Understanding Invasive Species Becky Irwin and the speaker have mutual interest in plant pollinator interactions and chemical world. They discuss the timely issue of pollinator decline due to invasive species, emphasizing the need to understand causes, consequences, and solutions.
Causes of Invasive Species The relationship between human population size and invasive species is explored. The focus shifts from mere correlation to understanding mechanistic factors such as economic activities that affect landscapes. A modeling approach combines ecological properties with economic activities for predictive insight into susceptibility.
Consequences on Native Communities Invasive plants like Linaria vulgaris impact native communities by competing for resources and affecting pollination services. The study reveals varying effects on different native plants based on their interaction with bumblebees or other visitors.
Solutions: Collective Management vs Independent Management 'Collective management' involves property owners working together to control invaders collectively, considering feedback loops among neighbors' properties. 'Independent management' ignores neighborly spread of invasives but focuses solely on managing invaders within one's own property.
Optimal Management Strategy A bioeconomic model suggests that collective management leads to quicker eradication of invaders compared to independent management at high infestation levels.
Economic Policies for Encouraging Removal 'Subsidies' are found effective in encouraging removal of invasive plants across a social landscape.