Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-dk4vv Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T06:24:45.179Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Eradication—preventing invasions at the outset

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Daniel Simberloff*
Affiliation:
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37997; [email protected]

Abstract

A growing number of invasive animal populations—both vertebrate and invertebrate—have been completely eradicated. These projects usually have been on islands, but some have been on large continental areas, and many technologies have been used. Total eradication of plant populations has been reported less frequently, but there are nevertheless many successes. Though biological features may tend to make plant eradication more difficult than animal eradication, the difference in the number of success stories is probably more due to greater enthusiasm, persistence, and perhaps resources devoted to animal eradication than to biological differences. There is every reason to believe that many plant populations could be eradicated, particularly if eradication campaigns were coupled with a monitoring system that detects invasions early. Features conducive to successful eradication are (1) resources must be adequate, and there must be a commitment to see the project through to completion; (2) clear lines of authority must be established; (3) the biology of the species must be appropriate; (4) the target species must be detectable at low densities; and (5) subsequent intensive management of the system, such as for restoration, may be necessary. For success in some eradication campaigns, rapid reinvasion must be unlikely; in other instances the economics of the situation may make the attempt worthwhile even if reinvasion ensues. A failed eradication effort need not be a mistake, particularly if the eradication method used would have been utilized in traditional maintenance management. Further, the inspirational value of an eradication campaign and its enlistment of citizen support may help sensitize the public to the entire problem of invasive introduced species. Expanded eradication efforts can potentially effect enormous ecological and economic savings.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Literature Cited

Anonymous. 1997. Medfly flybys cut back following complaints. Tallahassee Democrat July 9:10c.Google Scholar
Arrow, K. J., Cropper, M. L., Eads, G. C. et al. 1996. Is there a role for benefit-cost analysis in environmental, health, and safety regulation? Science 272:221222.Google Scholar
Azevedo, M. 1990. Of eucalypts and ecology. Calif. Waterfront Age 6 (1): 1620.Google Scholar
Baumhover, A. H., Graham, A. J., Bitter, B. A., Hopkins, D. E., New, W. D., Dudley, F. H., and Buchland, R. C. 1955. Screw-worm control through release of sterilized flies. J. Econ. Entomol. 48:462466.Google Scholar
Brody, J. E. 1975. Agriculture department to abandon campaign against the fire ant. New York Times April 20:46.Google Scholar
Campbell, C. and Carter, F. D. 1999. The Florida department of corrections involvement in exotic pest plant control. Pages 147149 In Jones, D. T. and Gamble, B. W., eds. Florida's Garden of Good and Evil. West Palm Beach, FL: Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.Google Scholar
Chiles, L. 1996. Proclamation—Invasive Nonnative Plant Eradication Awareness Month. Tallahassee, FL: State of Florida Executive Department.Google Scholar
Colman, P. H. 1978. An invading giant. Wildl. Aust. 15 (2): 4647.Google Scholar
Coulston, G. J. 2002. Invasive weed control on Poor Knights and Hen and Chickens Islands. Pages 7984 In Veitch, D. and Clout, M., eds. Turning the Tide: Eradication of Invasive Species. Auckland: Invasive Species Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).Google Scholar
Crooks, J. and Soulé, M. E. 1996. Lag times in population explosions of invasive species: causes and implications. Pages 3946 In Sandlund, O. T., Schei, P. J., and Viken, A., eds. Proceedings, Norway/UN Conference on Alien Species. Trondheim, Norway: Directorate for Nature Management and Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.Google Scholar
Cullen, J. M. and Delfosse, E. S. 1985. Echium plantagineum: catalyst for conflict and change in Australia. Pages 249292 In Delfosse, E. S., ed. Proceedings of the VI International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. Vancouver: Agriculture Canada.Google Scholar
Curtis, M. 1996. Community groups make a clean sweep to eliminate broom. Victoria Times-Colonist November 1:A4.Google Scholar
Dahlsten, D. L. 1986. Control of invaders. Pages 275302 In Mooney, H. A. and Drake, J. A., eds. Ecology of Biological Invasions of North America and Hawaii. New York: Springer-Verlag.Google Scholar
