Identifying characteristics that enable species to become invasive across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

Biological invasions are considered the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction, and the number and impacts of invasive species are predicted to rise in the future. Introduced by humans, about 1% of non-native species have been reported as invasive (i.e. establish self-sustainable populations, reach high abundance, and spread quickly through large geographic areas). Knowing the characteristics that distinguish species that are invasive from species that are non-invasive is crucial for biosecurity risk assessment and for prioritizing management efforts. Non-native species likely to be invasive could be banned for import or targeted by managers, whereas non-invasive species that pose no ecological, economic or health threat could be largely ignored. Because of the threat of invasive species and the value of having a “character profile” of high risk species, considerable effort has gone into identifying characteristics associated with invasive species. Despite some success, a definitive set of traits that reliably predicts invasiveness remains elusive and a universal approach for identifying invasive species is lacking [1]. Further, very few connections have been made between the types of species that become invasive across different types of ecosystems [2].
This project will examine the similarities and differences among species that are invasive and non-invasive across ecosystem types and taxonomic groups, with the aim of identifying a common set of characteristics or life strategies shared by all invasive species.

Approach:
This project will involve working across different types of organisms (plants, vertebrates and invertebrates) and different types of ecosystems (marine, freshwater, terrestrial). Although the actual traits measured will depend on the taxonomic groups of interest (e.g. different traits will necessarily be used for plants and birds), traits that indicate similar life strategies will be used, where possible (e.g. plant seed mass and bird clutch size both relate to fecundity).
The project will combine analyses of existing data with collection of new data to conduct meta-analysis and statistical modeling, including species distribution models [1, 2]. Data will be gathered from the literature, compiled from collaborators, and collected from the field. Following fieldtrips, samples will be examined in the lab to enable trait measurement (e.g. for plants: specific leaf area, seed mass, leaf dry matter content, leaf nitrogen content, plant height). Targeted field experiments may be possible.
The specifics of this project (including organism and ecosystem type) will be tailored to suit the interests of the student, data availability and collaborator expertise, but the project will involve the study of plants and marine invertebrates at the very least. Fieldwork may involve working in wetlands, rivers, grasslands, forests and coastal zones, both in the UK and internationally.

For more information: http://noc.ac.uk/gsnocs/project/identifying-characteristics-enable-species-become-invasive-across-aquatic-terrestrial