CELCE - Extinction Studies DTP Seminar series w/ Professor Helen Roy: Predicting biological invasions to prevent extinctions

Title: Predicting biological invasions to prevent extinctions

Abstract: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment’s message is stark: biodiversity – the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems – is declining faster than at any time in human history. Invasive non-native species introduced by humans into regions beyond their natural distribution, were identified as one of the five top direct causes of biodiversity loss. Biological invasions can threaten biodiversity and ecosystems and cause extinctions, particularly through their interactions with other drivers of change such as climate warming. I will share insights into invasion ecology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring, particularly involving citizens. I will highlight the importance of collaborations and stakeholder engagement to mitigate the impacts of invasive non-native species. Information from many different sources (including peer-reviewed publications, databases, indigenous local knowledge) and at various scales (from local to global) can be used to inform science, policy and ultimately conservation.