Documenting and Mapping Invasive Species for Early Detection/Rapid Assessment

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Research Task: 8327CMT.1.0
Task Manager: Tom Stohlgren

Early detection and rapid assessment (ED/RA) is becoming a crucial aspect of our national approach to the invasive species threat, exemplified by the USGS-led Brown Treesnake Rapid Response Team based on Guam. FORT research through the USGS National Institute of Invasive Species Science, and in cooperation with the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII), has built a strong ED/RA foundation. This work focuses on the technological and social aspects of developing an ED/RA network by (1) building key partnerships, (2)designing “smart” surveys that can be used by a broad cross-section of the community, (3) creating Web-based data-sharing and analysis technologies and new decision support tools, and (4) engaging in education and outreach. Development and maintenance of the NBII Invasive Species Node is one aspect of this work. To help quantify patterns of invasions, guide management activities, and identify gaps in information, research focuses on developing and testing cost-efficient field sampling methods and standardized protocols for invasive species surveys and monitoring to improve data quality as well as comparability across various sources. FORT investigators also integrate and synthesize existing information on invasive species. Key organisms representing major projects include tamarisk, cheatgrass, and aquatic organisms, but research efforts are being extended to include all non-native plants, animals, and wildlife diseases. The objectives of this body of work are to make better use of existing data; identify habitats vulnerable to invasion; identify the highest priority invasive species; and better coordinate all aspects of invasive species science, such as prevention, early detection and rapid assessment, monitoring and research, and outreach.

For more information contact Tom Stohlgren