Dash, B. A. and Gliessman, S. R. 1994. Nonnative species eradication and native species enhancement: fennel on Santa Cruz Island. Pages 505512 In Halvorson, W. L. and Maender, G. J., eds. The Fourth California Islands Symposium: Update on the Status of Resources. Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.Google Scholar
Davidson, N. A. and Stone, N. D. 1989. Imported fire ants. Pages 196217 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Davis, S. 1990. The cape weed caper. Calif. Waterfront Age 6 (1): 2224.Google Scholar
Davis, J. R. and Garcia, R. 1989. Malaria mosquito in Brazil. Pages 274283 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Donlan, C. J., Tershy, B. R., Keitt, B. S., Sánchez, J. A., Wood, B., Weinstein, A., Croll, D. A., and Hermosillo, M. A. 2000. Island conservation action in northwest Mexico. Pages 330338 In Browne, D. R., Mitchell, K. L., and Chaney, H. W., eds. Proceedings of the Fifth California Island Symposium. Santa Barbara, CA: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.Google Scholar
Dubos, R. 1965. Man Adapting. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. 527 p.Google Scholar
Econews. 1998. City wide broom bash. Newsletter No. 77, November. Available at http://www.earthfuture.com/econews/back_issues/98-11.htm.Google Scholar
Eplee, R. E. 2001. Coordination of witchweed eradication in the USA. Page 36 In Wittenberg, R. and Cock, M.J.W., eds. Invasive Alien Species: A Toolkit of Best Prevention and Management Practices. Wallingford, Great Britain: CAB International.Google Scholar
Fenner, F., Henderson, D. A., Arita, I., Jezek, Z., and Ladnyi, I. D. 1988. Smallpox and its Eradication. Geneva: World Health Organization.Google Scholar
Galvin, T. J. and Wyss, J. H. 1996. Screwworm eradication program in Central America. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 791:233240.Google Scholar
Gasco, D. 1995. Keep up efforts to save Australian pines on A1A. Palm Beach Post May 23:10.Google Scholar
Getz, C. W. 1989. Legal implications of eradication programs. Pages 6673 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Gosling, M. 1989. Extinction to order. New Sci. 121:4449.Google Scholar
Hiaasen, C. 2002. Which is more invasive, canker or the state? Miami Herald June 2:A15.Google Scholar
Hoelmer, K. A. and Grace, J. K. 1989. Citrus blackfly. Pages 147165 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Iwahashi, O. 1996. Problems encountered during long-term SIT program in Japan. Pages 391398 In McPheron, B. A. and Steck, G. J., eds. Fruit Fly Pests: A World Assessment of Their Biology and Management. Delray Beach, FL: St. Lucie Press.Google Scholar
Kuba, H., Kohama, T., Kakinohana, H., Yamagishi, M., Kinjo, K., Sokei, Y., Nakasone, T., and Nakamoto, Y. 1996. The successful eradication programs of the melon fly in Okinawa. Pages 534550 In McPheron, B. A. and Steck, G. J., eds. Fruit Fly Pests: A World Assessment of Their Biology and Management. Delray Beach, FL: St. Lucie Press.Google Scholar
Langland, K. and Sutton, D. 1992. Assessment of Mimosa pigra Eradication in Florida. Gainesville, FL: Florida Department of Natural Resources.Google Scholar
Lapeyssonie, L. 1988. La Médecine Coloniale. Paris: Seghers. 278 p.Google Scholar
LeVeen, E. P. 1989. Economic evaluation of eradication programs. Pages 4156 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Macdonald, I.A.W. 1988. The history, impacts and control of introduced species in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Trans. R. Soc. S. Afr. 46:251276.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mack, R. N. and Lonsdale, W. M. 2002. Controlling invasive plants: hard-won lessons from continents and islands. Pages 164172 In Veitch, D. and Clout, M., eds. Turning the Tide: Eradication of Invasive Species. Auckland: Invasive Species Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).Google Scholar
McQueen, C., Noemdoe, S., and Jezile, N. 2000. The Working for Water Programme. Pages 5154 In Preston, G., Brown, G., and van Wyk, E., eds. Best Management Practices for Preventing and Controlling Invasive Alien Species. Symposium Proceedings. Cape Town: The Working for Water Programme.Google Scholar
Mead, A. R. 1979. Ecological malacology: with particular reference to Achatina fulica . Volume 2b. In Fretter, V., Fretter, J., and Peake, J., eds. Pulmonates. London: Academic Press. 150 p.Google Scholar
Meinesz, A. 2001. Killer Algae. 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 378 p.Google Scholar
Merrill, L. D. 1989. Citrus canker. Pages 184195 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. 378 p.Google Scholar
Miller, T. L. and Thill, D. C. 1983. Today's weed: common crupina. Weeds Today 14 (3): 1011.Google Scholar
