CFP: Ecological Restoration (and history)-- A transatlantic workshop
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2006 18:01:35 -0700 Subject: CFP: Restoring or Renaturing?-- A transatlantic workshop Sender: H-NET List for Environmental History [EMAIL PROTECTED] Approved-by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Marcus Hall [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 6 April 2006 Call for Papers and Posters: Restoring or Renaturing? The presence of the past in ecological restoration -- A transatlantic workshop to be held in Zurich, Switzerland July 9-11, 2006 Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of damaged ecosystems. The highest goal for restoration practitioners is usually to bring back the natural state, the state that existed before humans transformed the land. In the Americas and other New Worlds, the classic restoration goal is therefore a pre-settlement state, be it pre-Columbian or pre-Indigenous. But determining pre-settled states in Europe and other Old World countries is more difficult, so that restorationists in these older lands may see their goal as reestablishing ecosystem health or ecological integrity--or as reinstating former processes instead of former conditions. It can be said that Americans restore while Europeans renature. The terminology of recent land-use policies reflect these semantic preferences, with Americans enacting various restoration measures for their damaged ecosystems, while the British, Dutch, German, Italians, and Swiss often pursue plans for new natures and r! enatures. More than most interdisciplinary teams, historians and ecologists can work together for improving the practice of ecological restoration. They can offer answers to such questions as: o Which conditions should be brought back, and do such conditions represent new natures or betters pasts? o What historical assumptions do we hold when we set out to restore, and what are the political and social implications? o What can the historical record tell us about the nature of degradation? o Can exotic species belong in properly restored sites? o Can rewilding be a legitimate goal in Europe, or is this a Holy Grail better pursued in the New World? o How can restoration history improve our current efforts to restore? This two-day workshop will consider these and related questions by focusing on how an understanding of the past can enhance the way we restore and renature. It will bring together scholars from both sides of the Atlantic and elsewhere who have thought about how restoration history can inform the way we assist damaged ecosystems to recover. Discussions will explore various case studies that revolve around the identification of reference systems, the meaning of degradation, the past of restoration, and the uses of history in land management. The scope of the conference is not limited by region or time period. English will be the main language of the conference. To submit a paper, please send a one-page abstract of the proposed paper or poster along with a CV with relevant publications (not longer than two pages) by April 30, 2006. Please send all inquiries and abstracts to: Marcus Hall University of Utah, Department of History 380 S. 1400 E., Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] FAX: 801-585-0580 See the workshop website at: http://www.unizh.ch/uwinst/Workshop/home.html
Working with ordinal data
Dear all =20 I have a question about combining data on species attributes when the attri= butes are measured on an ordinal scale (i.e. less than or more than, 1 2 = 3 4 but the intervals between the scores or ratings are not equal). Norm= al mathematical operations (+ - x) generally are not permitted. What I woul= d like to do though is use those ordinal values when combining them so that= a species with attribute a=3D1, b=3D1, c=3D1 is different from a=3D1, b=3D= 1, c=3D2. I can do that it seems by working out all the combinations and th= en ranking those. The issue then bcomes the order in which I sort the attri= butes to find the combinations. For example what are the relative rankings = of a=3D1, b=3D1, c=3D1 and a=3D1, b=3D1, c=3D2 and a=3D1, b=3D2, c=3D1. I c= an do that but it becomes very laborious with a large data set (90+ species= ). Would it be legitimate to use mathematical operations on the ordinal dat= a just to get the relative ordering right for the final ranking, and not fo= r any statistical tests? =20 Ordinal data often are used in questionnaires but the data are analysed dif= ferently, for example using clustering and constructing tree diagrammes. Al= l I want is a logical and recognised method for combining attrubutes rated = on an ordinal scale. =20 Or has anyone got any other suggestions?=20 =20 Thanks =20 David =20 David C Le Maitre Conservation Biologist - Hydrologist Natural Resources and Environment CSIR P.O. Box 320 Stellenbosch 7599 South Africa e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: +27 21 888 2407/2460 Fax: +27 21 888 2684 Cell: +27 72 337 0657=20 =20 =20 --=20 This message is subject to the CSIR's copyright, terms and conditions and e-mail legal notice. Views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the CSIR. =20 CSIR E-mail Legal Notice http://mail.csir.co.za/CSIR_eMail_Legal_Notice.html=20 =20 CSIR Copyright, Terms and Conditions http://mail.csir.co.za/CSIR_Copyright.html=20 =20 For electronic copies of the CSIR Copyright, Terms and Conditions and the C= SIR Legal Notice send a blank message with REQUEST LEGAL in the subject line to [EMAIL PROTECTED] This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScan= ner,=20 and is believed to be clean.
