Every month, new species are introduced to our lands and waters, new studies are published, and new methods of control are tested—with impacts varying across the map. It would be nearly impossible to stay on top of every piece of invasive species news.
However, the staff and board of the North American Invasive Species Management Association review headlines each month. This helps us stay on top of trends and further our mission to support, promote, and empower invasive species prevention and management in North America. We then share invasive species news most relevant for people who manage terrestrial and aquatic invasive species across the the United States, Canada and occasionally the world.
So, what happened this month?
- Well timed with National Invasive Species Awareness Week, we read success stories about using phenology and applying proper treatment to manage and save keystone species from invasive species threats.
- Some scientists are starting conversations about how species cross boundaries, while those in the architecture world are weighing whether building with invasive species is helpful or hurtful.
- New invasive species getting attention this month include the marbled crayfish and the mealybug species Nipaecoccus viridis.
- This, and much more. Read on:
Success Stories: Prevention, Eradication and Restoration
Using Phenology to Guide Invasive Plant Management
Midway Atoll – Read on The Applied Ecologist
A case study of the effects of incorporating phenology information into invasive plant control operations at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), USA.
Heroes for Hemlocks: Saving a Keystone Species From An Invasive Insect
An all-women crew within the Kentucky Division of Forestry is the last line of defense for the state’s hemlocks against an invasive insect decimating populations across the U.S.
Prevention, Outreach and Education
Can E-learning Help Stem the Threat of Invasive Alien Species such as Japanese Knotweed?
Global – Read on Science Daily
The paper is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning as a tool to increase awareness, risk perception and biosecurity behaviour in relation to invasive alien species among individuals conducting work activities or research (fieldwork) in the field.
The Great Scotch Broom Census: Help Locate, Eliminate the Invasive Plant Species
Washington – Read on Living Snoqualmie
“We need everyone’s help to size up the problem,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the Washington Invasive Species Council. “Without baseline information about the location and population size, we don’t have enough details to determine solutions. The information from the census will help us set short- and long-term action plans.”
New Research
Food Webs Determine the Fate of Mercury Pollution in the Colorado River, Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Reach – Read on Science Daily
“Invasive species and dams are common in rivers globally, and both factors were at play in the Grand Canyon reach of the Colorado River,” Rosi says. “We found that flooding changed the species present at our study sites, and mercury flow changed with those shifts.”
Scientists Find Genes to Save Ash Trees from Deadly Beetle
Global – Read on Science Daily
The findings suggest that breeding or gene editing could be used to place these resistance genes into ash species currently affected by EAB.
Even Biodiverse Coral Reefs Still Vulnerable to Climate Change and Invasive Species
Global – Read on Science Daily
The scientists also studied coral reefs experiencing a reduction in nutrients caused by invasive rats on nearby islands.
Shyness Helps Parrotfish Survive Invasive Predators
Bahamas – Read on Scientific American
Prey fish still do not recognize lionfish as a threat. But selection pressure from the invaders is making them shy.
One in Four Tree Deaths in Blue Ridge Mountains Linked to Invasive Species
Virginia – Read on Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Their findings attribute about 25% of tree deaths to non-native insects and pathogens, with at least 22 tree species affected.
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Detection, Management and Control
Management and Treatment Options for Musk Thistle
Nebraska – Read on The Fence Post
Musk thistle is a prolific seed producer designated as a state noxious weed. There are three insects that are considered biological control methods at this time.
Here We Go Again: Another Invasive Pest in Florida Citrus
The mealybug species Nipaecoccus viridis, originally from Asia and first found in Florida back in 2009, is a new invasive pest of Florida citrus.
Policy and Rulemaking
Michigan Adds Invasive Marbled Crayfish to Prohibited Species List
Michigan – Read on Click On Detroit
Marbled crayfish, also known as marmorkrebs and virgin crayfish, are increasing in popularity in the aquarium trade due to their unique ability to reproduce by cloning.
Read NAISMA’s position papers here.
And if you’re a member, join us for First Friday virtual networking. June’s topic is: how have you used NAISMA’s position papers & what topics would you like covered in future papers?
Conversations
Is Forgetting about the Sea Lamprey a Good Thing?
Great Lakes – Read on Phys.org
The Sea Lamprey Control Program is one of the most successful invasive species management programs in the world.
For many years, the conservation community has embraced the idea that improving connectivity, that is, creating corridors so species can follow their preferred climate, will benefit biodiversity, says a researcher.
COVID-19 is Crushing Conservation Groups
Nebraska and U.S. – Read on Mother Jones
Researchers behind habitat restoration and wildlife protection groups are struggling to continue work amid the pandemic.
Invasive Species Becomes a Hot Commodity for Low-Carbon Supply Chains
United States – Read on Architect
The history of the 2×4—and of most building materials—is a reminder that market dominance results from myriad factors. A cost-competitive, reliable supply chain of building materials from invasive or unwanted woods will require the close coordination of product suppliers, forest owners, industry associations, regulatory agencies, contractors, and design professionals.
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