Abstract
The aim of our study is to provide an integrated framework for the management of alien plant invasions, combining insights and experiences from the fields of invasion and restoration ecology to enable more effective management of invasive species. To determine linkages between the scientific outputs of the two disciplines we used an existing data base on restoration studies between 2000 and 2008 and did a bibliometric analysis. We identified the type of restoration applied, determined by the aim of the study, and conducted a content analysis on 208 selected studies with a link to biological invasions (invasion-restoration studies). We found a total of 1075 articles on ecosystem restoration, with only eight percent of the studies having the main objective to control alien invasions. The content analysis of 208 invasion-restoration studies showed that the majority of the studies focused on causes of degradation other than alien invasions. If invaders were referred to as the main driver of degradation, the prevalent cause for degradation was invaders outcompeting and replacing native species. Mechanical control of alien plant invasions was by far the most common control method used. Measures that went beyond the removal of alien plants were implemented in sixty-five percent of the studies. Although invasion control was not as common as other types of restoration, a closer look at the sub-group of invasion-restoration studies shows a clear link between restoration and invasion ecology. Concerns, as identified in the literature review, are firstly that restoration activities mostly focus on controlling the invader while other underlying causes for degradation are neglected, and secondly that the current approach of dealing with alien invasions lacks a combination of theoretical and practical aspects.
Highlights
Management of invaded ecosystems is an increasingly complex problem worldwide (e.g. Roura-Pascual et al 2009)
It has been acknowledged that clearing of invasive species alone is often not sufficient for re-establishing native communities; some form of restoration is increasingly seen as vital when dealing with alien invasions (Esler et al 2008)
We focus on plant invasions only as these represent the primary challenge in terrestrial restoration ecology
Summary
Management of invaded ecosystems is an increasingly complex problem worldwide (e.g. Roura-Pascual et al 2009). Restoration efforts are challenged by numerous obstacles caused by invasive species such as altered ecosystem properties and ecosystem functions. In this study we attempt to find ways of improving the management of alien plant invasions by combining insights and experiences from the fields of invasion and restoration ecology with the aim of informing restoration practice. To tackle the challenge of combining efforts from both fields we first need to understand whether, how and where the two disciplines overlap in terms of applied management. Building on the findings of our literature analysis we provide an integrated framework for the management of alien plant invasions. We focus on plant invasions only as these represent the primary challenge in terrestrial restoration ecology
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