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How
is Havasu National Wildlife Refuge managing invasive species?
Successful
management of exotic and invasive species is achieved through a four step
approach: Prevention, Detection, Control, and Reestablishment.
Prevention
Prevention is the first line of defense against invasive species. Prevention
depends on public and land manager awareness and is achieved through education
and regulation.
Detection
Early detection makes rapid and complete control more likely. Detection is
achieved through monitoring methods such as field surveys and population mapping.
Control
Rapid response is the first step of control. Controlling small populations
greatly reduces costs and resource losses.
The second step of control is to gather information about the infestation.
Location, size, rate and direction of spread, and accessibility of the site
are all critical pieces of information that can help form a plan of control.
The third step is to contain the spread. Satellite colonies and perimeters
are where control efforts are first focused. Once these areas are controlled,
efforts are focused on the interior of the colony.
Methods of treatment fall into three categories: mechanical, chemical,
and biological. Mechanical treatment includes hand pulling, trapping,
girdling, and use of equipment such as chainsaws and dozers. Chemical
treatment is the use of pesticides such as herbicides, fungicides, and
rodenticides. Biological control is the use of a natural predator to control
the invasive species.
The last step is a complete check of the entire site to eradicate any remaining
individuals. Failure to fully control every individual will result in a re-establishment
and spread of the infestation.
Revegetation
In
the case of plants, once a site is cleared of the invasive species, native
vegetation must be re-established. This step can occur naturally or by assistance.
Revegetation with native vegetation in a reclaimed site not only helps restore
biodiversity and the natural functions of that site, but also protects against
re-invasions of invasive species.
Learn more about Havasu's Reveg Program
How do Invasive Species affect me?
