The challenges of long‐term invasive mammal management: lessons from the UK

Aileen C Mill,Gwen Maggs,Conor Mckinney,Alastair I Ward,Pete Robertson,Sarah L Crowley,Nikki J Robinson,Xavier Lambin,Mariella Marzano

doi:10.1111/mam.12186

Abstract

AbstractWe consider the motivations, strategies, and costs involved in invasive mammal management undertaken in the UK. Widespread established invasive mammals require long‐term management to limit damage or spread, but ongoing management is costly and complex. Long‐term management is most effective where it is applied at a landscape scale, but this requires overarching co‐ordination between multiple stakeholders. Five challenges for successful long‐term management of invasive mammal species are identified as follows: defining landscape‐scale strategies, management co‐ordination, stakeholder and community engagement, sustainable funding, and evidence requirements. We make recommendations on the supportive infrastructure needed for effective landscape‐scale management of invasive mammals to fulfil long‐term conservation aims, as follows. 1. There is a need for evidence‐based Invasive Species Action Plans to provide strategy for the long‐term ongoing management of prioritised species at appropriate scales. 2. Where possible, multispecies approaches to invasive species management should be adopted. 3. Trusted leadership should be identified to take ownership of Action Plans and provide an overarching co‐ordination to bring individuals, organisations, and funders together. 4. Support for a centralised hub for training, data, and knowledge flows will greatly improve scientific outcomes through a searchable evidence base, and via best practice and knowledge sharing.

Highlights

Invasive species are identifiable by their environmental, economic and societal impacts
Multispecies approaches to invasive species management should be adopted
In the UK, some invasive mammals are so widespread that they are more abundant than native species (Mathews et al 2018) and have significant ecosystem impacts

Summary

Introduction

Invasive species are identifiable by their environmental, economic and societal impacts. We argue that landscape-scale, co-ordinated approaches to the management of established invasive mammals are necessary, to improve the success rates and cost-effectiveness of current approaches. In reviewing the current landscape-scale invasive mammal management programmes in the UK, we outline five challenges that need to be addressed to improve long-term invasive species management.

Results

Conclusion