Testing alternative strategies for management of invasive alien tree species at the expansion front through individual based modelling

POWELL, P. A; MONTTI, L.; PALMER, STEPHEN C.F.; TRAVIS, JUSTIN M. J.; BURSLEM, D F R P; PONCHON A.

pucon

Conferencia; 16TH International Conference on Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions; 2023

Managing invasive non-native species (INNS) poses a global challenge, particularly for long-lived trees such as Ligustrum lucidum, which have detrimental effects on invaded ecosystems, notably in Argentina. By utilizing Individual-based Models (IBMs), we conducted simulations to explore different control methods and their impact on the population dynamics and range expansion propensity of the established population. Through various sets of simulations, we manipulated the number of life stages and targeted sites. Furthermore, we examined how altering the management strategy over time influenced the outcomes. It was found that controlling all life stages was crucial in containing the expansion of L. lucidum. Removing both reproductive and non-reproductive stages proved to be more than twice as effective as removing either saplings or reproductive stages alone, particularly when a significant number of sites were targeted annually. The method of selecting sites for removal within the population played a significant role when only saplings were targeted; in such cases, prioritizing the most recently colonized sites proved to be the most effective strategy. Lastly, a strategy that transitions from controlling all stages to exclusively focusing on early life stages after five years demonstrated potential in reducing both the total population size and the occupied area. This approach could be valuable in situations where long-term resources for control are limited. The ability of IBMs to simulate various scenarios and evaluate outcomes at both population and landscape levels enhances their usefulness in predicting the success of INNS management. This not only saves time and reduces the cost of fieldwork but also aids in identifying potential limitations of control actions.