Bugwood Network: Invasive Species

Maps for the National Distribution and Trends of Pesticide Use from 1992-2009

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:31 GMT

Ever wonder what fungicides, insecticide or herbicides are used across the county? Have you been curious to know the levels of use? The US Geological Survey now has interactive maps to let you explore the trends of pesticide use from 1992 to 2009.

The new interactive national maps and trend graphs (http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/usage/maps) show the distribution of the agricultural use of 459 pesticides for each year during 1992-2009 for the entire conterminous U.S. The maps and supporting national database of county-level use estimates for each pesticide were developed by the U.S. Geological Survey for use in national and regional water-quality assessments.

Florida's Citrus Industry Battle's Invasive Foe

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:36 GMT

The invasive insect, Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, carries and spreads a bacterial disease. The disease, called citrus greening, is being called the most serious threat the citrus industry has ever faced.

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri
Image: Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org

Customs Inspectors - On the Front Lines

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:47 GMT

Dave Munday's recent article in The Post and Courier states, " The notorious big-headed ant was intercepted before it could gnaw its way through the Lowcountry.
The ants, along with a bunch of other insects, were found April 30 in the port of Charleston, crawling around in a container of aluminum scrap metal on a ship from Costa Rica, according to Steve Switzer, spokesman for the local customs office.
The big-headed ant is listed among 100 of the “World’s Worst” invaders, he said. It not only threatens native plants and other insects, it’s known to chew on irrigation pipes, telephone cables and electrical wires.'"

Read the entire article

bigheaded ant, Pheidole fervens
Image by Eli Sarnat, Bugwood.org

Nature's Rototillers: Feral Swine

Wed, 01 May 2013 20:23 GMT

Read the USDA blog, "Feral Swine: Ripping and Rooting Their Way across America", by Gail Keirn, APHIS Public Affairs Specialist.

Feral hogs, Sus scrofa
Image: Vladimir Dinets, University of Miami, Bugwood.org

More information on feral hogs across America:

Cogongrass in Georgia: Spring 2013 Update

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:17 GMT

Cogongrass in Georgia:
Spring 2013 Update from the Georgia Forestry Commission

Cogongrass flowering(seed production) becoming visible.
First cogongrass spot detected in Turner County.

There have been 34 positive cogongrass detections thus far in 2013. Cogongrass has been detected in Turner County for the first time in 2013 bringing a total of 723 known cogongrass spots in Georgia scattered across 53 counties covering 189 acres. The status and treatment for each spot is at varying levels. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) recognizes a spot as eradicated after three (3) consecutive years of finding no cogongrass resprouts. Presently, 224 spots have been eradicated, 137 spots have been negative for two years, 131 spots have been negative for 1 year while the remaining 228 spots are active. Overall, approximately 70% of all known spots are now negative for cogongrass. The GFC will continue making follow-up site inspections and herbicide treatments beginning in May and continuing through the summer and early fall. Any landowner with questions regarding the status of the cogongrass spot(s) on their property should contact their Regional Forest Health Specialist.

Reports of Cogongrass as of 4-19-13
YEAR             Detected spots    Cum. # spots
Up to 2006             59                           59
2007                         37                           96
2008                         131                         227
2009                         110                         337
2010                          135                         472
2011                           130                         602
2012                          87                           689
2013                          34                           723

How do you identify cogongrass flowers?

Cogongrass shoots in Georgia are beginning to emerge. Therefore, it is time to begin looking for cogongrass in its flowering stage. The flowers are 2-8 inches in length; light, fluffy dandelion-like seeds that are white in color and cylindrical in shape. Flowering time is dependent on the local climate, but is usually present from late March through early June. The cool spring weather in 2013 delayed the beginning of flowering until mid April in much of South Georgia. The photos below show cogongrass flowering at its peak, dispersal period.

What are the top five cogongrass detecting counties in Georgia?

