New team to fight International threats to biodiversity
Invasive species are a major factor in the decline of indigenous biodiversity around the world. They also have serious social and economic impacts. There are few environments anywhere – whether terrestrial, freshwater or marine – where invasive species are not present. The ecological, economic and social impacts of invasive species are immense, insidious and increasing.
In the last 60 years New Zealand has gained an enviable international reputation for effectively managing invasive animals and plants. Important successes have been achieved as a result of managing pest impacts – including recovering threatened native species and restoring ecological communities and habitats. Landcare Research scientists have played an important part in supporting these activities. In the process we have developed skills and experience in areas critical to the success of invasive species management projects. Increasingly, our expertise in dealing with the problems is in demand around the world – from developing national policies to reduce the impacts of alien rodents on Australian islands, leading a study to assess the feasibility of eradicating invasive North American beavers from southern Patagonia, through to undertaking a review of a pig eradication project on Santa Cruz Island, California.
In response, Landcare Research has established a new business group, Invasive Species International (ISI). The ISI coordinating team – Alan Saunders (Hamilton), Phil Cowan (Palmerston North) and John Parkes (Lincoln) – facilitates the provision of technical advice and research support to help organisations achieve their invasive species management goals. Manager Alan Saunders says there is growing awareness internationally of the threats that invasive species represent, and recognition that best practice procedures have been developed and expertise is available to do something about these threats.
‘New Zealanders are renowned for their philosophy of “getting on with it”. Over time we have also become known for our science-based approaches to invasive species management – sometimes referred to as “Learning-by-Doing”. Exporting this kiwi philosophy of giving it a go, coupled with a science-based approach to management, is probably an important contribution that New Zealand can make to address growing international concerns about invasive species.’ ISI services available to management agencies include strategic planning, feasibility studies and design of projects, as well as the monitoring, evaluating and reviewing of projects mid-term, or on completion. In many cases research is needed to address key questions before management approaches can be selected. Landcare Research has extensive capacity and expertise in undertaking such management-driven research. Mr Saunders says the ISI team is actively seeking projects and partners here in New Zealand, and overseas. By facilitating inputs from partner agencies, as well as from Landcare Research staff, it is hoped that Invasive Species International will make a positive difference around the world.
Alan Saunders