Re: Book availablility
Dear Seaeagle, The set of exercises by Donovan was published by Sinauer. According to their website, the set of exercises is no longer in print. However, what should be of interest to everyone is the fact that the Sinauer website also says that you may apply for permission to copy individual exercises and that if granted, they will allow you access to the electronic copy. I hope this helps. Yours, Joseph Cornell, PhD Adjunct Professor SUNY ESF Syracuse, NY 13210
Ph.D. assistantship - Regional Assessment of the Conservation Reserve Program
Ph. D. assistantship in Wildlife Science Project title: Effects of CRP on northern bobwhite and grassland birds CP33 Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds is a new continuous signup Conservation Reserve Program practice designed to benefit declining quail and grassland songbird populations. USDA-FSA notice CRP-479 requires that each state that was allocated CP33 acreage develop a monitoring plan following a standardized design developed by the research committee of the southeast quail study group. Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for collating and managing 3 years of bird and digital land use data from approximately 1200 fields (600 CP33, 600 control fields) monitored in 20 states. This is a unique opportunity to determine the effect of a CRP conservation practice on wildlife from the date of initiation using a robust sampling design across a broad region. The applicant will also supervise and coordinate the required state-level monitoring of CP33 contracts in Mississippi. The applicant may develop additional project(s) that complement related projects at Mississippi State. These projects include national assessment of CRP effects on bobwhite and grassland songbirds; the USDA-NRCS/MSU Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative; and field- and farm-level evaluation of CP33 field borders on bobwhite and grassland bird reproductive success. The applicant would have the opportunity to interact with a number of faculty and research staff working on conservation issues in agricultural settings. Qualifications: M.S. in wildlife ecology, ornithology, natural resource/wildlife management, or related field. Candidate should have skills in GIS, statistical analysis or both in addition to interest or experience working with agricultural producers and other private landowners. Successful candidate should be highly motivated with strong academic credentials and high GRE. Starting date: July 1, 2005 or as negotiated Stipend: Starting $18,000 per annum plus complete waiver of tuition fees. Inquiries: This position is contingent on approval of funds. Inquiry emails are welcomed and should be directed to Dr. Sam Riffell (co-project leader) at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and Dr. Wes Burger at [EMAIL PROTECTED] . Please submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter that describes your interest in the position, your career goals, GPA, GRE scores and details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position. Mississippi State university is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action employer. -- Sam Riffell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Wildlife Fisheries Box 9690 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS 39762 Phone: (662) 325-0392 FAX:(662) 325-8726 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Physical Address for overnight shipment: Rm 110 Thompson Hall 100 Stone Blvd. Mississippi State, MS 39762
Re: Biology of Invasion
Dear Ecolog readers, This could open a can of worms but... how do list members define or describe aggressive colonizers such as Smilax rotundifolia. This vine or shrub-like species forms dense, impenetrable patches particularly in disturbed suburban forests with a lot of sun? Though a native, much of this species' behavior is invasive-like. In Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems (2003), Booth, Murphy and Swanton suggest (my interpretation) that invasive may occasionally be applied to a native increasing in population size and effect. I realize this is not popular but weed, invader and colonizer still are used in often-conflicting manners. Scott --- Scott Ruhren, Ph.D. Senior Director of Conservation Programs Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 401-949-5454 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Gary Ervin Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:28 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Wayne: Clements actually introduced the term invasion in his writings on succession. He even at some points more or less suggested that succession is a series of successful invasions, as I indicate to my Plant Ecology students. However, I broached this very general concept of invasion on an Invasive Species list a couple of years ago, and it was not well received. I think the best recent effort at standardizing definitions is: Richardson, D. M., et al. 