Bringing back the natives: comparing novel and traditional control methods for reducing the dominance of invasive species

Overview

Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.

Invasion ecology has largely focused on understanding the characteristics of invasive species and approaches for reducing their relative abundance and impact. Despite extensive research, the most common control strategies remain focused on removing the invader itself with various physical, chemical or biological tools, such as bulldozers, herbicides and insects. In many instances these common control methods prove ineffectual resulting in re-establishment and expansion of the same invader or others. In this project, the efficacy of common control methods based on traditional theories of succession will be compared with novel methods that incorporate an understanding of the biology of the invader and the native species will be measured and compared. This project will involve field surveys and/or experiments, as well as statistical and mathematical modelling.

Study level
PhD
Supervisors
QUT
Organisational unit

Science and Engineering Faculty

Research area

Biogeoscience

Keywords
invasion ecology, ecology, invasive species, native plants
Contact

Please contact the supervisor.