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USGS2024

Assessing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) occupancy and detection probability within Lake Erie from environmental DNA

Grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ), an invasive cyprinid within the Laurentian Great Lakes, is naturally reproducing in several Lake Erie tributaries, which has raised concerns of the species’ spread throughout Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes. Knowledge of the recent invasion extent outside of the western basin of Lake Erie, particularly in eastern tributaries and nearshore waters, is limited. Understanding the invasion extent would improve the efficacy of ongoing coordinated multi-agency control efforts. Molecular tools, such as environmental DNA (eDNA), have shown promise for early detection of aquatic invasive species. In this study, water samples (N = 476) were collected for grass carp eDNA monthly between May and November in 2018 and 2019, at three sites in the Michigan waters of Lake Erie and the Detroit River. We fit Bayesian multi-scale occupancy models to determine differences in eDNA capture and detection probability among grass carp qPCR assays, sampling sites, and across time. To determine whether grass carp were physically present, and to validate eDNA samples, we quantified recent grass carp presence in sampled areas using an existing acoustic telemetry and field sampling framework. Our results indicate that grass carp eDNA capture probability differed among sites, but there was no difference among months. Positive grass carp eDNA detections were observed across multiple months at each site, with 69% of site-specific sampling events testing positive for grass carp eDNA on at least one assay and replicate. The majority (65%) of weeks where positive eDNA sampling detections occurred also concurrently had one or more grass carp detected via acoustic telemetry 1–6 days prior. Our results highlight the potential utility of using eDNA to monitor the invasion extent of grass carp within the nearshore waters of Lake Erie. However, further evaluation of the factors that influence grass carp eDNA characteristics among sites within Lake Erie are needed to determine its efficacy for surveillance protocols by natural resource management agencies.

Lake Erie↗

USGS2016

Invasive pythons, not anthropogenic stressors, explain the distribution of a keystone species

Untangling the causes of native species loss in human-modified systems is difficult and often controversial. Evaluating the impact of non-native species in these systems is particularly challenging, as additional human perturbations often precede or accompany introductions. One example is the ongoing debate over whether mammal declines within Everglades National Park (ENP) were caused by either the establishment of non-native Burmese pythons ( Python molurus bivittatus ) or the effects of other anthropogenic stressors. We examined the influence of both pythons and a host of alternative stressors—altered hydrology and habitat characteristics, mercury contamination and development—on the distribution of the marsh rabbit ( Sylvilagus palustris ), a once common mammal in ENP. Distance from the epicenter of the python invasion best explained marsh rabbit occurrence in suitable habitat patches, whereas none of the alternative stressors considered could explain marsh rabbit distribution. Estimates of the probability of marsh rabbit occurrence ranged from 0 at the python invasion epicenter to nearly 1.0 150 km from the invasion epicenter. These results support the hypothesis that invasive pythons shape the distribution of marsh rabbits in southern Florida. The loss of marsh rabbits and similar species will likely alter trophic interactions and ecosystem function within the Everglades, an internationally important hotspot of biodiversity. Further, our results suggest that non-native species can have profound impacts on mainland biodiversity.

Florida↗

USGS2012

Persistence and extirpation in invaded landscapes: patch characteristics and connectivity determine effects of non-native predatory fish on native salamanders

Studies have demonstrated negative effects of non-native, predatory fishes on native amphibians, yet it is still unclear why some amphibian populations persist, while others are extirpated, following fish invasion. We examined this question by developing habitat-based occupancy models for the long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum) and nonnative fish using survey data from 1,749 water bodies across 470 catchments in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA. We first modeled the habitat associations of salamanders at 468 fishless water bodies in 154 catchments where non-native fish were historically, and are currently, absent from the entire catchment. Wethen applied this habitat model to the complete data set to predict the probability of salamander occupancy in each water body, removing any effect of fish presence. Finally, we compared field-observed occurrences of salamanders and fish to modeled probability of salamander occupancy. Suitability models indicated that fish and salamanders had similar habitat preferences, possibly resulting in extirpations of salamander populations from entire catchments where suitable habitats were limiting. Salamanders coexisted with non-native fish in some catchments by using marginal quality, isolated (no inlet or outlet) habitats that remained fishless. They rarely coexisted with fish within individual water bodies and only where habitat quality was highest. Connectivity of water bodies via streams resulted in increased probability of fish invasion and consequently reduced probability of salamander occupancy.These results could be used to identify and prioritize catchments and water bodies where control measures would be most effective at restoring amphibian populations. Our approach could be useful as a framework for improved investigations into questions of persistence and extirpation of native species when non-native species have already become established.