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6:93-107. They present these as terms for use in Invasion Ecology, with accompanying definitions (better explained in the paper): Alien species - species that have overcome geographic barriers (i.e., non-native to the particular area of concern) Casual species - alien species that have overcome local environmental barriers in their new range Naturalized species - alien species that have overcome local environmental and reproductive barriers in their new range Invasive species - alien species that have overcome environmental, reproductive, and dispersal barriers in their new range, thus that they now readily spread and establish into either disturbed or undisturbed habitats Context is very important for individual species to realize their invasive potential, as we all know that every species has some range of environmental tolerances - even invaders must fit their new habitats in order to invade. I'm sure list members could go on for days with specific examples of species that are highly invasive in some new regions and not in others. One great example is the Asian grass Arundo donax, which has caused relatively little concern here in the southeastern US but appears to be a huge problem in riparian areas of California. Gary ~~ Gary N Ervin, Asst. Prof Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology, Lee Blvd Miss State, MS 39762 Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~ Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/05/06 5:23 PM What is the definition of invasion? Invasive species? Non-invasive alien species? Are some (or all?) species invasive in some contexts but not others? Is everybody pretty much in agreement on such definitions or is there significant disagreement? WT
Re: Biology of Invasion
I haven't followed the debate this week as closely as I would have liked, but Aren't we overlooking the inherent anthropogenic effect in alien species introductions? Clearly, many animals play a role in introducing species to new areas, but never in earth's history has it occured on the scale that it has in the very recent past 500 years. Wouldn't this simple distinction allow to decide what an alien species is? Scott Jones On 4/7/06, Scott Ruhren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Ecolog readers, This could open a can of worms but... how do list members define or describe aggressive colonizers such as Smilax rotundifolia. This vine or shrub-like species forms dense, impenetrable patches particularly in disturbed suburban forests with a lot of sun? Though a native, much of this species' behavio= r is invasive-like. In Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems (2003), Booth, Murphy and Swanton suggest (my interpretation) that invasive may occasionally be applied to a native increasing in population size and effect. I realize this is not popular but weed, invader and colonizer still are used in often-conflicting manners. Scott --- Scott Ruhren, Ph.D. Senior Director of Conservation Programs Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 401-949-5454 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Gary Ervin Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:28 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Wayne: Clements actually introduced the term invasion in his writings on succession. He even at some points more or less suggested that succession is a series of successful invasions, as I indicate to my Plant Ecology students. However, I broached this very general concept of invasion on an Invasive Species list a couple of years ago, and it was not well received. I think the best recent effort at standardizing definitions is: Richardson, D. M., et al. 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6:93-107. They present these as terms for use in Invasion Ecology, with accompanying definitions (better explained in the paper): Alien species - species that have overcome geographic barriers (i.e., non-native to the particular area of concern) Casual species - alien species that have overcome local environmental barriers in their new range Naturalized species - alien species that have overcome local environmental and reproductive barriers in their new range Invasive species - alien species that have overcome environmental, reproductive, and dispersal barriers in their new range, thus that they now readily spread and establish into either disturbed or undisturbed habitats Context is very important for individual species to realize their invasive potential, as we all know that every species has some range of environmental tolerances - even invaders must fit their new habitats in order to invade. I'm sure list members could go on for days with specific examples of species that are highly invasive in some new regions and not in others. One great example is the Asian grass Arundo donax, which has caused relatively little concern here in the southeastern US but appears to be a huge problem in riparian areas of California. Gary ~~ Gary N Ervin, Asst. Prof Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology, Lee Blvd Miss State, MS 39762 Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~ Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/05/06 5:23 PM What is the definition of invasion? Invasive species? Non-invasive alien species? Are some (or all?) species invasive in some contexts but not others? Is everybody pretty much in agreement on such definitions or is there significant disagreement? WT
Re: Biology of Invasion