Myers, J. H., Savoie, A., and van Randen, E. 1998. Eradication and pest management. Ann. Rev. Entomol. 43:471491.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Myers, J. H., Simberloff, D., Kuris, A. M., and Carey, J. R. 2000. Eradication revisited: dealing with exotic species. Trends Ecol. Evol. 15:316320.Google Scholar
Nicholls, P. 1998. Maintaining coastal integrity: eradication of Spartina from New Zealand. Aliens 8:7.Google Scholar
Oladunmade, M., Dengwat, A. L., and Feldmann, H. U. 1986. The eradication of Glossina palpalis palpalis (Robineau Desvoidy) (Diptera: Glossinidae) using traps, insecticide impregnated targets and the sterile insect technique in central Nigeria. Bull. Entomol. Res. 76:27752786.Google Scholar
Parkes, J. P., Henzel, R. P., and Pickles, G. S. 1994. Managing Vertebrate Pests: Feral Goats. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. 47 p.Google Scholar
Pauly, P. J. 1996. The beauty and menace of the Japanese cherry trees. Isis 87:5173.Google Scholar
Penrose, D. 1996. California's 1993/1994 Mediterranean fruit fly eradication program. Pages 551554 In McPheron, B. A. and Steck, G. J., eds. Fruit Fly Pests: A World Assessment of Their Biology and Management. Delray Beach, FL: St. Lucie Press.Google Scholar
Perkins, J. H. 1989. Eradication: scientific and social questions. Pages 1640 In Dahlsten, D. L. and Garcia, R., eds. Eradication of Exotic Pests. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.Google Scholar
Perrings, C., Williamson, M., and Dalmazzone, S. 2000. Conclusions. Pages 227240 In Perrings, C., Williamson, M., and Dalmazzone, S., eds. The Economics of Biological Invasions. Cheltenham, Great Britain: Edward Elgar.Google Scholar
Pimentel, D., Lach, L., Zuniga, R., and Morrison, D. 2000. Environmental and economic costs of nonindigenous species in the United States. BioScience 50:5365.Google Scholar
Quammen, D. 1998. Planet of weeds. Harper's Magazine 275 (October): 5769.Google Scholar
Randall, R. 2001. Eradication of a deliberately introduced plant found to be invasive. Page 174 In Wittenberg, R. and Cock, M.J.W., eds. Invasive Alien Species: A Toolkit of Best Prevention and Management Practices. Wallingford, Great Britain: CAB International.Google Scholar
Randall, J. M., Lewis, R. R. III, and Jensen, D. B. 1997. Ecological restoration. Pages 205219 In Simberloff, D., Schmitz, D. C., and Brown, T. C., eds. Strangers in Paradise. Impact and Management of Nonindigenous Species in Florida. Washington, DC: Island Press.Google Scholar
Reichard, R. E., Vargas-Teran, M., and Abus Sowa, M. 1992. Myiasis: the battle continues against screwworm infestation. World Health Forum 13:130138.Google Scholar
Rejmánek, M. and Pitcairn, M.J. 2002. When is eradication of exotic pest plants a realistic goal? Pages 249253 In Veitch, D. and Clout, M., eds. Turning the Tide: Eradication of Invasive Species. Auckland: Invasive Species Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).Google Scholar
Schardt, J. D. 1997. Maintenance control. Pages 229243 In Simberloff, D., Schmitz, D. C., and Brown, T. C., eds. Strangers in Paradise. Impact and Management of Nonindigenous Species in Florida. Washington, DC: Island Press.Google Scholar
Sharp, D. 2000. Citrus tree inspectors face gunshots in Fla. USA Today August 2:2A.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. 1992. Conservation of pristine habitats and unintended effects of biological control. Pages 103114 In Kauffman, W. C. and Nechols, J. E., eds. Selection Criteria and Biological Consequences of Importing Natural Enemies. Baltimore, MD: Entomological Society of America.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. 1997a. Eradication. Pages 221228 In Simberloff, D., Schmitz, D. C., and Brown, T. C., eds. Strangers in Paradise. Impact and Management of Nonindigenous Species in Florida. Washington, DC: Island Press.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. 1997b. Nonindigenous species—a global threat to biodiversity and stability. Pages 325334 In Raven, P., ed. Nature and Human Society. The Quest for a Sustainable World. Washington, DC: National Research Council.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. 2002a. Managing established populations of introduced species. Pages 269278 In Claudi, R., Hendrickson, O., and Ottens, H., eds. Alien Invasive Species: A Threat to Canadian Biodiversity. Ottawa: Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. 2002b. Why not eradication? Pages 541548 In Rapport, D. J., Lasley, W. L., Ralston, D. E., Nielsen, N. O., Qualset, C. O., and Damania, A. B., eds. Managing for Healthy Ecosystems. Boca Raton, FL: CRC/Lewis Press.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. 2002c. Today Tiritiri Matangi, tomorrow the world!—Are we aiming too low in invasives control? Pages 412 In Veitch, D. and Clout, M., eds. Turning the Tide: Eradication of Invasive Species. Auckland: Invasive Species Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).Google Scholar
