Forecasting the Spread of Invasive Plants Active
We are using invasive plant data - collected locally and globally by government agencies and citizen scientists - to build advanced computer models to map the potential distribution of invasive plant species. Despite large ecological damage and economic costs associated with invasive species; limited funds are available yearly for invasive species control. These products will increase efficiency for resource managers.
Overview:
The Pacific Islands are known for their distinct native ecosystems that host a variety of species not seen anywhere else. In Hawai‘i invasive species are very disruptive and threaten native habitats - pushing many native species towards extinction. Invasive species create challenges for multiple federal and state organizations tasked with conservation of Hawai‘i’s natural resources. To make challenges worse, environmental change may help increase the spread of settled alien species and those yet to arrive. Invasive species cause millions in damage or loss to Hawaiian agriculture and tourism sectors. One single invasive plant, the Miconia, could cause as much as $672 Million in costs to Hawai‘i due to habitat loss. Despite the large actual and potential costs, there are only a small amount of funds available yearly for the control and prevention of invasive species.
In Hawai‘i, computer models identifying the potential spread and distribution of invasive species are still basic. Updating these resources could aide management of invasive plant species. The products from our advanced computer models will assist in the early detection, monitoring, and control of invasive plants at a landscape-level scale. Helping resource managers decide what species and areas to prioritize increases cost efficiency by using funds where the most damage can be prevented.
Objectives:
Our goal is to develop computer models and potential distribution maps – maps projecting the potential distribution of highly ecologically damaging invasive species. To build the models and distribution maps we will use all information that is available from diverse sources including local records, global datasets, and expert knowledge.
- Overview
We are using invasive plant data - collected locally and globally by government agencies and citizen scientists - to build advanced computer models to map the potential distribution of invasive plant species. Despite large ecological damage and economic costs associated with invasive species; limited funds are available yearly for invasive species control. These products will increase efficiency for resource managers.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsThe fast growing invasive Miconia tree with dark purple fruits. The large leaves can be as big as 3 feet long and a foot wide. PC: Hawai‘i DLNR. Overview:
The Pacific Islands are known for their distinct native ecosystems that host a variety of species not seen anywhere else. In Hawai‘i invasive species are very disruptive and threaten native habitats - pushing many native species towards extinction. Invasive species create challenges for multiple federal and state organizations tasked with conservation of Hawai‘i’s natural resources. To make challenges worse, environmental change may help increase the spread of settled alien species and those yet to arrive. Invasive species cause millions in damage or loss to Hawaiian agriculture and tourism sectors. One single invasive plant, the Miconia, could cause as much as $672 Million in costs to Hawai‘i due to habitat loss. Despite the large actual and potential costs, there are only a small amount of funds available yearly for the control and prevention of invasive species.
In Hawai‘i, computer models identifying the potential spread and distribution of invasive species are still basic. Updating these resources could aide management of invasive plant species. The products from our advanced computer models will assist in the early detection, monitoring, and control of invasive plants at a landscape-level scale. Helping resource managers decide what species and areas to prioritize increases cost efficiency by using funds where the most damage can be prevented.
Objectives:
Our goal is to develop computer models and potential distribution maps – maps projecting the potential distribution of highly ecologically damaging invasive species. To build the models and distribution maps we will use all information that is available from diverse sources including local records, global datasets, and expert knowledge.