Hi Scott -- I get through this conundrum by separating exotic (non-native, etc.) specie= s from invasive by characterizing invasivness as a behavior, so that both native and non-native species can behave invasively or not. It seems to clarify the difference for most people. Betsy -- Elizabeth Rich, Ph.D. Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology Drexel University Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-895-6695 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On 4/7/06, Scott Ruhren [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Ecolog readers, This could open a can of worms but... how do list members define or describe aggressive colonizers such as Smilax rotundifolia. This vine or shrub-like species forms dense, impenetrable patches particularly in disturbed suburban forests with a lot of sun? Though a native, much of this species' behavio= r is invasive-like. In Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems (2003), Booth, Murphy and Swanton suggest (my interpretation) that invasive may occasionally be applied to a native increasing in population size and effect. I realize this is not popular but weed, invader and colonizer still are used in often-conflicting manners. Scott --- Scott Ruhren, Ph.D. Senior Director of Conservation Programs Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 401-949-5454 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Gary Ervin Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:28 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Wayne: Clements actually introduced the term invasion in his writings on succession. He even at some points more or less suggested that succession is a series of successful invasions, as I indicate to my Plant Ecology students. However, I broached this very general concept of invasion on an Invasive Species list a couple of years ago, and it was not well received. I think the best recent effort at standardizing definitions is: Richardson, D. M., et al. 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6:93-107. They present these as terms for use in Invasion Ecology, with accompanying definitions (better explained in the paper): Alien species - species that have overcome geographic barriers (i.e., non-native to the particular area of concern) Casual species - alien species that have overcome local environmental barriers in their new range Naturalized species - alien species that have overcome local environmental and reproductive barriers in their new range Invasive species - alien species that have overcome environmental, reproductive, and dispersal barriers in their new range, thus that they now readily spread and establish into either disturbed or undisturbed habitats Context is very important for individual species to realize their invasive potential, as we all know that every species has some range of environmental tolerances - even invaders must fit their new habitats in order to invade. I'm sure list members could go on for days with specific examples of species that are highly invasive in some new regions and not in others. One great example is the Asian grass Arundo donax, which has caused relatively little concern here in the southeastern US but appears to be a huge problem in riparian areas of California. Gary ~~ Gary N Ervin, Asst. Prof Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology, Lee Blvd Miss State, MS 39762 Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~ Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/05/06 5:23 PM What is the definition of invasion? Invasive species? Non-invasive alien species? Are some (or all?) species invasive in some contexts but not others? Is everybody pretty much in agreement on such definitions or is there significant disagreement? WT
Excerpt: Graduate Education for Tropical Conservation and Development
Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2006 08:16:55 -0700 From: Rick Reis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: TP Msg. #713 A GRADUATE EDUCATION FRAMEWORK FOR TROPICAL CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] List-Subscribe: https://mailman.stanford.edu/mailman/listinfo/tomorrows-professor, mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] When asked whether an independent India would follow the British pattern of development, Mahatma Ghandi replied, It took Britain half the resources of the planet to achieve this prosperity. How many planets would a country like India require? The challenge of addressing the seemingly contradictory objectives of environmental conservation and economic development is particularly urgent in tropical countries, which often have both high biodiversity and some of the world's lowest standards of living. CHECK OUT THE NEW MIT SPONSORED The Tomorrow's Professor Blog A place for discussion about teaching and learning at: http://amps-tools.mit.edu/tomprofblog/ * * * * * TOMORROW'S PROFESSOR(SM) MAILING LIST desk-top faculty development one hundred times a year Over 26,250 subscribers Over 650 postings Over 650 academic institutions Over 100 countries Sponsored by THE STANFORD UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING http://ctl.stanford.edu An archive of all past postings (with a two week delay) can be found at: http://ctl.stanford.edu/Tomprof/index.shtml * * * * * Folks: The posting below, while using a particular set of subjects - tropical conservation and development - provides a model for interdisciplinary education that should appeal to many other departments and universities. The posting is an from the paper A graduate education framework for tropical conservation and development. and is provided by Professor Karen Kainer [EMAIL PROTECTED] ] of the School of Forest Resource Conservation/ Tropical Conservation Development Program at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Reprinted with permission. Regards, Rick Reis [EMAIL PROTECTED] UP NEXT: Department Meetings Tomorrow's Teaching and Learning - 1,981 words A GRADUATE EDUCATION FRAMEWORK FOR TROPICAL CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT Kainer, K.A., M. Schmink, J.R. Stepp, H. Covert, E.M. Bruna, J.L. Dain, S. Espinosa and S. Humphries. 