The invasion and dispersal of Lavatera arborea

This study investigates the spread of the invasive plant Lavatera arborea (Tree Mallow) on the Islands of the Firth of Forth and its impact on the puffin population. We investigate the relationship between these two species and suggest possible strategies to prevent puffin decline and extinction. We develop a mathematical model to describe interactions between L. arborea, puffins and a herbivore and investigate conditions that lead to the control of L. arborea density and therefore the survival of the puffin population. Experimental genetic tests were also undertaken on samples of L. arborea collected from four islands of the Firth of Forth. The resulting genetic data was analysed to understand the amount of genetic variation within and between each island population and to infer possible dispersal patterns between islands.