A study reveals how computer-based modeling can help researchers predict the optimal outcome to save natural habitats from invasive plants
When pesticides and intentional fires fail to eradicate an invasive plant species, declaring biological war may be the best option.
Melaleuca, an invasive, woody tree native to Australia, was introduced into Florida’s wetlands in the late 19th century and has caused havoc ever since by invading and displacing native vegetation and harming the biodiversity of the state’s freshwater ecosystems.
In 1997, to combat the intruder, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released melaleuca’s natural enemy—a small beetle known as the weevil—into areas where the tree thrived. The weevil, also a native of Australia, feeds on melaleuca, essentially disrupting its natural growing process and killing it slowly over time.
According to University of Miami graduate student Bo Zhang, who earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, over the past 20 years, the weevil has helped reduce melaleuca reproduction by 49 percent and its growth by 83 percent.
That would indicate the weevil is succeeding in its mission to reduce the spread and growth of melaleuca, but is 20 years worth of data enough to predict whether the weevil will vanquish the intruder entirely?
In their study, “Modeling the long-term effects of introduced herbivores on the spread of an invasive tree,” published in the journal Landscape Ecology, Zhang said she and her collaborators used an individual-based modeling platform, known in scientific circles as JABOWA-II, to come up with a hopeful answer.
Simulating various outcomes of the weevil’s impact on two types of South Florida habitats under attack by melaleuca—cypress swamps and bay swamps—the researchers found that the wetland’s dominant native species may recover in about 50 years from when the weevil was first introduced in 1997, further suppressing melaleuca through competition.
In essence, Zhang said, the model proves that introducing herbivores to an invasive species can save the native species, a finding that can be applied to other studies seeking similar outcomes in the natural world.
“This individual-based model is used for a lot of ecological research but this is the first time it was used to model the long-term effects of an invasive species,” said Zhang. “Basically, it can simulate each individual tree inside a plot of land and this provides more detailed information about biocontrol outcomes and, ultimately, what is the best outcome for the future.”
She adds that the model also provides researchers or government officials who are monitoring the small beetle’s effect on the melaleuca’s growth important long-term information—what areas need more insects, which need less, or which could disappear in a number of years.
Learn more: Predicting Future Outcomes in the Natural World
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Invasive plants
- New Yellowstone Boating Regs To Prevent Spread Of Aquatic Invasive Species
Yellowstone National Park is implementing additional measures to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into park waters.
- New measures to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park will implement new measures to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into park waters.
- Pa. to combat invasive moth species with aerial sprays
Spongy moths are an invasive species that eat at trees and ultimately destroy foliage across parks and forests alike.
- Wild bees are under threat from domestic bees, invasive species, pathogens and climate change—but we can help
Canada is home to more than 800 species of wild bees—few may have noticed the diversity of native bees buzzing around, but bees play a significant role in the survival of native plant populations.
- Your ultimate guide to Kudzu in the Carolinas: How to tackle the invasive plant and win
Kudzu is an invasive species that spreads rapidly and — if left unchecked — can cause intense, widespread environmental damage.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Invasive plants
[google_news title=”” keyword=”invasive plants” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Invasive plant species
- New Yellowstone Boating Regs To Prevent Spread Of Aquatic Invasive Species
Yellowstone National Park is implementing additional measures to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into park waters.
- Invasive termites dining in our homes will soon be a reality in most cities, says research
With climate change continuing its relentless march, the world faces not only rising temperatures and extreme weather but also an insidious threat to our homes: invasive termites. And the bill could ...
- Wild bees are under threat from domestic bees, invasive species, pathogens and climate change—but we can help
Canada is home to more than 800 species of wild bees—few may have noticed the diversity of native bees buzzing around, but bees play a significant role in the survival of native plant populations.
- Yellowstone National Park to implement measures to stop spread of invasive species
Yellowstone National Park will implement new measures to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species into the park's waters.Restrictions include a new 30-day ma ...
- Your ultimate guide to Kudzu in the Carolinas: How to tackle the invasive plant and win
Kudzu is an invasive species that spreads rapidly and — if left unchecked — can cause intense, widespread environmental damage.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Invasive plant species
[google_news title=”” keyword=”invasive plant species” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]