2006. A graduate education framework for tropical conservation and development. Conservation Biology 20(1):3-13. Reshaping graduate education This complex, interrelated, and rapidly changing world has motivated universities to rethink the educational experience of society's future leaders. In the United States, and perhaps more so in developing countries, public investment in higher education is predicated upon a return of knowledge and technology for the benefit of society. Some call for changes not to just tweak graduate education around the edges, but to reshape it completely. Conventional graduate training related to tropical conservation and development has typically separated the two fields, with students focusing on either conservation from the perspective of the biophysical sciences or development as an extension of the social sciences. Employers, however, indicate that they need team members with cross-disciplinary and disciplinary depth, skills in languages, negotiation, and policy analysis. The ability to effectively elicit and present ideas and negotiate varying interests can make or break a conservation program, regardless of technical merit. Although the traditional currency of peer-reviewed publications still holds the greatest weight within the scientific community, communicating effectively with a remarkably diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from indigenous groups to corporate CEOs, is now considered a highly desirable conservation skill. How might graduate programs better prepare students to become this type of skilled, forward-thinking leader prepared to improve human well-being while conserving the diversity of biological wealth in the tropics? The University of Florida's Tropical Conservation and Development Program (TCD) has been wrestling with these issues for over 15 years, and the program's framework for managing and adapting a graduate program is a product of these years of experience. Framework for tropical conservation and development learning and action The TCD program, housed in the University of Florida's Center for Latin American Studies, was established in the 1980s. The program does not grant degrees; rather, it offers an interdisciplinary certificate that functions much like a minor. It also provides a
Re: Biology of Invasion
My perception, please correct me if I have mistated anything! =20 Introduced species are those that have been established by humans. Invasive species are those that have the tendency to aggressively = dominate an ecosystem and crowd out other species.=20 =20 an introduced invasive is alien and aggressive (chestnut blight, = starlings, fire ants and red ear turtles would qualify!). a native invasive can occur as well (some maples and sweet gum come to = mind) their are also non-native invasives (cattle egrets might qualify as = this) that were not introduced by man, but introduced themselves! In = fact, man would be a non-native invasive in many parts of the world! =20 however, introductions need not be invasive alligator snapping turtles = were introduced in california in at least a couple of ponds. They = eventually died out. Some sustain but only on a very small scale. =20 =20 Where would nightcrawlers fall in this scheme? I'm not sure about their = biology! :) =20 =20 =20 =20 Malcolm L. McCallum Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences Texas AM University Texarkana 2600 Robison Rd. Texarkana, TX 75501 O: 1-903-233-3134 H: 1-903-791-3843 Homepage: https://www.eagle.tamut.edu/faculty/mmccallum/index.html =20 From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news on behalf of = Scott Ruhren Sent: Fri 4/7/2006 9:10 AM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Dear Ecolog readers, This could open a can of worms but... how do list members define or = describe aggressive colonizers such as Smilax rotundifolia. This vine or = shrub-like species forms dense, impenetrable patches particularly in disturbed = suburban forests with a lot of sun? Though a native, much of this species' = behavior is invasive-like. In Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural = Systems (2003), Booth, Murphy and Swanton suggest (my interpretation) that invasive may occasionally be applied to a native increasing in = population size and effect. I realize this is not popular but weed, invader and colonizer still are used in often-conflicting manners. Scott --- Scott Ruhren, Ph.D. Senior Director of Conservation Programs Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 401-949-5454 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Gary Ervin Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:28 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Wayne: Clements actually introduced the term invasion in his writings on succession. He even at some points more or less suggested that succession is a series of successful invasions, as I indicate to my Plant Ecology students. However, I broached this very general concept of invasion on an Invasive Species list a couple of years ago, and it was not well received. I think the best recent effort at standardizing definitions is: Richardson, D. M., et al. 