Invasive birds cause damage to economies, natural resources, and human safety across the globe. In the United States, rock doves (Columba livia), Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto), rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), common mynas (Acridotheres tristis), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus) are among the invasive and often harmful small-bodied birds inhabiting periurban habitats. The destructive nature of these species warrants a review of methods to reduce or eradicate populations along with methods to reduce damage when population eradication cannot be achieved. We reviewed damage management literature from these species’ native and introduced ranges. Additionally, we used the behavior and ecology of these species to inform tool recommendations and potential efficacy under various damage scenarios, while being sensitive to cultural preferences and location of implementation (residential, commercial, and agricultural). Although this review focuses on invasive birds in the United States, it is applicable to other pest species across the globe. Our review highlights areas where research is needed to validate promising damage management methods (lethal control, fertility control, habitat modification, exclusionary methods, frightening devices, and chemical repellents). Where birds are invasive, integrated pest management techniques should focus on eradication or population reduction (toxicants, shooting, and trapping) to keep populations at levels where nonlethal tools can reduce damage. We acknowledge the efficacy of an eradication campaign depends on biological, environmental, and economic factors, along with social license for lethal removal. We recommend integrated pest management strategies including lethal and nonlethal tools specific to the damage problem. Sustained efforts to reduce invasive populations should be used along with integrated deterrent strategies for short-term damage relief.

Horticultural trade is a well-documented pathway of introduction for numerous invasive species globally, including ferns. In this study, we analysed trade in terrestrial true ferns (Polypodiophyta) in selected anglophone countries: Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The study provides an overview of fern trade and explored the relationship between trade and alien fern introductions with a view to prioritise risk assessment and ultimately inform management interventions. Through consulting horticultural catalogues, in a period of just six months we identified a total of 382 fern species currently traded by 148 traders. International trade was observed in only three countries with most trade occurring at national scales and e-commerce did not clearly dominate over on-ground trade. Alien species accounted for more than 60% of the total number of traded species in most countries except in Australia and New Zealand. A total of 193 species have not previously been recorded as alien in plant species inventories in their countries of trade and were assigned the status of introduced. Several species (2–10 species per country; 38 species in total) known to be invasive in their country of trade remain actively traded there and are immediate priorities for regulation pending climate, risk and impact assessments. We categorised another 78 species with the status of naturalised or introduced in their trade countries in terms of their priority for risk or climate suitability assessment, and identified 101 potential candidates (approximately 20% of alien species traded per country) for Safe listing. This research constitutes one of few studies that have used horticultural catalogues to identify alien species, and highlights the efficiency of this approach as a tool for the early detection and prioritisation of potentially invasive species for management responses.

Biological invasions of exotic plant species affect nutrient cycling, soil characteristics, ecosystem stability, and biodiversity. Therefore, management measures to protect the ecosystem and native species against invasive species are becoming more important. The tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima L., is an invasive alien plant with currently limited distribution on Jeju island, South Korea, while successfully invading areas with similar climates in China and Japan. Therefore, it has a high possibility of invasion and may have an adverse effect on the ecosystem of Jeju Island. This study aimed to develop an environmentally friendly management strategy to control S. altissima while understanding the major factor that makes the difference of invasion success between Japan and Jeju island. Plant communities were monitored and allelopathic effects of S. altissima were tested. Furthermore, the effectiveness of mowing at varying frequencies and timing for the control of S. altissima were applied. S. altissima already dominates several plant communities on Jeju Island, harms the plant community via allelopathy, and reduces biodiversity. However, our study shows that mowing is an effective method to control S. altissima populations. Mowing inhibits early invasion of S. altissima and also reduces dominance and reproductive features of S. altissima where invasion has already been processed. Therefore, mowing should be adopted for the management of S. altissima invasion. Mowing is an environmentally friendly management method for the control of S. altissima and could be applied to other invasive species.