Rocky Mountains↗

USGS2024

When to target control efforts? Using novel GPS telemetry to quantify drivers of invasive Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) movement

In South Florida, the Argentine black and white tegu ( Salvator merianae ), a large, omnivorous lizard, has become a recent threat to the Everglades ecosystem. The increase in tegu observations, especially near ecologically sensitive areas such as Everglades National Park, makes informed management critical to contain the tegu population. Using Very High Frequency (VHF) and Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry, we tracked 24 tegus in the Southern Glades Wildlife Management Area and Redland Agricultural Area in Homestead, Florida from March 2016 to November 2018 and March 2021 to January 2022. We used generalized additive models to determine factors that drive tegu movement to inform managers when traps and surveillance plots are most likely to be effective. Our top model included temporal (time of day and time of year), environmental (air temperature, relative humidity, rain, and wind speed from closest weather station), and biological (sex) variables. This model explained 34.6% of the deviance in tegu minimum rate of movement. We determined that tegus were most active between mid-March and mid-April, and tegu minimum rate of movement positively correlates with air temperature (i.e., highest activity during the hottest part of the day in the early afternoon). We observed a slight positive trend between tegu minimum rate of movement and relative humidity, and no clear trend between rate of movement and either rainfall or wind. Our results can inform natural resource management actions to target tegu removal and surveillance during high activity periods to maximize resource use.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2022

Using structured decision making to evaluate potential management responses to detection of dreissenid mussel (Dreissena spp.) environmental DNA

Environmental (e)DNA tools are sensitive and cost-effective for early detection of invasive species. However, the uncertainty associated with the interpretation of positive eDNA detections makes it challenging to determine appropriate natural resource management responses. Multiple sources of error can give rise to positive detections of eDNA in a sample when individuals of that species are not present at the site or a widespread infestation is not imminent. Acting on an erroneous eDNA inference could result in needless costs or reductions in desirable resources. Alternatively, failure to rapidly act on eDNA results that truly indicate invader presence could compound negative impacts and lead to high, long-term costs to manage infestations. We used a structured decision making (SDM) process, which incorporates tradeoffs and uncertainties, to evaluate appropriate response actions following hypothetical eDNA detections of invasive dreissenid mussel ( Dreissena spp.) eDNA in Jordanelle Reservoir, Utah (USA). We worked with decision-makers and stakeholders to identify objectives and discrete management action alternatives to assess consequences and tradeoffs. Alternatives ranged from no action to intensive and expensive control efforts. The best performing alternative was delayed containment described by immediate attempts to confirm the eDNA detections using non-molecular sampling techniques followed by mandatory watercraft exit inspections to prevent dreissenid mussel spread to regional water bodies. Non-molecular sampling increased public support for management by demonstrating a commitment to monitor the invasion state before action, whereas containment decreased likelihood of regional spread to other waters. Delayed containment had the lowest downside risk, and the highest upside gains relative to other alternative actions. Sensitivity analyses showed our results to be robust to parameter and outcome uncertainty.

Management of Biological Invasions↗

USGS2014

Testing for multiple invasion routes and source populations for the invasive brown treesnake ( Boiga irregularis ) on Guam: implications for pest management

The brown treesnake ( Boiga irregularis ) population on the Pacific island of Guam has reached iconic status as one of the most destructive invasive species of modern times, yet no published works have used genetic data to identify a source population. We used DNA sequence data from multiple genetic markers and coalescent-based phylogenetic methods to place the Guam population within the broader phylogeographic context of B. irregularis across its native range and tested whether patterns of genetic variation on the island are consistent with one or multiple introductions from different source populations. We also modeled a series of demographic scenarios that differed in the effective size and duration of a population bottleneck immediately following the invasion on Guam, and measured the fit of these simulations to the observed data using approximate Bayesian computation. Our results exclude the possibility of serial introductions from different source populations, and instead verify a single origin from the Admiralty Archipelago off the north coast of Papua New Guinea. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that B. irregularis was accidentally transported to Guam during military relocation efforts at the end of World War II. Demographic model comparisons suggest that multiple snakes were transported to Guam from the source locality, but that fewer than 10 individuals could be responsible for establishing the population. Our results also provide evidence that low genetic diversity stemming from the founder event has not been a hindrance to the ecological success of B. irregularis on Guam, and at the same time offers a unique ‘genetic opening’ to manage snake density using classical biological approaches.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2018

What it is to be established: policy and management implications for non-native and invasive species

Management of invasive species, whether prevention, population reduction, or eradication, requires assessment of the invasive species’ population status and an assessment of the probability of success of management options. Perceptions of a species’ permanence in an environment or lack thereof frequently drives how limited time, financial, and personnel resources are allocated to such efforts. Language we use to describe a non-native species’ status largely defines these perceptions and sets boundaries, real or perceived, to potential management actions. Here we discuss the use of a particular term – “established” – when confronting management decisions for invasive species. Our objective is to contribute to bridging the gap between the realms of conceptual development and management with respect to use of the term “established”. We find that although there are benefits of polysemy and synonymy to conceptual development they present an additional challenge to managers who must weigh the costs, benefits, and potential for success of particular management actions. We also examine how existing conceptual frameworks might be augmented to bridge the theoretical-practical gap, such as more precisely defining potential management actions and explicitly including assessment of risk.

