What criteria are there to consider a plant species as an invasive species in rangeland ecosystems?
Are there any standard protocol to evaluate the invasionsess situation of species?
These are some of the questions or observations we made or used, and consulted with botanist.
Is the plant native or non-native to the area.?
Does it spread and take over native habitats, displace sensitive or endangered species?
Is it persistent, that is maybe it would reduce dominance in a dense forest as it grows and expands, but retains its presence and returns when the trees are cut.
How much effort to control, remove or eradicate?
Have botanists or ecologists formally identified it as invasive?
Has it been present so long to an area or region, it is basically naturalized.
In rangeland, besides the above factors, is it unhealthy, noxious or toxic to cattle or other species that would graze.
Once in a while, you might identify an invasive species that has both positive and negative benefits. Maybe it’s persistent but not that much of an active off site invader, but it a real good nitrogen fixer and ground cover for example. Sometimes identifying plant restrictions are not so easy, and involve responsible users when prescribed to avoid sensitive habitat impacts.
When considering whether a plant species is invasive in rangeland ecosystems, there are a few things that scientists and conservationists look for. These include:
Thanks Hansen and Adhikari
You mentioned good criteria,But how can I measure them. Are there any tools and observation method to measure these criteria?
Tools. Botanists, soil scientists, range conservationists use plant surveys, observations when in the field. They learn to identify the plants through study, plant keys or classification, reports or papers identifying native plants, ranges, and as well information on identified invasive species and as mentioned, the non-native invasive species do often not have natural predators or controls. It is not uncommon for botanists to compile a plant file or press of plants they bring back to key out during their career. Literature review including internet possibly. I would suppose animal vets at the unexpected mortality of cattle or other range animals would check for what the animal has recently eaten as a possible problem to explore. Formal training in these subject areas above probably include the basic tools. If plants have some toxic parts, organic chemists may analyze for composition to verify content.
Dear Esmaeil,
Please see the following papers for the terminology, stages, and barriers in the invasion process:
Article A proposed unified framework for biological invasions
Article Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: Concepts and definitions
Chapter On the terminology used in plant invasion studies
Article Need to revise terminology of "invasive species" by Iranian ...
Kind regards,
Farshid
There are several criteria that can be used to consider a plant species as invasive in rangeland ecosystems. Some of the commonly used criteria are:
There are several protocols and methods available for evaluating the invasive species situation in rangeland ecosystems. One commonly used method is the Assessment of Invasive Plant Impacts on Rangelands (AIPIR) protocol developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This protocol involves collecting data on various aspects of the ecosystem, such as plant species composition, plant cover, soil characteristics, and animal populations, to assess the impacts of invasive species. Another protocol is the Weed Risk Assessment (WRA), which is used to evaluate the potential invasiveness of new plant species before they are introduced to a new ecosystem.
In general, the evaluation of invasive species in rangeland ecosystems requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers ecological, economic, and social impacts. It is important to use standardized protocols and methods to ensure consistency and comparability of data across different studies and locations.
Thanks for all responses. I read the mentioned comments. They were useful.
I could not find some of the introduced file such as: "Assessment of Invasive Plant Impacts on Rangelands (AIPIR) protocol developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)" and "Weed Risk Assessment (WRA)".
Can you send me the files?
Best regards.
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