In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Dr. Charles van Rees, our Conservation Correspondent, about invasive species.

Science Highlight: None

What makes a species invasive?

Generalists

Fast-reproducing

Behavioral flexibility

Lack predators/pressures

Harmful to the ecosystem in general

Why do they matter?

Conservation implications

Economic losses

(statistics)

How do they work?

Arrival

Propagules

Establishment

Secondary spread

How do people deal with them?

EDRR & related surveying

Tier system from PRISM

Tier 1 – Early Detection/Prevention – Highest level of survey efforts. Should conduct delineation surveys and assign to appropriate Tier if detected. (a) inside buffer but not in PRISM, (b) outside PRISM and buffer, but close (eastern North America), (c) Far outside PRISM and buffer (not in east NA) but introduction pathway exists.

Tier 2 – Eradication – Highest level of response efforts. High impact species with low enough abundance to make eradication feasible within the PRISM. Need delineation surveys to determine extent.

Tier 3 – Containment – Target strategic management to slow the spread, as likely too widespread for eradication, but many surrounding regions could be at risk if left unattended.

Tier 4- Local Control – Eradication from given area not feasible; focus on localized management over time to contain, exclude, or suppress to protect high-priority resources like rare species or recreation assets. Be strategic when deciding if/where to control

Tier 5 (Monitor) – Species that need more research, mapping, and monitoring to understand their invasiveness. This includes naturalized species and cultivated-only species that are known to be invasive in other regions but are not yet invasive here

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Why are invasive species bad?

Ted Talk

Where to find Charles: Website | Blog | Instagram | Twitter 

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