Generic ecological impact assessments of alien species in Norway: a semi-quantitative set of criteria

Sandvik, Hanno; Saether, Bernt-Erik; Holmern, Tomas; Tufto, Jarle; Engen, Steinar; Roy, Helen E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6050-679X. 2013 Generic ecological impact assessments of alien species in Norway: a semi-quantitative set of criteria. Biodiversity and Conservation, 22 (1). 37-62. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0394-z

Before downloading, please read NORA policies.

Preview

Text Norway_impact_assessment_BioCons.pdf - Submitted Version Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract/Summary

The ecological impact assessment scheme that has been developed to classify alien species in Norway is presented. The underlying set of criteria enables a generic and semi-quantitative impact assessment of alien species. The criteria produce a classification of alien species that is testable, transparent and easily adjustable to novel evidence or environmental change. This gives a high scientific and political legitimacy to the end product and enables an effective prioritization of management efforts, while at the same time paying attention to the precautionary principle. The criteria chosen are applicable to all species regardless of taxonomic position. This makes the assessment scheme comparable to the Red List criteria used to classify threatened species. The impact of alien species is expressed along two independent axes, one measuring invasion potential, the other ecological effects. Using this two-dimensional approach, the categorization captures the ecological impact of alien species, which is the product rather than the sum of spread and effect. Invasion potential is assessed using three criteria, including expected population lifetime and expansion rate. Ecological effects are evaluated using six criteria, including interactions with native species, changes in landscape types, and the potential to transmit genes or parasites. Effects on threatened species or landscape types receive greater weightings.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-012-0394-z
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 1 - Observations, Patterns, and Predictions for Biodiversity > BD - 1.2 - Data collection systems to record and assess changes ... CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 2 - Ecological Processes in the Environment > BD - 2.2 - Quantify the impact of invasive species, pathogens ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pywell
ISSN:	0960-3115
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	The original publication is available at http://link.springer.com/
Additional Keywords:	Black List criteria, ecological effect, invasion potential, non-native species, quantitative risk assessment, risk classification
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Zoology
Date made live:	20 Nov 2012 14:04 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/20475

Actions (login required)

View Item

Document Downloads

More statistics for this item...