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Blue mussels of the Mytilus edulis species complex from South America: The application of species delimitation models to DNA sequence variation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256961. [PMID: 34473778 PMCID: PMC8412288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Smooth-shelled blue mussels, Mytilus spp., have a worldwide antitropical distribution and are ecologically and economically important. Mussels of the Mytilus edulis species complex have been the focus of numerous taxonomic and biogeographical studies, in particular in the Northern hemisphere, but the taxonomic classification of mussels from South America remains unclear. The present study analysed 348 mussels from 20 sites in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and the Falkland Islands on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America. We sequenced two mitochondrial locus, Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (625 bp) and 16S rDNA (443 bp), and one nuclear gene, ribosomal 18S rDNA (1770 bp). Mitochondrial and nuclear loci were analysed separately and in combination using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods to identify the combination of the most informative dataset and model. Species delimitation using five different models (GMYC single, bGMYC, PTP, bPTP and BPP) revealed that the Mytilus edulis complex in South America is represented by three species: native M. chilensis, M. edulis, and introduced Northern Hemisphere M. galloprovincialis. However, all models failed to delimit the putative species Mytilus platensis. In contrast, however, broad spatial scale genetic structure in South America using Geneland software to analyse COI sequence variation revealed a group of native mussels (putatively M. platensis) in central Argentina and the Falkland Islands. We discuss the scope of species delimitation methods and the use of nuclear and mitochondrial genetic data to the recognition of species within the Mytilus edulis complex at regional and global scales.
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Simberloff D. Maintenance management and eradication of established aquatic invaders. HYDROBIOLOGIA 2021; 848:2399-2420. [PMID: 32836349 PMCID: PMC7407435 DOI: 10.1007/s10750-020-04352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Although freshwater invasions have not been targeted for maintenance management or eradication as often as terrestrial invasions have, attempts to do so are frequent. Failures as well as successes abound, but several methods have been improved and new approaches are on the horizon. Many freshwater fish and plant invaders have been eliminated, especially by chemical and physical methods for fishes and herbicides for plants. Efforts to maintain invasive freshwater fishes at low levels have sometimes succeeded, although continuing the effort has proven challenging. By contrast, successful maintenance management of invasive freshwater plants is uncommon, although populations of several species have been managed by biological control. Invasive crayfish populations have rarely been controlled for long. Marine invasions have proven far less tractable than those in fresh water, with a few striking eradications of species detected before they had spread widely, and no marine invasions have been substantially managed for long at low levels. The rapid development of technologies based on genetics has engendered excitement about possibly eradicating or controlling terrestrial invaders, and such technologies may also prove useful for certain aquatic invaders. Methods of particular interest, alone or in various combinations, are gene-silencing, RNA-guided gene drives, and the use of transgenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Simberloff
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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Mabin CA, Wilson JRU, Le Roux JJ, Majiedt P, Robinson TB. The first management of a marine invader in Africa: The importance of trials prior to setting long-term management goals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 261:110213. [PMID: 32148283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biological invasions severely impact on marine ecosystems around the world, but to date management is rare and has not previously been attempted in Africa. This study documents a trial management programme aimed at informing a national management strategy for the invasive European shore crab, Carcinus maenas, in South Africa. The approach involved testing control methods used elsewhere (baited traps, crab condos, diver collections and sediment dredging) and adapting these to the local context. Following these trials, baited traps were deployed over the course of the year, and the catch per unit effort (CPUE) tracked. A total of 36,244 crabs were collected during the management period, six times more than a pre-management population estimate. The population was not extirpated and CPUE increased once trapping ceased. The cost of attempting nationwide eradication is prohibitive, particularly given the lack of current impacts by this crab in this region and the possibility of reintroduction. We highlight key administrative challenges encountered, and the importance of such pilot trials in setting long-term goals when attempting alien species management interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clova A Mabin
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - John R U Wilson
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Johannes J Le Roux
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Prideel Majiedt
- South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Research Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tamara B Robinson
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
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Pepper N, Gerardo-Giorda L, Montomoli F. Meta-modeling on detailed geography for accurate prediction of invasive alien species dispersal. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16237. [PMID: 31700073 PMCID: PMC6838098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive species are recognized as a significant threat to biodiversity. The mathematical modeling of their spatio-temporal dynamics can provide significant help to environmental managers in devising suitable control strategies. Several mathematical approaches have been proposed in recent decades to efficiently model the dispersal of invasive species. Relying on the assumption that the dispersal of an individual is random, but the density of individuals at the scale of the population can be considered smooth, reaction-diffusion models are a good trade-off between model complexity and flexibility for use in different situations. In this paper we present a continuous reaction-diffusion model coupled with arbitrary Polynomial Chaos (aPC) to assess the impact of uncertainties in the model parameters. We show how the finite elements framework is well-suited to handle important landscape heterogeneities as elevation and the complex geometries associated with the boundaries of an actual geographical region. We demonstrate the main capabilities of the proposed coupled model by assessing the uncertainties in the invasion of an alien species invading the Basque Country region in Northern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Pepper
