Policy and management responses to earthworm invasions in North America

Callaham, Mac A.; González, Grizelle; Hale, Cindy M.; Heneghan, Liam; Lachnicht, Sharon L.; Zou, Xiaoming

doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-5429-7_11

Cited by 20 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Interest is growing to devise strategies for limiting the spread of earthworms into earthworm‐free or minimally impacted areas (Callaham et al . 2006).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence for human‐mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread

Hale

2008

Molecular Ecology

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As potent ecosystem engineers, non-native earthworms are altering the fundamental structure and function of previously earthworm-free cold-temperate hardwood forests in North America. Discarded earthworms used for fishing bait has been presumed to be an important vector for the continued spread of non-native earthworms because epicentres of invasion often include boat landings, lakeshores and roads. However, controversy has remained about the overall importance of human-mediated spread vs. natural expansion of established earthworm populations. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Cameron et al. explore the continued role of humans in dispersing non-native earthworms.

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“…Interest is growing to devise strategies for limiting the spread of earthworms into earthworm‐free or minimally impacted areas (Callaham et al . 2006).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence for human‐mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread

Hale

2008

Molecular Ecology

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“…There is no effective method known for controlling earthworm invasions in forests after introduction has occurred and management efforts have consequently focussed on the prevention of introductions (Callaham et al ., ). As predators, robins might help to control earthworm populations as native predators can suppress populations of some non‐native species (deRivera et al ., ; Carlsson et al ., ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Invasion by a non‐native ecosystem engineer alters distribution of a native predator

Cameron

Bayne

2012

Diversity and Distributions

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Aim Shifts in diet composition, abundance or distribution of native predators can occur as a result of exotic prey introductions. We examined effects of non‐native earthworms and anthropogenic landscape disturbance on habitat selection by the American robin (Turdus migratorius), a generalist predator, at landscape and local levels. We also investigated whether robins could act as vectors of spread for earthworm cocoons (egg cases). Location Boreal forest of Alberta, Canada. Methods We conducted robin and earthworm surveys at campgrounds, well pads, roads, pipelines, seismic lines and forest interiors across northern Alberta. At a subset of paired locations that had similar habitats and anthropogenic disturbance levels, we sampled both robins and earthworms. Results Both groups were most likely to occur at campgrounds, well pads and roads. Furthermore, robins were more likely to occur at locations where earthworms were present in our paired local‐level surveys. This correlation between robin and earthworm distributions could be due to robins acting as a vector for earthworm spread, rather than robins’ use of earthworms as prey. However, in tests using captive robins, earthworm cocoons did not survive digestion. Main conclusions Robin and earthworm distributions were correlated, likely due to robins’ use of earthworms as prey. These results suggest exotic prey can strongly influence native predators at both landscape and local levels, with shifts in native predator distributions occurring as a result of spatial variability in exotic prey distributions. Although the impacts of ecosystem engineering by earthworms have been previously demonstrated, our study provides evidence that effects of earthworms can also cascade upwards via trophic interactions.

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“…Restoration goals for these taxa must take into account the location’s natural history and pay attention to the presence of non‐native fauna. Control at the early stages of invasion may be feasible and cost effective (Callaham et al 2006).…”

Section: Potential Future Usesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current and Potential Roles of Soil Macroinvertebrates (Earthworms, Millipedes, and Isopods) in Ecological Restoration

Snyder¹,

Hendrix²

2008

Restoration Ecology

103

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Soil macroinvertebrates have a considerable impact on soil functions important to the restoration process, such as decomposition; yet, soil organisms have received relatively little attention in restoration ecology in terms of their applicability as agents of restoration. Here, we review how large obligate detritivores (earthworms, millipedes, and isopods) have been used to accomplish restoration goals, assess restoration progress, and function as bioindicators. Patterns of detritivore community succession and how these communities are themselves restored during restoration of perturbed ecosystems are also discussed. We conclude with a discussion of increased utilization of these taxa in future and ongoing restoration projects as well as the outreach activities that should be associated with use of these organisms.

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Policy and management responses to earthworm invasions in North America

Cited by 20 publications

References 33 publications

Evidence for human‐mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread

Evidence for human‐mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread

Invasion by a non‐native ecosystem engineer alters distribution of a native predator

Current and Potential Roles of Soil Macroinvertebrates (Earthworms, Millipedes, and Isopods) in Ecological Restoration

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