Management of Biological Invasions↗

USGS2024

READI-Net—Providing tools for the early detection and management of aquatic invasive species

Overview Early detection of biological threats, such as invasive species, increases the likelihood that control efforts will be successful and cost-effective. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) sampling is an established method for the efficient and sensitive early detection of new biological threats. The Rapid eDNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) is a project designed with partners to provide a full suite of tools to maximize the power of eDNA sampling for detecting invasive species. The READI-Net suite of tools will include the availability of autonomous eDNA samplers, multispecies molecular DNA detection tools, strategic sample design, standardized and repeatable lab analysis, and a communication framework to deliver eDNA detection results to inform invasive species science, policy, and management. The READI-Net project is part of a national strategy to implement eDNA sampling for the early detection of and rapid response to biological threats.

Fact Sheet↗

USGS2015

Genetic characterization of hybridization between native and invasive bittersweet vines ( Celastrus spp.)

Hybridization associated with species introductions can accelerate the decline of native species. The main objective of this study was to determine if the decline of a North American liana (American bittersweet, Celastrus scandens ) in the eastern portion of its range is related to hybridization with an introduced congener (oriental bittersweet, C. orbiculatus ). We used newly characterized microsatellite loci, a maternally-inherited chloroplast DNA marker, and field observation to survey individuals across the USA to determine the prevalence of hybrids, their importance in the invasion of C. orbiculatus , and the predominant direction of hybridization. We found that only 8.4 % of non-native genotypes were hybrids (20 of 239), and these hybrids were geographically widespread. Hybrids showed reduced seed set (decline of >98 %) and small, likely inviable pollen. Genetic analysis of a maternally inherited chloroplast marker showed that all 20 identified hybrids came from C. scandens seed parents. The strong asymmetry in pollen flow that favors fecundity in introduced males has the potential to greatly accelerate the decline of native species by wasting limited female reproductive effort.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2019

Integrating landscape simulation models with economic and decision tools for invasive species control

In managing invasive species, land managers and policy makers need information to help allocate scarce resources as efficiently and effectively as possible. Decisions regarding treatment methods, locations, effort, and timing can be informed by the integration of landscape simulation models with economic tools. State and transition simulation models align with conceptual models of ecosystem change often used by practitioners and have been used to characterize the potential consequences of invasions. Outputs of these simulations are typically summarized to describe landscape changes (e.g., infested area), which may provide sufficient information for mangers to make informed decisions. However, it is sometimes helpful or necessary to go a step further to consider the social and economic values associated with treating (or not treating) invasions. Here, we describe when and how to integrate state and transition simulation models with economic and decision tools to aid in the control of emerging and established populations of invasive species. The paper provides an overview of three types of questions that can be addressed: 1) how big is the problem? 2) which management strategy is most appropriate? and 3) what are key sources of uncertainty? For each question, we describe aspects that can be addressed by landscape simulation models alone, and outstanding questions that can be evaluated by integrating economic and decision tools. Through a series of example applications from the literature, we reinforce how the integration of these tools, and the interdisciplinary perspective such an integration requires, can increase relevance and utility of modeling efforts for resource managers and decision makers.

Management of Biological Invasions↗

USGS2024

A workshop to advance invasive species early detection capacity of The Rapid Environmental DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net)

Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) can minimize the impacts of invasive species, which cost billions of dollars globally. To bolster EDRR across the United States, the U.S. Department of the Interior is working with the U.S. Geological Survey and other partners to advance a National EDRR Framework that strengthens tools, actions, and processes to find and eradicate invasive species before they establish and cause negative impacts. An important component of this framework is to strengthen molecular tools for detecting new invasions. The Rapid Environmental (e)DNA Assessment and Deployment Initiative & Network (READI-Net) project is developing automating eDNA sampling tools, processes to ensure that eDNA results are reliable for management decision-making, and information structures to deliver eDNA results to end-users. To improve the potential uptake of this molecular EDRR toolbox, READI-Net investigators met with a group of end-users, partners, developers and subject-matter experts from federal agencies, tribes, universities, and an NGO representing state agencies from February 28 to March 1, 2023, in Moss Landing, CA. Here, we summarize the READI-Net project and the corresponding participant feedback.