- UQLab, Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
| | | | - Francesco Montomoli
- UQLab, Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Simberloff
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Experimental evaluation of vinegar (acetic acid) for control of invasive corals (Tubastraea spp.) and a review of knowledge for other aquatic pests. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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7
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PCR-based assay for Mya arenaria detection from marine environmental samples and tracking its invasion in coastal ecosystems. J Nat Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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South PM, Floerl O, Forrest BM, Thomsen MS. A review of three decades of research on the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in Australasia: An assessment of its success, impacts and status as one of the world's worst invaders. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 131:243-257. [PMID: 28958575 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine invasive macroalgae can have severe local-scale impacts on ecological communities. The kelp Undaria pinnatifida is one of the most successful marine invasive species worldwide, and is widely regarded as one of the worst. Here, we review research on Undaria in Australasia, where the kelp is established throughout much of New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. The presence of Undaria for at least three decades in these locations makes Australasia one of the longest-invaded bioregions globally, and a valuable case study for considering Undaria's invasion success and associated impacts. In Australasia, Undaria has primarily invaded open spaces, turf communities, and gaps in native canopies within a relatively narrow elevation band on rocky shores. Despite its high biomass, Undaria has relatively few direct impacts on native species, and can increase community-wide attributes such as primary productivity and the provision of biogenic habitat. Therefore, Australasian Undaria research provides an example of a decoupling between the success and impact of an invasive species. Undaria will most likely continue to spread along thousands of kilometres of rocky coastline in temperate Australasia, due to its tolerance to large variations in temperature, ability to exploit disturbances to local communities, and the continued transfer among regions via vessel movements and aquaculture activities. However, the spread of Undaria remains difficult to manage as eradication is challenging and seldom successful. Therefore, understanding potential invasion pathways, maintaining native canopy-forming species that limit Undaria success, and effectively managing anthropogenic vectors of Undaria spread, should be key management priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M South
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand; Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Private bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Oliver Floerl
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Barrie M Forrest
- Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Mads S Thomsen
- Marine Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand; UWA Oceans Institute & School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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Fletcher LM, Zaiko A, Atalah J, Richter I, Dufour CM, Pochon X, Wood SA, Hopkins GA. Bilge water as a vector for the spread of marine pests: a morphological, metabarcoding and experimental assessment. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1489-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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10
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Miralles L, Ardura A, Arias A, Borrell YJ, Clusa L, Dopico E, de Rojas AH, Lopez B, Muñoz-Colmenero M, Roca A, Valiente AG, Zaiko A, Garcia-Vazquez E. Barcodes of marine invertebrates from north Iberian ports: Native diversity and resistance to biological invasions. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 112:183-188. [PMID: 27527375 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Ports are gateways for many marine organisms transported by ships worldwide, especially non-indigenous species (NIS). In this study carried out in North Iberian ports (Cantabrian Sea, Bay of Biscay) we have observed 38% of exotic macroinvertebrates. Four species, namely the barnacle Austrominius modestus, the tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the pygmy mussel Xenostrobus securis, exhibited clear signs of invasiveness. A total of 671 barcode (cytochrome oxidase subunit I or 18S rRNA) genes were obtained and confirmed the species status of some cryptic NIS. Negative and significant correlation between diversity estimators of native biota and proportion of NIS suggests biotic resistance in ports. This could be applied to management of port biota for contributing to prevent the settlement of biopollutants in these areas which are very sensitive to biological invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Miralles
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Ardura
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Université de Perpignan CBETM, 58 rue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan Cedex, France
| | - A Arias
- Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Y J Borrell
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - L Clusa
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - E Dopico
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Hernandez de Rojas
- Oceanographic Institute of Spain, Avda. Príncipe de Asturias, 70 bis, 33212 Gijon, Spain
| | - B Lopez
- Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - M Muñoz-Colmenero
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Roca
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - A G Valiente
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Zaiko
- Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax Street East, 7010 Nelson, New Zealand
| | - E Garcia-Vazquez
- Department of Functional Biology, University of Oviedo, 33071 Oviedo, Spain.
