Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Eradicating Plant Invaders: Combining
Ecologically-Based Tactics and Broad-Sense
Strategy
Richard N. Mack and Sara K. Foster
Abstract
Eradication, i.e., the complete destruction, of all individuals of an
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in a new range is universally viewed as the perma-
nent solution to damaging these plants, assuming any reentry of the target species
is reliably prevented. Yet eradication is often deemed impractical if not effectively
impossible, except when the alien species occurs in very low numbers in a single
circumscribed beachhead. This contention may have arisen in part because many
immigrant species upon first detection already consist of numerous, spreading
populations. Consequently, control (i.e., containment) of the alien species is viewed
as the only feasible alternative. We contend this view of eradication dwells dispro-
portionately on the failures to eradicate nonnative species without comprehensive
examination of total (or near total) eradications. A more balanced view of the
feasibility of eradications may emerge if we trace the events, features, and circum-
stances that successful eradications hold in common. Most useful will be careful
application of strategies that have led to eradications, of which winning and keep-
ing public support is likely the single most important contributor to success.
Keywords
Berberis vulgaris
Eradication
Miconia calvescens
Plant invasions
Striga asiatica
3.1 Introduction
Combating potentially Invasive Alien Species (IAS) (sensu Mooney et al. 2005)
through postentry measures addresses the reality of our inability to devise fail-proof
quarantine at political or natural geographic boundaries. Even though much effort
is directed at thwarting unwanted alien plant entry through cargo inspection
(McCullough et al. 2006) and regulatory action to prohibit the importation of
R.N. Mack (
) and S.K. Foster
School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
rmack@wsu.edu
