Temporal Management of Invasive Species

Abstract

Successful management of invasive species requires using spatial models of current distributions and forecasts of spread with explicit consideration of the effects of time on the invasion. Forecasts must also include components contributing to the spread rate such as invasion stage and Allee effects. There are several different analysis techniques available for spatial models and forecasting, and the appropriate technique will depend on the particular research or management question. Many of the best forecasting examples with time as a parameter exist for insect species, but the same techniques are useful in forecasting the spread of plant species. Often, data availability is a limiting factor in doing this, so we need to change the data being collected. Inclusion of this temporal information in prioritization of resources for control/eradication efforts will help them be effective and efficient.