Exotic Plant Species as Problems and Solutions in Ecological Restoration: A Synthesis
Background:
Invasive exotic species are a major threat to native ecosystems, causing species declines and habitat degradation by consuming native species, spreading disease, outcompeting native species, or disrupting ecosystem functions. For restoration practitioners, exotic species often both necessitate restoration and complicate it. They may dominate disturbed sites, interfere with natural recovery processes, or leave behind lasting impacts such as seed banks or altered habitat conditions. However, in some cases, practitioners may intentionally use them to restore ecosystem functions when native species are unavailable, especially in severely degraded environments.
Goals and Methods:
This paper is a literature review that examines case studies and conceptual frameworks to explore how exotic species affect ecological restoration and addresses issues related to their presence and use. Although these studies exist, researchers have yet to fully integrate their findings into restoration practices. The goal is to bridge this gap by connecting insights from invasion ecology with restoration challenges, fostering discussion, and guiding future research.
Conclusions and Takeaways:
The paper argues that the impact of exotic species in restoration depends heavily on context, with some exotics disappearing as natives recover, while others dominate and disrupt succession, requiring ongoing management. Furthermore, both natural and human-caused disturbances often facilitate invasions by creating conditions that favor exotics, underscoring the need for strategies to minimize and manage such disruptions. Moreover, “system attributes," such as resource availability and species interactions, play a crucial role in determining a community's vulnerability to invasion, making their understanding vital for effective management. Additionally, the legacies that exotic species leave behind, such as altered soil conditions or persistent seed banks, can complicate restoration efforts. Lastly, managing exotics may sometimes conflict with protecting native species that depend on them, requiring careful trade-offs and balanced approaches.
Reference:
Exotic Plant Species as Problems and Solutions in Ecological Restoration: A SynthesisAbstract. Restoration Ecology. 2002;10(4):703 - 713. doi:10.1046/j.1526-100X.2002.01051.x.
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