Management of Biological Invasions↗

USGS2016

Pathways of fish invasions in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States

Non-native fish introductions are a major threat to biodiversity and fisheries, and occur through numerous pathways that vary regionally in importance. A key strategy for managing invasions is to focus prevention efforts on pathways posing the greatest risk of future introductions. We identified high-risk pathways for fish establishment in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States based on estimates of probability of establishment and records of previous introductions, which were considered in the context of emerging socioeconomic trends. We used estimates of propagule pressure, species’ environmental tolerance, and size of species pool to assess the risk of establishment by pathway. Pathways varied considerably in historic importance and species composition, with the majority of species introduced intentionally via stocking (primarily for sport, forage, or biocontrol) or bait release. Bait release, private stocking, illegal introductions intended to establish reproducing populations (e.g., of sport fish), aquaculture, and the sale of live organisms all create risks for future invasions in the Mid-Atlantic region. Of these pathways, bait release probably poses the greatest risk of introductions for the Mid-Atlantic region because propagule pressure is moderate, most released species are tolerant of local environmental conditions, and the pool of species available for transplantation is large. Our findings differ considerably from studies in other regions (e.g., bait release is a dominant pathway in the Mid-Atlantic region, whereas illegal introduction of sport fish is dominant in the western US and aquarium releases are dominant in Florida), demonstrating the need for regional-scale assessments of, and management strategies for, introduction pathways.

Delaware, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Penn↗

USGS2016

Factors affecting post-control reinvasion by seed of an invasive species, Phragmites australis , in the central Platte River, Nebraska.

Invasive plants, such as Phragmites australis , can profoundly affect channel environments of large rivers by stabilizing sediments and altering water flows. Invasive plant removal is considered necessary where restoration of dynamic channels is needed to provide critical habitat for species of conservation concern. However, these programs are widely reported to be inefficient. Post-control reinvasion is frequent, suggesting increased attention is needed to prevent seed regeneration. To develop more effective responses to this invader in the Central Platte River (Nebraska, USA), we investigated several aspects of Phragmites seed ecology potentially linked to post-control reinvasion, in comparison to other common species: extent of viable seed production, importance of water transport, and regeneration responses to hydrology. We observed that although Phragmites seed does not mature until very late in the ice-free season, populations produce significant amounts of viable seed (>50 % of filled seed). Most seed transported via water in the Platte River are invasive perennial species, although Phragmites abundances are much lower than species such as Lythrum salicaria , Cyperus esculentus and Phalaris arundinacea . Seed regeneration of Phragmites varies greatly depending on hydrology, especially timing of water level changes. Flood events coinciding with the beginning of seedling emergence reduced establishment by as much as 59 % compared to flood events that occurred a few weeks later. Results of these investigations suggest that prevention of seed set (i.e., by removal of flowering culms) should be a priority in vegetation stands not being treated annually. After seeds are in the seedbank, preventing reinvasion using prescribed flooding has a low chance of success given that Phragmites can regenerate in a wide variety of hydrologic microsites.

Nebraska↗

USGS2006

When landscaping goes bad: The incipient invasion of Mahonia bealei in the southeastern United States

Woodlots are forest islands embedded within an urban matrix, and often represent the only natural areas remaining in suburban areas. Woodlots represent critical conservation areas for native plants, and are important habitat for wildlife in urban areas. Invasion by non-indigenous (NIS) plants can alter ecological structure and function, and may be especially severe in remnant forests where NIS propagule pressure is high. Woody shrubs in the Family Berberidaceae have been well documented as invaders of the forest-urban matrix in North America. Mahonia bealei (Berberidaceae) is a clonal shrub native to China, and is a popular ornamental in the Southeastern United States. Mahoni bealei is listed as "present" on some local and state floras, but almost nothing is known regarding its invasion potential in the United States. We sampled 15 woodlots in Clemson, South Carolina, to assess the invasion of M. bealei and other woody non-indigenous species (NIS). M. bealei invaded 87% of the woodlots surveyed and species richness of NIS on these woodlots varied from 5 to 14. Stepwise-multiple regression indicated that less canopy cover and older M. bealei predicted greater abundance of M. bealei , and that not all subdivisions were equally invaded (P < 0.0001; r 2 = 0.88). The impact of M. bealei on native flora and fauna may be considerable, and it is likely to continue to spread in the Southeastern United States. M. bealei should be recognized as an aggressive invader in the Southeastern United States, with the potential for negative impacts on native flora and fauna. ?? Springer 2006.