Decatur 163 sites
Seminole 82 sites
Early 65 sites
Grady 55 sites
Thomas 51 sites

Currently in 2013, cogongrass has been detected in 14 counties across south Georgia including: Baker, Brooks, Calhoun, Camden, Charlton, Colquitt, Decatur, Early, Grady, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas and Turner counties. Landowners are encouraged to inspect their property for cogongrass and report any new potential detections to the local Georgia Forestry Commission county office.

Cogongrass identification brochure and pocket ID available from the GFC:
Landowners are encouraged to spend time on their property searching for this invasive grass. Normally, cogongrass grows in circular patches. Identification brochures are available at your local Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) county office. Personnel from your local GFC office can make a positive identification on reported cogongrass finds. The "Cogongrass in Georgia" video showing the key identification features can be viewed at:

http://www.gatrees.org/ForestManagement/Cogongrass.cfm

Contact your local GFC County Office or Regional Forest Health Specialist to obtain copies of these two publications.

Besides flowering, what are key identification features?

Rhizomes:

Dense mat, sharp pointed,
covered in flaky scales,
bright white under scales, strongly segmented.

Leaves:

2-5’ long blades, ½-1 inch wide, off-centered white mid-rib, margins finely serrated, green yellowish-green in color in summer with a tan color in winter.

Circular growth pattern:

Grass patch will normally grow in a circular pattern.

GaTrees.org - 1-800-GA-TREES

Forest Health Specialists:

North Region: Lynne Womack
3086 Martha Berry Hwy,
Rome, GA 30165
(o) 706-295-6021
Cell 912-515-5180 lwomack@gfc.state.ga.us

Southwest Region: Mark McClure
NE 2910 Newton Rd.
Albany, GA 31701
(o) 229-430-5122
cell 229-869-8592
mmcclure@gfc.state.ga.us

Southeast Region: Chris Barnes
119 Hwy. 49
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(o) 478-445-5440
cell 912-601-7093
cbarnes@gfc.state.ga.us

Program Coordinator: Chip Bates

18899 US Hwy. 301 N.

Statesboro, GA 30461

(o)912-681-0490

cell 912-536-7544

cbates@gfc.state.ga.us

Running Bamboo Invasive in Connecticut

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:01 GMT

James Moshier writing for the Bulletin posted this story about bamboo in Connecticut, "Terri Groff, a retired nurse who is field researcher for the Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research, gave a briefing to the Preston Board of Selectmen on Thursday, noting that she has located two species of running bamboo — Yellow Groove Bamboo and/or Running Timber Bamboo — at 11 locations in the town. Groff lives in Preston."

Caryn Rickel,Seymour founder of the Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research has been working hard to get regulations passed for the control of running bamboos. She has written papers and trained volunteers to gather and report data on these invasive plants to EDDMappS. There have been 168 reports of Phyllostachys aureosulcata in Connecticut alone with many other reports of species in the genus, Phyllostachys, being reports in several states.

Read the entire article in The Bulletin
Infestations of Phyllostachys aureosulcata, Yellow groove bamboo reported to EDDMapS
Pictures of Phyllostachys aureosulcata in Bugwood Images

Phyllostachys aureosulcata, Yellow groove bamboo
Image by: Caryn Rickel, Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research, Bugwood.org

Fighting Zebra & Quagga Mussels at Washington State University

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:56 GMT

An excerpt from the recent article by WSU News: "Researchers at Washington State University are preparing for a Northwest invasion of the zebra mussel - a small, distinctly striped and rather tenacious freshwater mollusk that can quickly encrust underwater surfaces. The mussels have caused significant damage in other parts of the country and pose an enormous risk to the hydroelectric infrastructure, recreational facilities and unique ecological system of the Columbia River Basin."

