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Sand Dune Conservation, Management and Restoration pp 177–199Cite as

Alien Plant Invasion

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Part of the book series: Coastal Research Library ((COASTALRL,volume 4))

Abstract

The introduction of non-native plants and animals by humans has occurred over the centuries both by accident and as a deliberate policy. Due to of the absence of natural control mechanisms many of these species become invasive. This can be at such a rate that the often biologically diverse indigenous habitats and species become overwhelmed. Coastal sand dunes are naturally dynamic and hence offer a range of opportunities for colonisation. This chapter provides a review of the main species invading sand dunes and their impact on the functioning of the habitat and its native fauna and flora. The chapter includes some positive aspects of species invasion (including reasons for introduction), as well as a general review of the effects and efficacy of control. It deals with individual species interactions rather than the more general question of scrub invasion dealt with in Chap. 7.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Alien – “A species, sub-species or lower taxon occurring outside of the historically known range it occupies naturally and outside its dispersal potential as a result of direct or indirect introduction or care by humans. It includes any part, gametes or propagule that might survive and subsequently reproduce. Synonyms are non-native, non-indigenous, foreign and exotic” (Scalera and Zaghi 2004, p 4).

  2. 2.

    Invasive – “A species that is able to establish stable populations, colonizing irreversibly and spreading rapidly in entirely natural or semi-natural ecosystems. Biological invasions may also be a natural phenomenon, determining natural range expansions or contractions, without direct interventions by humans, although sometimes they may be fostered by possible human related environmental changes” (Scalera and Zaghi 2004, p 4).

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    J. Patrick Doody

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Doody, J.P. (2013). Alien Plant Invasion. In: Sand Dune Conservation, Management and Restoration. Coastal Research Library, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4731-9_8

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