Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
What remains to be determined is how general such impacts are - a question that
cannot now be addressed because of the sparse taxonomic sampling of existing
impact studies.
Finally, we have seen that effective eradication and control of invasive herpeto-
fauna can be achieved, but only under circumstances that have rarely yet been met.
In particular, biological attributes of many reptiles and amphibians have intersected
with limited human perception and imagination to virtually ensure failure of most
eradication and control operations under present response paradigms. More often
response has not even been attempted. Some of the human limitations contributing
to this poor record may be overcome with concerted attention, research, and educa-
tion, and future control operations may meet with improved success. However, the
political impetus for such change has largely been lacking so far.
These discoveries have numerous implications for devising proper policy and
management responses to herpetological invasions. They also illustrate important
research needs.
Implications for Management
What implications do the data presented herein have for design of effective
management strategies for alien reptiles and amphibians? And, beyond that, what
requirements must be met more generally to respond to this accelerating ecological
problem? How can we transcend the current haphazard responses to herpetological
incursions and devise an intelligent, coordinated means to significantly reduce
this threat?
Perhaps the conclusion of greatest management importance derived from the
data presented herein is that prevention of additional herpetofaunal invasions must
rely first and foremost on curtailing introductions. This is not only because preven-
tion is the most efficient and (typically) cost-effective means of controlling alien
invasions generally (see Chapter 1) but also because eradication and control opera-
tions against alien herpetofauna have proven remarkably ineffective to date. Many
tens of thousands of additional herpetological introductions are possible (and likely,
without change in our habits), and eradication or control will not be a biologically
or fiscally viable option for most of them. So averting the problem instead of treat-
ing it after the fact will be key. This is not to say that eradication and control opera-
tions should be foresworn, but development of effective techniques will require
considerable investments in research, and these strategies are unlikely to be widely
useful for the foreseeable future. In contrast, pathway-management techniques are
either already in hand to some extent or could be developed with less delay and
cost. Such techniques include wholesale screening and/or treatment of arriving
cargo. Comprehensive prevention programs will necessarily rely largely on the
activities of governments because those are the institutions responsible for control-
ling ingress and egress across political boundaries. However, private programs can
also have a role in meeting prevention needs, as discussed later.
