Invasive Vertebrate Species and the Challenges of Management

Invasive vertebrates have had significant effects on native species, ecosystem processes, human health and economies around the world for more than 200 years. However, in the last 30 years, the breadth and impact of invasive species has accelerated with the growth and integration of high speed transportation networks. The effects of many non-native species are often difficult to predict prior to establishment. Current efforts to manage invasive species can be broken into the areas of prevention of introduction and detection of incipient populations, documentation of impacts, and development and implementation of management tools. We address various aspects of these areas under the broad headings of 1) invasiveness and pathways, and 2) impacts, managements, and challenges. One of the biggest challenges of invasive species management is the lack of interest and resources to manage species before they are established. Hence, few tools exist to manage populations once a population is established. As such, much of the focus of current research is dedicated to identifying the impact of species and the development of management tools. Further, these new tools must not only be effective but also adaptable to the ever changing dynamics of the economic, social, and ecological aspects of the locality invaded. The symposia at this conference on various invasive vertebrates highlight both successful and unsuccessful management efforts, investigations to determine the full impact of invasive species, and the development of novel control techniques