Spatial heterogeneity in invasive species impacts at the landscape scale

• DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1311
• Publication Date: 2016-04-21T06:59:55Z
• Authors: Alexander W. Latzka; Gretchen J.A. Hansen; Matthew Kornis; M. Jake Vander Za...
• Keywords: Species distribution

Abstract Invasive species have substantial impacts across the globe. While management efforts should aim to minimize undesirable impacts, we a poor understanding of how given invasive vary spatially. Here, develop framework for considering heterogeneity that allows us explore range possible spatial patterns impact. This incorporates two factors—how abundance varies among sites (i.e., distributions) and impact as function abundance–impact curves). Combining these factors creation probability distributions represent may spatially sites. We used published inferred curves generate problematic species—zebra mussel Eurasian watermilfoil—across lakes in Wisconsin, USA . Impact tended be right‐skewed majority had low impacts), although tail thickness varied. also simulated broader combinations produce different These simulations illustrate remarkable diversity patterns—probability were left‐skewed, right‐skewed, bimodal, normal. Total landscape‐level estimated by summing site‐level similarly variable depending on distribution impacts. Our results indicate ultimately affect are distributed landscape, which has important implications management.