Clonal species Agave fourcroydes and A. sisalana from ancient crops have become invasive in Mediterranean drylands, posing a severe threat to ecologically valuable native plant communities. However, we barely know the relative contribution of clonal mechanisms underlying their invasive behaviour. Therefore, environmental managers must face this problem without scientific evidence on the most effective methods to eradicate or control these invasions. In this study, we monitored populations of A. fourcroydes and A. sisalana and carried out field and experimental plantings (in situ and under controlled environmental conditions) to assess the efficacy of three clonal mechanisms: shoots from rhizomes, shoots from rosettes, and aerial bulbils from floral scapes). Both species showed very similar performance in their clonal expansion. Shoot production from rhizomes was the primary mechanism for densifying Agave populations, emerging to the soil 1.5 ± 2.1 shoots per individual. Moreover, we did not observe mortality of new shoots from rhizomes. These new clonal individuals seemed to ensure their survival by connecting to the mother plant (clonal integration). In addition, contractile roots, only recorded in shoots from rhizomes, could represent an advantage allowing them to react to harsh environmental conditions. Regarding shoots from rosettes, individuals produced 0.63 ± 1.01 shoots on average, with no mortality recorded, but without guaranteeing the replacement of mother plants. Finally, bulbil production and their rooting under controlled and favourable conditions were very high, although their establishment success under arid conditions proved irrelevant. These results suggest that management actions should focus on the removal of shoots from rhizomes. This approach could be an efficient, feasible, and cost-effective medium- to long-term habitat management strategy to control these Agave invasions, with widespread application worldwide in similar invasion processes.

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is a noxious weed and a flagship invasive that has been spreading throughout Israel and the Palestinian Authority since 1980. In other regions affected by this invader, parthenium weed has been managed through classical biological control releases of Epiblema strenuana, a stem-galling tortricid moth native to North America. More recently, a congeneric moth, Epiblema minutana has been identified from Israel. To better understand the implications of E. minutana for controlling parthenium weed, we investigated the spread of E. minutana within Israel and the Palestinian Authority from 2012 to 2019 and explored its host range. We used a series of no-choice experiments in field cages to evaluate damage on naturalized Ambrosia spp., Xanthium italicum and parthenium weed as well as potential non-target, commercial cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and niger (Guizotia abysinnica (L. f.) Cassini). We also evaluated damage in the field, where we found substantial gall formation on Ambrosia spp., but none on P. hysterophorus or other genera. The geographical distribution increased from an estimated 424 km² in 2017 to 1671 km² in 2019. While E. minutana shows promise as a biological control agent of Ambrosia spp. and does not attack the oil crops sunflower and niger, it is not a suitable biological control agent of parthenium weed.

Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus Kuhl, 1820) are one of the world’s largest snake species, making them a highly successful and biologically damaging invasive predator in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA. Though we have knowledge of python diet within this system, we understand very little of other interactions with native species. Effects native species have on invasive pythons, especially in the juvenile size class, are of particular interest as the prevalence of mortalities would inform potential population growth and trophic dynamics with native prey species. Native ophiophagous predators in Florida feed on smaller native snake species and it is unknown if they consistently recognize similarly sized juvenile invasive pythons as prey items. Using radiotelemetry, we found at least four native species within Big Cypress National Preserve that were implicated in juvenile python deaths, including three Florida cottonmouths (Agkistrodon conanti Gloyd, 1969), five American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis Daudin, 1802), one hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord, 1825), and three mesomammals. One mortality was the result of an attempt to subdue a prey item 106% the size of the python, constituting the largest predator:prey size ratio ever reported in this size class. This finding may indicate that phenotypic variation in individual juvenile pythons includes behavior that could be maladaptive within the novel Florida environment. Here we describe some of the first confirmed cases of non-anthropogenic mortality in juvenile Burmese pythons in Florida and present evidence that invasive pythons in this size class are now being incorporated into the diets of native species in its invasive range Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus Kuhl, 1820) are one of the world’s largest snake species, making them a highly successful and biologically damaging invasive predator in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA. Though we have knowledge of python diet within this system, we understand very little of other interactions with native species. Effects native species have on invasive pythons, especially in the juvenile size class, are of particular interest as the prevalence of mortalities would inform potential population growth and trophic dynamics with native prey species. Native ophiophagous predators in Florida feed on smaller native snake species and it is unknown if they consistently recognize similarly sized juvenile invasive pythons as prey items. Using radiotelemetry, we found at least four native species within Big Cypress National Preserve that were implicated in juvenile python deaths, including three Florida cottonmouths (Agkistrodon conanti Gloyd, 1969), five American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis Daudin, 1802), one hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord, 1825), and three mesomammals. One mortality was the result of an attempt to subdue a prey item 106% the size of the python, constituting the largest predator:prey size ratio ever reported in this size class. This finding may indicate that phenotypic variation in individual juvenile pythons includes behavior that could be maladaptive within the novel Florida environment. Here we describe some of the first confirmed cases of non-anthropogenic mortality in juvenile Burmese pythons in Florida and present evidence that invasive pythons in this size class are now being incorporated into the diets of native species in its invasive range.

