When controlling invasive species backfires...
Invasive Controlling invasive species is an essential part of protecting the biodiversity of many ecosystems. But sometimes resource managers are surprised to find that their efforts backfire. This is what happened when the removal of 53,000 non-native small mouth bass from a north temperate lake led to higher population abundance of the nuisance fish - likely from overcompensation of the surviving population.
Invasive kudzu (Pueraria lobata) growing on trees in Atlanta, Georgia. Image credit, Scott Ehardt.In a new article in the journal Ecological Applications, scientists from Cornell University develop a theoretical model based on population dynamics to predict in what circumstances efforts to control invasive species will lead to unintended consequences. The researchers ran simulations of the model and found that the potential for overcompensation is significant when species have certain biological characteristics: a high per capita fecundity, short juvenile stages, and fairly constant rates of survivorship during their life span.
The researchers give examples of species whose life characteristics match including rapeseed pollen beetles, scentless chamomile, Asian clam, zebra mussels, river snails, garlic mustard, and Prussian carp. The authors recommend that before implementing control measures, resource managers understand the life history of target species to determine if they are high risk for overcompensation. They caution,
"The message here is clear: control efforts of high-risk species require careful consideration and should only be undertaken if there is strong commitment and ability to remove nearly every individual."
--Reviewed by Rob Goldstein
| Source: | Ecological Applications |
| Title: | When can efforts to control nuisance and invasive species backfire? |
| Authors: | Elise Zipkin, Clifford Kraft, Evan Cooch, and Patrick Sullivan |
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Cornell University, Ithaca, New York |
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