Ecological Associations of Lantana camara in an East African Savanna Park

Fredrick Ssali, Robert Baluku, Gilbert Drileyo and Moses Muhumuza recount their experience investigating the invasive flowering plant Lantana camara and its impact on common native species in western Uganda. Researchers at the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute (UWRTI) teamed up with scientists from two Ugandan Universities and explored associations between Lantana camara and common native species in Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. … Continue reading Ecological Associations of Lantana camara in an East African Savanna Park

Creating innovative solutions to manage aquatic invasive species impacts

Author Sarah Kingsbury shares a new integrated management approach to better assess the effects and risks of aquatic invasive species on Atlantic salmon in Nova Scotia, Canada. Invasive species played key roles in the extinction of 60% of Earth’s plants and animals as reported by IPBES in 2023. While not all alien species introduced to new habitats become problematic (or even are able to establish … Continue reading Creating innovative solutions to manage aquatic invasive species impacts

Our invaded world: India’s quest for ecosystem restoration

Ninad Mungi shares recent work, conducted with colleagues, which involved monitoring India’s levels of invasive plant species. This has knock-on effects for apex predators, such as tigers, who rely on their prey being able to access native species. Introduction In a world grappling with drastic ecological challenges, biological invasions have emerged as a pernicious threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and global health. While the impacts … Continue reading Our invaded world: India’s quest for ecosystem restoration

ECR Journeys:  We are the Polar Alien Hunters 

This month, The Applied Ecologist is amplifying the voice of early career ecologists from around the world working in the field of applied ecology to help inspire the next generation. In this post, Jasmine Lee (British Antarctic Survey) and Christy Hehir (University of Surrey) share their story below.  Our backgrounds Christy: I am an environmental psychologist lecturer from the University of Surrey. In my spare … Continue reading ECR Journeys:  We are the Polar Alien Hunters 

Georgina Mace Prize 2022: Winner announced for early career researcher award

We’re excited to announce Luke Potgieter as the winner of the 2022 Georgina Mace Prize, celebrating the best article in the journal by an author at the start of their career. Winner: Luke Potgieter Research: Prioritizing sites for terrestrial invasive alien plant management in urban ecosystems About the research Rapid urbanization is placing increased pressure on natural, restored and designed ecosystems to provide services to … Continue reading Georgina Mace Prize 2022: Winner announced for early career researcher award

Luke Potgieter: Prioritizing sites to manage invasive aliens in urban ecosystems

Shortlisted for the Georgina Mace Prize 2022 In their latest research article, Luke Potgieter and colleagues developed a strategic, spatial prioritization approach for identifying sites most vulnerable to new or expanding terrestrial non-native plant invasions in urban landscapes. Cities have historically been under-studied in ecology and have not seen sufficient development of conservation and biodiversity management policy. This dearth of urban-focused applied ecology and conservation … Continue reading Luke Potgieter: Prioritizing sites to manage invasive aliens in urban ecosystems

Drivers of the Australian native pet trade: The role of species traits, socioeconomic attributes and regulatory systems

In their new study, Adam Toomes et al. discuss what are the drivers and problems of the exotic pet trade, and how we can make pet trade regulations more effective. Most people associate the word ‘pet’ with domesticated animals like cats and dogs, yet more exotic options such as ornamental rainbowfish, venomous snakes and rare parrots are becoming increasingly popular. With the modern advent of … Continue reading Drivers of the Australian native pet trade: The role of species traits, socioeconomic attributes and regulatory systems