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6:93-107. They present these as terms for use in Invasion Ecology, with accompanying definitions (better explained in the paper): Alien species - species that have overcome geographic barriers (i.e., non-native to the particular area of concern) Casual species - alien species that have overcome local environmental barriers in their new range Naturalized species - alien species that have overcome local environmental and reproductive barriers in their new range Invasive species - alien species that have overcome environmental, reproductive, and dispersal barriers in their new range, thus that they now readily spread and establish into either disturbed or undisturbed habitats Context is very important for individual species to realize their invasive potential, as we all know that every species has some range of environmental tolerances - even invaders must fit their new habitats in order to invade. I'm sure list members could go on for days with specific examples of species that are highly invasive in some new regions and not in others. One great example is the Asian grass Arundo donax, which has caused relatively little concern here in the southeastern US but appears to be a huge problem in riparian areas of California. Gary ~~ Gary N Ervin, Asst. Prof Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology, Lee Blvd Miss State, MS 39762 Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~ Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/05/06 5:23 PM What is the definition of invasion? Invasive species? Non-invasive alien species? Are some (or all?) species invasive in some contexts but not others? Is everybody pretty much in agreement on such definitions or is there significant
Re: Biology of Invasion
Scott, I'm glad you mentioned this. I find that Smilax is a very common native invasive species in the forested areas of New Jersey. It is often one of the first plants that bear fruit that animals can eat in the early spring and it provides escape cover for birds and small mammals and is even used by wood turtles. However, it creates a trellis that other invasive vines use to climb up trees. I very often see Smilax covered trees with other vines on top of the Smilax. The most infested areas can only be used by small animals that can fit into the small remaining voids in the infested areas. This native plant has truly invasive qualities. It makes me think that something was removed from the environment that would normally keep this plant in check. Sharif Branham Original Message Follows From: Scott Ruhren [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2006 10:10:19 -0400 Dear Ecolog readers, This could open a can of worms but... how do list members define or describe aggressive colonizers such as Smilax rotundifolia. This vine or shrub-like species forms dense, impenetrable patches particularly in disturbed suburban forests with a lot of sun? Though a native, much of this species' behavior is invasive-like. In Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems (2003), Booth, Murphy and Swanton suggest (my interpretation) that invasive may occasionally be applied to a native increasing in population size and effect. I realize this is not popular but weed, invader and colonizer still are used in often-conflicting manners. Scott --- Scott Ruhren, Ph.D. Senior Director of Conservation Programs Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 401-949-5454 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Gary Ervin Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:28 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Wayne: Clements actually introduced the term invasion in his writings on succession. He even at some points more or less suggested that succession is a series of successful invasions, as I indicate to my Plant Ecology students. However, I broached this very general concept of invasion on an Invasive Species list a couple of years ago, and it was not well received. I think the best recent effort at standardizing definitions is: Richardson, D. M., et al. 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6:93-107. They present these as terms for use in Invasion Ecology, with accompanying definitions (better explained in the paper): Alien species - species that have overcome geographic barriers (i.e., non-native to the particular area of concern) Casual species - alien species that have overcome local environmental barriers in their new range Naturalized species - alien species that have overcome local environmental and reproductive barriers in their new range Invasive species - alien species that have overcome environmental, reproductive, and dispersal barriers in their new range, thus that they now readily spread and establish into either disturbed or undisturbed habitats Context is very important for individual species to realize their invasive potential, as we all know that every species has some range of environmental tolerances - even invaders must fit their new habitats in order to invade. I'm sure list members could go on for days with specific examples of species that are highly invasive in some new regions and not in others. One great example is the Asian grass Arundo donax, which has caused relatively little concern here in the southeastern US but appears to be a huge problem in riparian areas of California. Gary ~~ Gary N Ervin, Asst. Prof Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology, Lee Blvd Miss State, MS 39762 Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~ Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/05/06 5:23 PM What is the definition of invasion? Invasive species? Non-invasive alien species? Are some (or all?) species invasive in some contexts but not others? Is everybody pretty much in agreement on such definitions or is there significant disagreement? WT
REU: Invasive species monitoring
