Early Intervention Strategies for Invasive Species Management: Connections Between Risk Assessment, Prevention Efforts, Eradication, and Other Rapid Responses

Abstract

Managing invasive species becomes increasingly difficult and expensive as populations of new pathogens, plants, insects, and other animals (i.e., pests) spread and reach high densities. Research over the past decade confirms the value of early intervention strategies intended to (1) prevent invasive species from arriving within an endangered area or (2) detect and respond quickly to new species incursions (Baker et al. 2009; Ewel et al. 1999; Holden et al. 2016; Leung et al. 2014). The goal of such biosecurity approaches is to keep or return the density of invasive species to zero so that damages from those pests might be prevented or to confine populations to localized areas so that damage from those species might be limited (Magarey et al. 2009). Prediction, prevention, early detection, eradication, and other rapid responses, all components of proactive management, are less costly and more effective than reactive tactics (Epanchin-Niell and Liebhold 2015; Leung et al. 2002; Lodge et al. 2006; Rout et al. 2014) (Fig. 6.1). Prediction is achieved through risk assessment (a process to forecast the likelihood and consequence of an invasion) and pathway analysis (a process to evaluate the means by which invasive species might be brought into an area of concern). Prevention is achieved through a variety of measures including regulations and quarantine treatments. Indeed, pathway analyses and subsequent regulation of those pathways are considered “the frontline in the prevention of biological invasions” (Hulme 2009) and cost-effective approaches (Essl et al. 2015; Keller et al. 2007; Leung et al. 2002; Tidbury et al. 2016). Surveillance is fundamental to early detection, and if a target species is detected, the primary rapid responses are eradication, containment, or suppression (reviewed in Beric and MacIsaac 2015). Early intervention strategies often operate at spatial scales that are much greater than the scale at which most land managers operate. Success thus requires effective coordination among researchers, regulators, and managers at international, national, sub-national, and local levels.

When conventional methods fall short: identification of invasive cryptic Golden Apple Snails (Pomacea canaliculata; P. maculata) using environmental DNA

“…Mitigating economic and ecological losses caused by invasive species is best achieved via early detection and effective risk assessment (Pyšek & Richardson, 2010;Venette et al, 2021). Therefore, regular monitoring to control their spread, imposing restrictions on their habitat and breeding, and even selective removal approaches or effective utilization can be efficient ways to control invasions (Tobin, 2018).…”

“…Invasive alien species (transported and established non-natives) pose extreme threats to the areas to which they are introduced, by creating an imbalance in the natural ecosystem, carrying disease, and eliminating local populations (Tobin, 2018;Shabani et al, 2020). While the negative impacts on local biodiversity caused by these invasive species can be overcome through directed preventative mitigation and remediation measures (Pyšek & Richardson, 2010;Venette et al, 2021), this requires proper taxonomic identification coupled with fast and effective detection and management decisions (Tobin, 2018). In cases involving cryptic invasions where observational and morphological identification/distinction are each difficult or error-prone, invasive species that are undetected or misidentified can lead to false biodiversity information (Ramos et al, 2020), thus making speciesspecific management approaches ineffective and their knock-on effects difficult to understand.…”

Probe-based quantitative PCR and RPA-Cas12a molecular diagnostics for detection of the tomato pest Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)

“…This is especially relevant for P. absoluta testing as tomato crops in the United States already contain the presence of P. operculella and K. lycopersicella , which are both nearly identical morphologically. Once detected, agencies can decide between strategies including eradication, quarantine, or continued monitoring (Venette et al 2021). We expect that the molecular diagnostics presented here will add to the toolkit available to institutions to rapidly monitor for the appearance of P. absoluta .…”

The Bugs in the Bags: The Risk Associated with the Introduction of Small Quantities of Fruit and Plants by Airline Passengers

“…There are several different fundamental variables to be evaluated to reduce the threat linked to the introduction of invasive species: the probability that a harmful organism can enter Mediterranean countries (pathway analysis); the probability that a given plant harbors one type of parasite rather than another; and the possibility that a given parasite can find favorable hosts and climatic conditions and can thereby acclimatize to the newly invaded area (pest risk assessments) [ 92 ]. Potential damage from invasive species can be avoided if the invasion is prevented by early detection and intervention, the cheapest approach to managing invasive species [ 93 ]. For this aim, a proper quantitative risk assessment is important to better use resources and enhance sampling activities [ 3 ].…”