The role of introduced species in the degradation of island ecosystems: a case history of Guam
Article Abstract:
Introduced, that is nonnative, species on a island can be extremely disruptive to the ecosystem there and the situation on Guam is illustrative. The accidental introduction of the brown treesnake, Boiga irregularis, on Guam around 1950 brought a cascade of extirpations perhaps unprecedented in historical extinction events in both severity and taxonomic scope. Bats, birds and reptiles found a changed world and by 1990 most forested areas had only three native vertebrates, all small lizards. It seems lack of coevolution of the introduced predator with prey, availability of alternate prey, and vulnerabilities of the Guam ecosystem were factors. Extraordinary predatory capabilities of the snake must be considered. Interaction among the factors was important, too.
Publication Name: Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics
Subject: Environmental issues
ISSN: 0066-4162
Year: 1998
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Choosing the appropriate scale of reserves for conservation
Article Abstract:
The appropriate scale of reserves for conservation must be established. Conservation at any organizational level may appropriately take in large or small reserves. Concerns at both scales are important. Often large reserves are not an option. The ways in which fine-filter and coarse-filter conservation differ are discussed.
Publication Name: Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics
Subject: Environmental issues
ISSN: 0066-4162
Year: 1999
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