Assessing and Managing Invasive Species within Protected Areas

Abstract

An assessment of IAS threats identifies and determines IAS that currently threaten values within the Protected Area or Protected Area system. Complete assessments identify potential sources and pathways of entry for new IAS (Goodman 2003; Pomeroy et al 2004). A thorough assessment should also identify the capacity and resources available and needed to mitigate IAS threats (e.g. labor, technical skills, knowledge and training, equipment and funding). The purpose of completing an IAS assessment is to assist in the: • Identification of needs and gaps in IAS management, • Development of Protected Area and Protected Area system prevention and control plans, • Prioritize prevention and management activities, and the allocation of resources, • Establishment of a baseline to determine effectiveness of management interventions, and to • Monitor and evaluate trends.