USDA National Wildlife Research Center Symposia

 

Date of this Version

August 2007

Comments

Published in: Witmer, G. W., W. C. Pitt, and K. A. Fagerstone, editors. 2007. Managing vertebrate invasive species: proceedings of an international symposium. USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Also available online at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/symposia/invasive_symposium/nwrc_TOC_index.shtml

Abstract

Problems associated with managing vertebrate invasive species, defined as any exotic or native species that has spread beyond its natural range, are remarkably common around the world. Although the species may differ, the niches they fill and the damage they generally cause is often consistent. As such, a possibility exists for greater collaboration and harmonization in developing new tools to manage the impacts of invasive species. Moreover, the considerable expense of developing new products, the often onerous registration process, and the lack of return on investment leading to market failure has meant that progress within the field of invasive animal management product development can sometimes be stifled. This paper details a potential way forward using specific examples of ways the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IACRC), Pestat P/L, and other IACRC commercial partners aim to provide overseas organizations with humane non-lethal and lethal wildlife management tools. Conversely, we detail overseas-developed products currently being tested in Australia, and a proposal to keep abreast of new developments in other countries to ensure invasive species management within Australasia remains of the highest level. This can only be achieved through truly collaborative research and the global harmonization of registration packages, so product development costs can be minimized and the necessary scales of production can be attained.

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