Hi, We (Dr. David Houle and I, at Florida State University in Tallahassee) have obtained a REU grant for this summer for an undergraduate student who want to work on monotoring a new invasive species (Zaprionus indianus) that we found in the USA last year. Previous experiences in Brazil and Uraquay show that this species expands rapidly, has a large effect on the existing drosophilid community. Furthermore, it is a documented pest species on figs and damaged fruits still on the tree and a pest allert has been issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture (http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/zaprionusindianus.html). We expect that this species will expand its range in the coming years to all suitable habitat (Open forest, savannah like, urban areas) in the southern USA. This invasion, how bad as it is in itself, offers a unique opportunity to study the rapid expansion of an invasive species caught in the act. If you are interested in this project, please contact either me or Dr. David Houle ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for a full project description. Regards, Kim van der Linde -- http://www.kimvdlinde.com
invasive species--the broader, long-term perspective
I realize that this interesting thread (which I have mostly just = skimmed) has been largely in search of hard data on = extinctions/extirpations. But for the longer-term view, I keep thinking of that paper (I'm sure = someone can supply the reference) that somehow used species-area curves = for different-sized portions of the globe in order to suggest what the = planet's ultimate species richness would be if species' distributions = were homogenized so that everything occurs everywhere. The prediction = was, of course, shocking. A major reason that global species richness is = as high as it is, is that different species occur in different areas. While we can debate the quality of evidence, and it is certainly = worthwhile to study the mechanisms involved, does anyone doubt that the = truly long-term result of the continued spread of exotics will be many = extinctions? Dave Whitacre
Re: Biology of Invasion
Isn't it Ag-gravating? The University of California's Weed Handbook is a veritable guide to native plants that have the temerity to try to hustle a living, casino-like, amongst the most destructive of (plant) invaders, crop monocultures. Most are not invaders at all, but just guerillas trying to take back their land. It IS a can of worms, ain't it? WT At 07:10 AM 4/7/2006, Scott Ruhren wrote: Dear Ecolog readers, This could open a can of worms but... how do list members define or describe aggressive colonizers such as Smilax rotundifolia. This vine or shrub-like species forms dense, impenetrable patches particularly in disturbed suburban forests with a lot of sun? Though a native, much of this species' behavior is invasive-like. In Weed Ecology in Natural and Agricultural Systems (2003), Booth, Murphy and Swanton suggest (my interpretation) that invasive may occasionally be applied to a native increasing in population size and effect. I realize this is not popular but weed, invader and colonizer still are used in often-conflicting manners. Scott --- Scott Ruhren, Ph.D. Senior Director of Conservation Programs Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 401-949-5454 -Original Message- From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Gary Ervin Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:28 PM To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Subject: Re: Biology of Invasion Wayne: Clements actually introduced the term invasion in his writings on succession. He even at some points more or less suggested that succession is a series of successful invasions, as I indicate to my Plant Ecology students. However, I broached this very general concept of invasion on an Invasive Species list a couple of years ago, and it was not well received. I think the best recent effort at standardizing definitions is: Richardson, D. M., et al. 2000. Naturalization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions 6:93-107. They present these as terms for use in Invasion Ecology, with accompanying definitions (better explained in the paper): Alien species - species that have overcome geographic barriers (i.e., non-native to the particular area of concern) Casual species - alien species that have overcome local environmental barriers in their new range Naturalized species - alien species that have overcome local environmental and reproductive barriers in their new range Invasive species - alien species that have overcome environmental, reproductive, and dispersal barriers in their new range, thus that they now readily spread and establish into either disturbed or undisturbed habitats Context is very important for individual species to realize their invasive potential, as we all know that every species has some range of environmental tolerances - even invaders must fit their new habitats in order to invade. I'm sure list members could go on for days with specific examples of species that are highly invasive in some new regions and not in others. One great example is the Asian grass Arundo donax, which has caused relatively little concern here in the southeastern US but appears to be a huge problem in riparian areas of California. Gary ~~ Gary N Ervin, Asst. Prof Biological Sciences PO Box GY Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA on the web at: http://www.msstate.edu/courses/ge14/ for parcel delivery: Biological Sciences 130 Harned Biology, Lee Blvd Miss State, MS 39762 Tel.: (662) 325-1203 lab : (662) 325-7937 FAX : (662) 325-7939 ~~ Wayne Tyson [EMAIL PROTECTED] 04/05/06 5:23 PM What is the definition of invasion? Invasive species? Non-invasive alien species? Are some (or all?) species invasive in some contexts but not others? Is everybody pretty much in agreement on such definitions or is there significant disagreement? WT
