An integrative overview of the ecology and management of invasive species. Course will cover the eco-evolutionary and human drivers of invasions, their impacts from genes to ecosystems and human societies, and invasive management. Students will engage in hands-on management of invasives in the Athens area through service-learning.
Athena Title
Ecology of Invasive Species
Prerequisite
(ECOL 3500 and ECOL 3500L) or (ECOL 3505H and ECOL 3500L) or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to define invasive species and identify biological and human factors that shape their arrival, establishment, and spread.
Students will understand the impacts of biological invasions at multiple biological scales from genes to ecosystems, and on human systems from ecosystem services, economics, and well-being.
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of diverse approaches to predicting, preventing, and managing invaders of terrestrial and aquatic invasions.
Students will be able to synthesize knowledge and demonstrate interdisciplinary understanding of the challenges of managing contemporary invasive species, and develop potential management solutions through reading and class-based discussion and activities.
Students will have familiarity with the natural history and impacts of common invasives on the UGA campus, and work in teams and with diverse stakeholders to design and carry out invasive management workdays.
Topical Outline
I. Ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic drivers of invasions
-What is an invasive species? Definitions of invasiveness and global impacts
-Arrival mechanisms – intentional imports and hitchhikers
-Factors affecting local establishment – life history, behavioral, and evolutionary factors
-Attributes of habitats and communities that facilitate invasions
-Factors affecting spread – natural and anthropogenic dispersal mechanisms
II. Impacts of invasive species
-Novel species interactions: invasives as enemies, facilitators, and mates of native species
-Impacts of invasives on community structure and function
-Impacts on ecosystem function and services
-Assessing the economic impacts of invasions
-Impacts on human well-being
-Indigenous perspectives on invasive species
III. Predicting, preventing, and managing invasions
-Techniques for predicting invasions
-Surveillance and legislation as tools of invasion prevention
-Managing plant invasions
-Managing invasions of terrestrial animals
-Managing aquatic invasions
IV. Challenges and integrative solutions for managing contemporary invasions
-Focus on immersive case studies that integrate ecological knowledge and diverse societal perspectives to identify challenges, conflicts, and holistic solutions to managing invasions (possible examples: feral cats, ornamental plants, sport fish introductions)
V. Service-Learning: managing invasive species in Athens
-Students will visit heavily invaded areas in the Athens area, identify common invasives and their impacts, and meet with multiple partners
-Design and carry out invasive plant removal workdays
-Whole-class reflection on successes and challenges of invasive species workdays
