scholarly journals Implementing invasive species management in an adaptive management framework

Koedoe ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Llewellyn C. Foxcroft ◽  
Melodie McGeoch
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
South African ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Invasive Alien Species ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Management Theory ◽  
Invasive Species Management ◽  
Species Management

Adaptive management theory has attracted substantial interest in recent years, in natural resource management in general and also for invasive alien species management. However, whilst many theoretical and conceptual advances have been made, documented cases of practical applications are rare. Coupling invasive species management components with adaptive feedback processes is not without challenges, requiring a substantial change in the thinking and practice of all those involved. Drawing on a decade of experience in South African National Parks, we suggest an approach to implementing adaptive management for controlling invasive alien species. Whilst efforts have been made to advance components of the overall management strategy, the absence of a framework for decision making and feedback mechanisms, inflexibility in the system and shortcomings in the governance structure are all identified as barriers to learning and knowledge integration for the purposes of effective invasive alien species management. The framework provided here, encompassing documents, committees and processes, is aimed at addressing these shortcomings.Conservation implication: Adaptive management theory offers a robust tool for managing inherently complex systems. Its practical application, however, requires distilling the theory into useable functions. We offer a framework to advance implementation of strategic adaptive management for the control of invasive alien species using experiences gained from South African National Parks.

Dimensions of local public attitudes towards invasive species management in protected areas

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana E. S. Ford-Thompson ◽  
Carolyn Snell ◽  
Glen Saunders ◽  
Piran C. L. White
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Human Dimensions ◽  
Invasive Species Management ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Species Management

Context Invasive species management is often a source of contention; therefore, understanding human dimensions is viewed increasingly as critical for management success. Aims Using invasive Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in the Royal National Park (RNP), Sydney, as a case study, we sought to identify key dimensions of local public attitudes towards deer and associated management interventions, to identify the most divisive issues, and to assess the influence of experiences on attitudes. Methods We used a mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire targeted at residents closest to the border of the RNP (n = 406, 30% response rate). The potential for conflict index (PCI2) was used to analyse 32 framing statements, generated through in-depth interviews with 18 key stakeholders from a range of stakeholder groups (e.g. conservation, hunting, animal welfare). We also tested for significant differences in attitudes between those who had or had not experienced deer impacts or received information on deer management. We conducted qualitative analysis of open comments to identify emergent themes and develop an attitudes framework. Key results We identified three overarching dimensions to local attitudes, namely, stakeholder, wildlife and management dimensions, each consisting of key themes and issues, forming the attitudes framework. The most divisive issues based on PCI2 analysis related to deer remaining in the park (PCI2 = 0.626), the heritage value of deer (PCI2 = 0.626), the need to remove deer (PCI2 = 0.531) and the need to kill non-natives in national parks (PCI2 = 0.535). Experience of deer–vehicle collisions and property damage were associated with significantly more negative attitudes towards deer and non-native species and more trust in ecological evidence (P < 0.001), whereas positive experience of deer had the opposite effect (P < 0.001). These experiences were also associated with attitudes towards aerial shooting (P < 0.05) but not hunting. Receiving information improved trust in ecological evidence and decreased belief in heritage value of deer (P < 0.05). Conclusions Attitudes of the local public were varied and complex; however, a mixed-methods bottom-up approach allowed us to identify specific key issues of divisiveness and make management recommendations. Implications The framework and analysis have the potential to facilitate conflict mitigation and develop invasive species management strategies that are inclusive of the local community.

scholarly journals Biological invasions in South African National Parks

Bothalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Llewellyn C. Foxcroft ◽  
Nicola J. Van Wilgen ◽  
Johan A. Baard ◽  
Nicholas S. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
South African ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Species List ◽  
Species Invasions ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
The Status ◽  
Species Lists

Objectives: A core objective in South African National Parks (SANParks) is biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of functional ecosystems, which is compromised by alien species invasions. The 2016 Alien and Invasive Species Regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) requires landowners to develop management plans for alien and invasive species, as well as report on the status and efficacy of control. Method: To compile the species list, we started with the 2011 SANParks alien species list. Name changes were updated and SANParks ecologists and park managers contacted to verify the species lists and add new records. Species reported by external experts were added in the same manner. The management programme costs and species controlled per park per year were extracted from SANParks’ Working for Water programme database. Results: SANParks has listed 869 alien and extra-limital species, including 752 plants and 117 animals, increasing from 781 alien species in 2011. About R 590 million has been spent by the Working for Water/Biodiversity Social Programmes since 2000/2001. Of the species recorded, 263 are listed by NEM:BA, including 12 Category 1a species, 184 Category 1b species, 28 Category 2 species and 39 Category 3 species. Conclusion: While large clearing programmes have been maintained since at least 1998, improving prioritisation is necessary. We provide a short synopsis of (1) what alien species are present in SANParks, (2) the species and parks that management has focused on, (3) the implications of the NEM:BA Invasive Alien Species Regulations and (4) future developments in monitoring.

Island invasion and reinvasion: Informing invasive species management with genetic measures of connectivity

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 2258-2270
Author(s):  
Florian Pichlmueller ◽  
Elaine C. Murphy ◽  
Jamie W. B. MacKay ◽  
John Henderson ◽  
Rachel M. Fewster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Invasive Species Management ◽  
Species Management

scholarly journals Multiregional Invasive Species Management: Theory and an Application to Florida's Exotic Plants

2007 ◽  
Vol 39 (s1) ◽  
pp. 111-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.S. Kim ◽  
Donna Lee ◽  
Glenn Schaible ◽  
Utpal Vasavada
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Plants ◽  
Budget Allocation ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Control Model ◽  
Recreation Demand ◽  
Management Theory ◽  
Invasive Species Management ◽  
Public Budget ◽  
Demand Functions ◽  
Species Management

This research develops a multiregional optimal control model that incorporates regional allocation of a public budget for controlling invasive plants when regionally differential recreation demand functions and species control costs are present. Our equimarginal condition for optimal budget allocation equates the relative marginal economic benefits per dollar spent across regions. The model was applied to Florida Public Conservation Land regions, and results indicate that the magnitude of an annual management budget affects its distribution among species management regions, but the size of the intrinsic growth rate does not affect the pattern of budget allocation among regions.

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