Simberloff, D., Doak, D., Groom, M. et al. 1999. Regional and continental restoration. Pages 6598 In Soulé, M. E. and Terborgh, J., eds. Continental Restoration. Washington, DC: Island Press.Google Scholar
Simberloff, D. and Stiling, P. D. 1998. How risky is biological control? Reply. Ecology 79:18341836.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Soper, F. L. and Wilson, D. B. 1943. Anopheles gambiae in Brazil, 1930–1940. New York: The Rockefeller Foundation. 262 p.Google Scholar
Steiner, L. F., Hart, W. G., Harris, E. J., Cunningham, R. T., Ohinata, K., and Kamakahi, D. C. 1970. Eradication of the oriental fruit fly from the Mariana Islands by the methods of male annihilation and sterile insect release. J. Econ. Entomol. 63:131135.Google Scholar
Steiner, L. F. and Lee, R.K.S. 1955. Large-area tests of a male-annihilation method for oriental fruit fly control. J. Econ. Entomol. 48:311317.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Steiner, L. F., Mitchell, W. C., Harris, E. J., Kozuma, T. T., and Fujimoto, M. S. 1965. Oriental fruit fly eradication by male annihilation. J. Econ. Entomol. 58:961964.Google Scholar
Stickney, P. F. 1972. Crupina vulgaris (Compositae: Cyanaceae), new to Idaho and North America. Madroño 21:402.Google Scholar
Stout, D. 1996. Trees to be cut in Brooklyn to stop pests. New York Times December 25:A18.Google Scholar
Thill, D. C., Zamora, D. L., and Kambitsch, D. L. 1985. Termination and viability of common crupina (Crupina vulgaris) achenes buried in the field. Weed Sci. 33:344348.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thurston County Department of Water and Waste Management. 1995. Lake Long Eurasian Watermilfoil Eradication Project. Olympia, WA: Thurston County Department of Water and Waste Management.Google Scholar
Towns, D. R., Simberloff, D., and Atkinson, I.A.E. 1997. Restoration of New Zealand islands: redressing the effects of introduced species. Pac. Conserv. Biol. 3:99124.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Toy, V. S. 1999. City to give maple trees the ax to combat Asian beetle infestation. New York Times February 13:A16.Google Scholar
Usher, M. B. 1973. Biological Management and Conservation. London: Chapman and Hall. 394 p.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Van Driesche, J. and Van Driesche, R. 2000. Nature Out of Place. Washington, DC: Island Press. 363 p.Google Scholar
van Wilgen, B., Richardson, D., and Higgins, S. 2000. Integrated control of invasive alien plants in terrestrial ecosystems. Pages 118128 In Preston, G., Brown, G., and van Wyk, E., eds. Best Management Practices for Preventing and Controlling Invasive Alien Species. Symposium Proceedings. Cape Town: The Working for Water Programme.Google Scholar
Veitch, C. R. and Henry, J. 2001. Eradication of Pacific rats (Rattus exulans) from Tiritiri Matangi Island. Page 41 In Veitch, D. and Clout, M., eds. Turning the Tide: Eradication of Invasive Species. Auckland: Invasive Species Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).Google Scholar
Vogel, M. 2001. Dubious menace. Fla. Trend 43 (10): 4854.Google Scholar
Weiss, J. 1999. Contingency planning for new and emerging weeds in Victoria. Plant Prot. Q. 14:112114.Google Scholar
Westbrooks, R. G. 1993. Exclusion and eradication of foreign weeds from the United States by USDA APHIS. Pages 225241 In McKnight, B. N., ed. Biological Pollution. Indianapolis, IN: Indiana Acad. Sci.Google Scholar
Westbrooks, R. G., Hayes, D. C., and Gregg, W. P. 2000. Proposed strategies for early detection, reporting, rapid assessment, and rapid response to new invasive plants in the United States of America. In Proceedings of the Workshop, Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds. Washington, DC: Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds. Available at http://refuges.fws.gov/FICMNEWFiles/Early%20Detection%20Program/Proceedings%20on%20the%20Web/concept_paper.htm.Google Scholar
Young, A. M. 1989. Don't just do something … stand there Garden 13 (March/April): 2023, 31.Google Scholar
Zamora, D. L. and Thill, D. C. 1989. Seed bank longevity of common crupina (Crupina vulgaris) in natural populations. Weed Technol. 3:166169.Google Scholar
Zarillo, K. 1999. A progress report of the Brevard County Brazilian Pepper Busters public education activities and training manual. Pages 155162 In Jones, D. T. and Gamble, B. W., eds. Florida's Garden of Good and Evil. West Palm Beach, FL: Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.Google Scholar