 04 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Guillermo Bracamonte

: Graphene as Organic material showed special attention due to their electronic and conductive properties. Moreover, its highly conjugated chemical structures and relative easy modification permitted varied design and control of targeted properties and applications. In addition, this Nanomaterial accompanied with pseudo Electromagnetic fields permitted photonics, electronics and Quantum interactions with their surrounding that generated new materials properties. In this context, this short Review, intends to discuss many of these studies related with new materials based on graphene for light and electronic interactions, conductions, and new modes of non-classical light generation. It should be highlighted that these new materials and metamaterials are currently in progress. For this reason it was showed and discussed some representative examples from Fundamental Research with Potential Applications as well as for their incorporations to real Advanced devices and miniaturized instrumentation. In this way, it was proposed this Special issue entitled “Design and synthesis of Hybrids Graphene based Metamaterials”, in order to open and share the knowledge of the Current State of the Art in this Multidisciplinary field.


2002 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E. Shafer ◽  
D. Jordan Lowe ◽  
Timothy J. Fogarty

The current trend toward corporate acquisitions of CPA firms poses potential threats to the autonomy and ethical standards of public accounting professionals. This recent consolidation movement suggests that for the first time a significant number of public accounting professionals are subject to the supervision and control of nonprofessionals. In addition to acknowledging the potential threats to auditor independence and objectivity, this paper suggests that these new organizational arrangements for the provision of public accounting services have other negative effects on professionalism and ethics such as desensitizing CPAs to traditional professional values, and subverting professional institutions to the goals of corporate employers. This paper develops a framework that identifies several specific research questions related to the effects of corporate ownership on professionalism and ethics in public accounting.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Hurmat Ejaz ◽  
Esther Somanader ◽  
Uday Dave ◽  
Hermann Ehrlich ◽  
M. Azizur Rahman

Didymosphenia geminata diatoms, or Didymo, was first found to be an invasive species that could have negative impacts on the environment due to the aggressive growth of its polysaccharide-based stalks. The stalks’ adhesive properties have prompted park officials to alert the general public to limit further spread and contamination of this algae to other bodies of water. Although the negative effects of Didymo have been studied in the past, recent studies have demonstrated a potential positive side to this alga. One of the potential benefits includes the structural component of the polysaccharide stalks. The origin of the polysaccharides within stalks remains unknown; however, they can be useful in a waste management and agricultural setting. The primary purpose of this study was to describe both the harmful and beneficial nature of Didymo. Important outcomes include findings related to its application in various fields such as medicine and technology. These polysaccharides can be isolated and studied closely to produce efficient solar power cells and batteries. Though they may be harmful while uncontained in nature, they appear to be very useful in the technological and medical advancement of our society.


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