The unaddressed threat of invasive animals in U.S. National Parks

Abstract

Invasive species, both plants and animals, are a long-standing threat to the National Parks of the United States. For nearly two decades the National Park Service has implemented a service-wide invasive plant management program without a commensurate program focusing on invasive animals. While individual park units are struggling to sufficiently address the threat of invasive terrestrial and aquatic animal species, a system-wide effort could bring the resources and capacity needed to address a challenge of this magnitude. We present our key findings from a detailed review about invasive animal species and their management by the National Park Service. We assert that the global threat of invasive animals substantially undermines the National Park Service mission. Coordinated action could improve the ability for the National Park Service to meet the challenge, and partnering with neighboring agencies and invasive species networks outside of the National Park Service is essential for success. Public engagement, cooperation and support is also critical and can be accomplished through strategic engagement efforts. Finally, the National Park Service would benefit from the development of an invasive animal program that includes structured decision support, adaptive man-Disclaimer: The views and conclusions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the National Park Service. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the National Park Service.

Public contributions to early detection of new invasive pests

“…Motivations for reporting invasive species can depend on perceptions of invasive species and their impacts, which are complex and have not been sufficiently studied (Kapitza, Zimmermann, Martín‐López, & von Wehrden, 2019; Shackleton et al, 2019). Influencing perceptions through targeted informational campaigns can increase awareness and motivation, but a solid understanding of stakeholder values regarding potential invasive species is needed to craft an effective social marketing campaign (Dayer et al, 2020). Strategic messaging about invasive species management, framed in terms of stakeholder values and identity and delivered by trusted sources, may be more effective for incentivizing reporting than generalized outreach.…”

Disassembled Food Webs and Messy Projections: Modern Ungulate Communities in the Face of Unabating Human Population Growth

“…In the intervening 110 years, we have created deliberate and inadvertent refuges to favor and diminish bio-complexity to the point where even large protected areas may not do justice to represent ecological baselines (Arcese and Sinclair, 1997). Purposeful enhancements include habitat improvements through re-creation of fire regimes and removal of exotics (Dayer et al, 2019). More subtle factors alter predation regimes including: (1) humans as an indirect shield and (2) 'apparent competition, ' which is the facilitation of a single species that changes the dynamics of another species where both are prey for a single predator (DeCesare et al, 2010).…”

Land use-induced spillover: priority actions for protected and conserved area managers

“…Invasive alien species (e.g., non-native rodents) can also become hosts of zoonotic pathogens or vectors (e.g., for non-native mosquitoes). Protected and conserved areas should therefore take preventative measures against the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, especially where there is substantial human activity (Dayer et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2020). Tu (2009) provides guidance for assessing and managing invasive alien species within protected areas.…”