Biological Invasions↗

USGS2020

Walleye growth declines following zebra mussel and Bythotrephes invasion

Invasive species represent a threat to aquatic ecosystems globally; however, impacts can be heterogenous across systems. Documented impacts of invasive zebra mussels ( Dreissena polymorpha ) and spiny water fleas ( Bythotrephes cederströmii ; hereafter Bythotrephes ) on native fishes are variable and context dependent across locations and time periods. Here, we use a hierarchical Bayesian analysis of a 35-year dataset on two fish species from 9 lakes to demonstrate that early life growth of ecologically important fishes are influenced by these aquatic invasive species. Walleye ( Sander vitreus ) in their first year of life grew more slowly in the presence of either invader after correcting for temperature (measured by degree days), and were on average 12 or 14% smaller at the end of their first summer following invasion by Bythotrephes or zebra mussels, respectively. Yellow perch ( Perca flavescens ) growth was less affected by invasion. Yellow perch on average grew more slowly in their first year of life following invasion by zebra mussels, although this effect was not statistically distinguishable from zero. Early life growth of both walleye and yellow perch was less tightly coupled to degree days in invaded systems, as demonstrated by increased variance surrounding the degree day-length relationship. Smaller first-year size is related to walleye survival and recruitment to later life stages and has important implications for lake food webs and fisheries management. Future research quantifying effects of zebra mussels and Bythotrephes on other population-level processes and across a wider gradient of lake types is needed to understand the mechanisms driving observed changes in walleye growth.

Minnesota↗

USGS2019

Ligation and division of ductus deferens does not produce long term sterility in most bighead carp or grass carp

Invading species are most easily eradicated or controlled if detected early and rapid action can be taken, but locating and eradicating small numbers of aquatic invaders is extremely difficult. Bighead carp ( Hypophthalmichthys nobilis ) and grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella ) are Asian cyprinids that have been widely introduced and are considered undesirable and detrimental invasive species in many parts of their introduced range. The relatively novel “Judas fish” technique is used to locate aggregations of fish in the wild by strategically releasing individuals equipped with surgically implanted transmitters. However, releasing Judas fish that are capable of reproducing is problematic because it could add to the invasion problem by contributing to recruitment if not recaptured. We thus tested whether surgical ligation and division of the ductus deferens could effectively sterilize adult diploid bighead and grass carp. If effective, surgical sterilization would result in a superior Judas fish by maintaining the reproductive motivation derived from intact gonads while blocking the reproductive potential. This technique was initially successful, but ultimately most individuals were able to recanalize the surgically-severed ducts and produce milt, and were thus potentially able to reproduce during the following spawning season. Thus, ligation and division of the ductus deferens does not seem to be a viable procedure to sterilize bighead carp or grass carp for deployment as Judas fish where long term sterility of the fish is paramount in importance.

Missouri↗

USGS2018

Establishment of the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Louisiana

The Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis , is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, and is invasive in areas where it has been introduced and established in the Caribbean as well as Florida. Despite repeated occurrences in several states over many years, it was not believed that Cuban treefrogs had successfully established outside of Florida in the mainland United States. From mid-September to mid-November 2017, we captured and removed 367 Cuban treefrogs in just four surveys in New Orleans, Louisiana. The impacts of this population on native treefrogs in this area is unknown but possibly severe as indicated by the paucity of observations of native treefrogs during our surveys. Eradication of this seemingly established population is improbable, but continued surveys will facilitate learning about the ecology and genetics of this novel population.

Louisiana↗

USGS2009

Competitive interactions between a native spider ( Frontinella communis , Araneae: Linyphiidae) and an invasive spider ( Linyphia triangularis , Araneae: Linyphiidae)

There are numerous reports of spiders that have become established outside of their native ranges, but few studies examine their impact on native spiders. We examined the effect of the European hammock spider Linyphia triangularis (Araneae, Linyphiidae) on the native bowl-and-doily spider Frontinella communis (Araneae, Linyphiidae) in Acadia National Park, Maine, USA. First, we added L. triangularis to established plots of F. communis . Significantly more F. communis abandoned their webs when L. triangularis were added compared to control plots. Second, we tested whether F. communis were deterred from building webs in areas where L. triangularis was established. Significantly fewer F. communis built webs on plots with L. triangularis than on control plots. In both experiments, L. triangularis sometimes took over webs of F. communis or incorporated F. communis webs into their own webs, but F. communis never took over or incorporated L. triangularis webs. Competition between L. triangularis and F. communis for both webs and web sites may contribute to the decline of F. communis .

Biological Invasions↗