Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 15.5
Rats are not only a major invasive alien species, they are also one that
interacts substantially with other introduced species; as predators, competitors,
or prey. As they are often the target of management programmes, it is essential
to consider their trophic relationships with other species, in order to avoid
potential chain reactions following their removal. Photo: Jean-Louis Chapuis.
The removal of a single alien species from an ecosystem does not necessarily lead to
biodiversity restoration. In some cases it even has the potential to lead to opposite
effects, through the release of other alien species, for example. Such processes can
have a dramatic impact on an ecosystem and its native biota. In these cases, the
eradication of alien species does not lead to biodiversity restoration. Pre-eradication
studies are essential for establishing the likelihood of such incidences.
Understanding what species are present in an ecosystem, which species they
interact with, and where they are located in the trophic web will place conservation
managers in a good position for making decisions regarding the potential impacts
of control eff orts on that ecosystem (Fig. 15.5). Furthermore, this will enable not
only success in removing unwanted species, but also the increased likelihood of
achieving the primary goal of most programmes—biodiversity restoration.