Successful control or eradication programs involving invasive terrestrial vertebrate species are rare, typically occurring in insular environments. The African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) has become established as an invasive species in several countries, causing damage to natural resources. Researchers had forecast the potential for this species to thrive in southern Florida, USA, but also noted that it was early enough in the invasion process to make eradication feasible. In 2008, State, Federal, and private entities collaborated to develop and carry out a program to eliminate African Sacred Ibis from South Florida. The program utilized the “scout” technique and an invasive species reporting and outreach platform to discover previously unidentified African Sacred Ibis use areas. Thirty-three African Sacred Ibis were captured alive, surgically pinioned, and placed at several accredited zoological parks. An additional 45 were humanely removed across five sites, which included both private and public lands. The operation was successful and at the end of the eradication there were no known free African Sacred Ibises in Florida. The potential for establishment of new African Sacred Ibis founder populations is high, and our reporting of this successful control program can aid in the success of other invasive species managers of African Sacred Ibis and other invasive large-bodied waterbirds.

Mass mortalities caused by Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) has led to changes in the global approach to Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) breeding and farm management. After entering a waterway OsHV-1 can become endemic, resulting in seasonally recurrent outbreaks of disease. To prevent spread of OsHV-1, biosecurity measures need to consider the host range of the virus in terms of susceptibility or the ability to sequester and translocate (i.e., carry) infectious virus. Using a targeted field survey and pilot laboratory cohabitation challenge, the present study focused on the potential for OsHV-1 transmission via biofouling organisms common to vessels and aquaculture infrastructure. In the field study, an OsHV-1 disease event did not result in concurrent virus detections in co-located ascidians, barnacles, or Sydney rock oysters. The pilot laboratory challenge involved exposure of diverse biofouling assemblages to high OsHV-1 infection pressure by using injected Donor Pacific oysters to control the dose and exposure time. While transmission of OsHV-1 from exposed biofouling assemblages to naïve Pacific oysters was not observed, there was a high prevalence of detectable OsHV-1 DNA in bryozoan species (83.3 to 100 %) that persisted 6 days after removing the source. Evaluation of the sample preparation and qPCR methodology for detection of OsHV-1 DNA in non-oyster biofouling species indicates that caution is required when assessing qPCR results as some sample matrices showed significant reductions in analytical sensitivity (e.g., Bugula neritina, Didemnum sp., and mixed organisms associated with marine surface sediments). This study advances our knowledge regarding the host range of OsHV-1 and improves our understanding of the likelihood of OsHV-1 translocation via biofouling of vessels and aquaculture equipment. This knowledge can inform specific disease control and biosecurity protocols.

Ship hull fouling is recognized as an important vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), which has been studied globally but no empirical works exist in the Southeast Pacific. The present study examined fouling organisms on the hulls of three ships in one international Chilean port, and compared them with those on settling plates and natural substrates. Also, genetic analyses were perfomed on the most common NIS recorded in order to explore number and potential origin of the genetic linages found. The highest number of total taxa and NIS were found on ship hulls, with three species identified as NIS in ship samplings. Settling plates displayed the largest number of taxa, with a large abundance of the invasive tunicate Ciona robusta, which also showed high mitochondrial genetic diversity. This study showed that Chilean coasts are subjected to both NIS colonization and propagule pressure through ship hulls. Biosecurity measures should urgently be taken on ship hulls along these coasts.

A study was conducted on the biological compliance of discharged ballast water at Shanghai port from vessels with ballast water management systems (BWMS) installed. Samples were taken from 17 ships covering three ship types (cargo, tankers and containers) from 2019 to 2020. In addition, abiotic parameters including temperature, salinity, DO, pH and biotic parameters were measured. It was observed that over 80% of analyzed samples exceeded the D-2 standard. For ≥ 50 μm organisms, the average density of living organisms ranged from 0 to 2.3×10⁴ ind.•m^-3, including 6 phyla and 13 genera of which the dominant species was Arthropoda. The species number of living ≥ 50 μm organisms found in ballast water samples was as high as 6. For 10–50 μm organisms, the density of living organisms ranged from 0 to 156.5 cells•mL^-1, including 5 phyla and 38 species of which the dominant species were Gymnodinium sp., Prorocentrum donghaiense, Cyclotella sp., Prorocentrum sp. and Platymonas sp. The species number of living 10–50 μm organisms found in ballast water samples was as high as 11. Another noteworthy result is that bacterial indicators detected in more than 40% of the ballast water samples were higher than the D-2 standard limit. Management decisions need to be made to prevent and control biosecurity issues caused by ship routes and reduce intestinal infections among residents in coastal port areas. The high percentage of non-compliant ballast water discharge after treatment at Shanghai port would significantly increase the risk of biological invasion to the local water, and preventive/mitigating measures shall be taken jointly by all involved parties.