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Gardner JPA, Zbawicka M, Westfall KM, Wenne R. Invasive blue mussels threaten regional scale genetic diversity in mainland and remote offshore locations: the need for baseline data and enhanced protection in the Southern Ocean. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2016; 22:3182-3195. [PMID: 27124277 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Human-mediated biological transfers of species have substantially modified many ecosystems with profound environmental and economic consequences. However, in many cases, invasion events are very hard to identify because of the absence of an appropriate baseline of information for receiving sites/regions. In this study, use of high-resolution genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms - SNPs) highlights the threat of introduced Northern Hemisphere blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) at a regional scale to Southern Hemisphere lineages of blue mussels via hybridization and introgression. Analysis of a multispecies SNP dataset reveals hotspots of invasive Northern Hemisphere blue mussels in some mainland New Zealand locations, as well as the existence of unique native lineages of blue mussels on remote oceanic islands in the Southern Ocean that are now threatened by invasive mussels. Samples collected from an oil rig that has moved between South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand were identified as invasive Northern Hemisphere mussels, revealing the relative ease with which such non-native species may be moved from region to region. In combination, our results highlight the existence of unique lineages of mussels (and by extension, presumably of other taxa) on remote offshore islands in the Southern Ocean, the need for more baseline data to help identify bioinvasion events, the ongoing threat of hybridization and introgression posed by invasive species, and the need for greater protection of some of the world's last great remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P A Gardner
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P O Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | | | - Kristen M Westfall
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P O Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Roman Wenne
- Institute of Oceanology PAS, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712, Sopot, Poland
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12
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Combined evidence indicates that Perna indica Kuriakose and Nair 1976 is Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Oman region introduced into southern India more than 100 years ago. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Oyarzún PA, Toro JE, Cañete JI, Gardner JP. Bioinvasion threatens the genetic integrity of native diversity and a natural hybrid zone: smooth-shelled blue mussels (Mytilusspp.) in the Strait of Magellan. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/bij.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A. Oyarzún
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas (ICML); Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Austral de Chile; Independencia 641 Valdivia Chile
- PhD program in Marine Biology; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia (UACH) Chile
| | - Jorge E. Toro
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas (ICML); Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Austral de Chile; Independencia 641 Valdivia Chile
| | - Juan I. Cañete
- Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Magallanes; Punta Arenas Chile
| | - Jonathan P.A. Gardner
- Centre for Marine Environmental and Economic Research; Victoria University of Wellington; P O Box 600 Wellington 6140 New Zealand
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture; College of Fisheries; Huazhong Agricultural University; Wuhan 430070 China
- Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Centre of Hubei Province; Wuhan 430070 China
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McCann LD, Holzer KK, Davidson IC, Ashton GV, Chapman MD, Ruiz GM. Promoting invasive species control and eradication in the sea: options for managing the tunicate invader Didemnum vexillum in Sitka, Alaska. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 77:165-171. [PMID: 24449921 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Bioinvasions are a significant force of change--and economic and ecological threat--in marine ecosystems. The threat now encroaches on Alaska, which has had relatively few invasions compared to other global regions, prompting need to develop new incursion response tools. We appraised five 'eco-friendly' immersion treatment options (dilute acetic acid, dilute bleach, freshwater, brine and hypoxia) at either minute- or hour-scale exposures to kill the invasive tunicate Didemnum vexillum. Data revealed 100% treatment efficacy after two minutes in acetic acid, ten minutes in bleach, four hours in freshwater and over four hours in brine solution. We also demonstrated the importance of monitoring D. vexillum recovery for at least three weeks, since seemingly destroyed colonies rebounded during this timeframe. Combined, these findings provide insights towards a bay-scale eradication and post-border management plan applicable to the recent D. vexillum incursion in Whiting Harbor, Alaska and other shallow, inshore invasion sites.
