Invasive Species Research | |
The Pacific Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona) is characterized by
remarkable biodiversity in an unparalleled range of environments. But the
region’s biodiversity and the continued survival of functioning native
ecosystems are threatened by the invasion of nonnative species. Once
established, some invasive species have the ability to displace or
replace native plant and animal species, disrupt nutrient and fire cycles, and
cause changes in the pattern of plant succession.
Under the USGS "Weeds in the West" initiative of 1998, the Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) began research that will improve the ability to detect, monitor, and predict the effects of invasive species. Equally important research is being conducted by WERC scientists on exotic animals. These studies will provide resource managers with the information and tools needed to better understand and control invasive species on the land they manage and to help them avoid or prevent future invasions. Download a fact sheet (pdf file) describing our invasive species program. |
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WERC projects
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