Work package 2
Non-native species - impacts on biodiversity, strategies for management and predictions of future

Project leaders: Dr. Jane Stout (TCD), Prof. Bruce Osborne (UCD)

Project Statement

Globally, invasive non-native (alien) species are important drivers of environmental change and can have profound consequences for native biodiversity. In this workpackage, we will examine biological invasion by non-native species in the study region and assess impacts on biodiversity, interactions between non-native species and climate change, and make predictions on future environmental change facilitated by non-native species. We will use different taxa and habitats as model systems to produce specific biological data and to synthesise general predictions for protection and management of ecological resources. The workpackage will bring together expertise from several disciplines, academic institutions and government bodies, and link with existing and proposed projects within BioChange (e.g. workpackages 3 and 4) to develop an integrated approach to non-native species management across a range of habitats and taxa.

Objectives and Targets

• Quantify impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity
• Examine interaction of non-native species and other components of environmental change
• Make predictions of future impacts and spread of non-native species
• Recommend control strategies for particular problem taxa
• Develop early warning systems for detection and control of non-native species
• Train researchers in techniques for studying non-native species invasion
• Increase public awareness of problems associated with non-native species