On the basis of long distance dispersal (LDD) it takes about 50 years to find out whether a tree species is invasive. Often the problem becomes out of control by then. Is there any method/index by which the invasiveness could be determined earlier so that the management strategies could be framed and implemented early enough?
Dear Gautam,
I want suggest you this paper: Colautti RI, MacIsaac HJ (2004) A neutral terminology to define “invasive”species. Diversity and Distributions 10:135–141.
Please let me know if you need of the pdf that I could send you.
I believe it is perfect for your aim.
Dear Umberto,
Thanks for your reply. I have already gone through this paper and have the pdf. However, while working on invasion by exotic and introduced tree species in Western Himalayas, could not find any practically applicable index for the same. I derived an index with the help of Prof. Jan Thiele which appeared to be quite simple and useful to measure the invasiveness of tree species in a practical field.
Regards.
Hi Gautam,
You could try using the Australian weed risk assessment - it needs quite a bit of data to complete but it gives an index of invasive potential of a species, and we showed that it works well retrospectively for pine trees DOI: 10.1007/s10530-011-0133-5.
Best, Kirsty
Dear Gautam,
you can use the current distribution of established individuals to infer expansion rates. It is simply done by re-parameterizing a linear regression model. Our paper deals with this issue.
All the best,
Andres
Article From pattern to process: estimating expansion rates of a for...
”Is there any method/index by which the invasiveness could be determined earlier so that the management strategies could be framed and implemented early enough?”
management strategies?
of what?
be serious...
Thank you all for your valuable suggestions, Will definitely try out these references and compare along the index I had derived to check out the most suitable options.
Regards.
Dear Bruce,
Thank you for your post. I too agree that even native species can become invasive. While working on western Himalaya, I came across two species of Pinus, which though are native but tend to be invasive. The management strategy definitely needs to be formulated on the basis of the threat as well as the native status. Besides, the socio-economic condition of the local people could not be ignored. Control of invasive species is an ecological issue to the broader extent which not only brings forestry, ecology, biodiversity etc under its aegis, but the issue of sustainable development also deserves considerable attention. Especially in a third world country like India, if the sustainable development issue is ignored, it would not be a viable and practical option then.
Regards.
Gautam
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