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Atalah J, Hopkins GA, Forrest BM. Augmentative biocontrol in natural marine habitats: persistence, spread and non-target effects of the sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80365. [PMID: 24260376 PMCID: PMC3829863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Augmentative biocontrol aims to control established pest populations through enhancement of their indigenous enemies. To our knowledge, this approach has not been applied at an operational scale in natural marine habitats, in part because of the perceived risk of adverse non-target effects on native ecosystems. In this paper, we focus on the persistence, spread and non-target effects of the sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus when used as biocontrol agent to eradicate an invasive kelp from Fiordland, New Zealand. Rocky reef macrobenthic assemblages were monitored over 17 months in areas where the indigenous algal canopy was either removed or left intact prior to the translocation of a large number of urchins (>50 ind.·m−2). Urchin densities in treated areas significantly declined ∼9 months after transplant, and began spreading to adjacent sites. At the end of the 17-month study, densities had declined to ∼5 ind.·m−2. Compared to controls, treatment sites showed persistent shifts from kelp forest to urchin barrens, which were accompanied by significant reductions in taxa richness. Although these non-target effects were pronounced, they were considered to be localised and reversible, and arguably outweigh the irreversible and more profound ecological impacts associated with the establishment of an invasive species in a region of high conservation value. Augmentative biocontrol, used in conjunction with traditional control methods, represents a promising tool for the integrated management of marine pests.
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Wilkens SL, Stanley JA, Jeffs AG. Induction of settlement in mussel (Perna canaliculus) larvae by vessel noise. BIOFOULING 2012; 28:65-72. [PMID: 22235850 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2011.651717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Underwater sound plays an important role in the settlement behaviour of many coastal organisms. Large steel-hulled vessels are known to be a major source of underwater sound in the marine environment. The possibility that underwater sound from vessels may promote biofouling of hulls through triggering natural larval settlement cues was investigated for the mussel, Perna canaliculus. The mussel larvae showed significantly faster settlement when exposed to the underwater noise produced by a 125-m long steel-hulled passenger and freight ferry. Median time to attachment on the substrata (ie settlement) was reduced by 22% and the time taken for all experimental larvae to settle was reduced by 40% relative to a silent control. There was no difference in the survival of the mussel larvae among the various noise treatments. The decrease in settlement time of the mussel larvae appeared to correlate with the intensity of the vessel sound, suggesting that underwater sound emanating from vessels may be an important factor in exacerbating hull fouling by mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Wilkens
- National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Private Bag 14901, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241, New Zealand.
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Abstract
Biological invasions are a global and increasing threat to the function and diversity of ecosystems. Allee effects (positive density dependence) have been shown to play an important role in the establishment and spread of non-native species. Although Allee effects can be considered a bane in conservation efforts, they can be a benefit in attempts to manage non-native species. Many biological invaders are subject to some form of an Allee effect, whether due to a need to locate mates, cooperatively feed or reproduce or avoid becoming a meal, yet attempts to highlight the specific exploitation of Allee effects in biological invasions are surprisingly unprecedented. In this review, we highlight current strategies that effectively exploit an Allee effect, and propose novel means by which Allee effects can be manipulated to the detriment of biological invaders. We also illustrate how the concept of Allee effects can be integral in risk assessments and in the prioritization of resources allocated to manage non-native species, as some species beset by strong Allee effects could be less successful as invaders. We describe how tactics that strengthen an existing Allee effect or create new ones could be used to manage biological invasions more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Tobin
- Forest Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Northern Research Station, 180 Canfield Street, Morgantown, WV 26505-3101, USA.
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