Click here to read the entire article

zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha
Photo by: Amy Benson, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org

Eight 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards Announced

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 02:02 GMT

Eight 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards Announced

Individuals and Organizations honored for their accomplishments controlling and preventing invasive species

03/22/2013

Contact: Lori Williams (NISC) (202) 354-1881
Jessica Kershaw (Interior) (202) 208-6416

WASHINGTON, DC — The major national groups that coordinate the battle against invasive species today announced the 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards. The awards recognize the dedication and collaborative efforts of local, state and federal officials; private citizens; and volunteers in preventing and controlling invasive species.

The Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, the National Invasive Species Council and the Federal Interagency Committee for Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds presented the awards to: The Lake George Association in New York; the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Austin, Texas; Rick Johnson, Thurston County, Wash.; Dr. Richard Reardon of the U.S. Forest Service; Dr. Richard Everett of the U.S. Coast Guard; and the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program; The Malheur Wildlife Associates, Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon; and Ben Schrader in Texas.

These eight individuals and organizations were recognized for their accomplishments in the categories of leadership, volunteerism, outreach and education, and lifetime achievement, as follows:

For Outstanding Achievement in Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach and Education
The Lake George Association in New York is recognized for its Lake Steward program, which combines prevention measures to stop the spread of invasive species with public outreach and education, while collecting invaluable invasive species data.
For Outstanding Achievement in Terrestrial Invasive Species Outreach and Education
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin is recognized for leading invasive species efforts at the national, state and local levels through its innovative approach combining advocacy, education and public outreach with research and citizen science.
For Lifetime Invasive Species Achievement – Aquatic
Rick Johnson, Coordinator of the Thurston County Noxious Weed Agency in Washington State, is recognized for his 34-year record of commitment to invasive plant management, and has served on multiple weed management committees, boards and associations. Rick led a program for the management of Brazilian Elodea in the Chehalis River system, an initiative which spanned multiple agencies over the course of ten years.
For Invasive Species Achievement – Terrestrial Lifetime
Dr. Richard (Dick) Reardon of the U.S. Forest Service, a leader of the Maryland and Appalachian Integrated Pest Management programs, is recognized for his career devoted to the management of forest pests and invasive plants. His work with mating disruption techniques was vital to the success of the gypsy moth Slow-the-Spread program. management.
For Outstanding Aquatic Invasive Species Leadership
Dr. Richard Everett of the United States Coast Guard is recognized for leading Coast Guard initiatives to prevent the arrival and spread of aquatic nuisance species and being instrumental in developing measures for the U.S. government and the international maritime community to prevent the spread of invasive species through ballast water.
For Outstanding Terrestrial Invasive Species Leadership
The Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program is recognized for leading the collaborative efforts of more than 30 organizations to control invasive species infestations through education programs, volunteer action, identifying policy improvements and coordinating regional response teams to address new invasive species infestations.
For Outstanding Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer
The Malheur Wildlife Associates, Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon is recognized as a strong proponent of the Aquatic Health Program at Malheur refuge, where they have led efforts to combat the common carp, an invasive species.
For Outstanding Terrestrial Invasive Species Volunteer
Ben Shrader, founder of the Invasive Hunter Academy in Texas, “Commander Ben,” is recognized for leading efforts to engage students in invasive species issues through his Invasive Hunter Academy, using interactive methods to teach about invasive species and their effects on native ecosystems.

“We applaud the winners of the invasive species achievement awards for demonstrating visionary leadership, innovation, and creativity in your efforts to protect our vital natural resources from the harmful impacts of invasive species,” said Lori Faeth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs at the Department of the Interior.

From: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/eight-2013-national-invasive-species-achievement-awards-announced.cfm

Dr. Robert Eugene Eplee, Sr., Remembered

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:02 GMT

WHITEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, USA -- Dr. Robert (Bob) Eugene Eplee Sr., 79, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Bob is best known and remembered for his research on the biology and control of Witchweed [(Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze], a parasitic weed that is native to Africa and Asia, that was first discovered in southeastern North Carolina, in July, 1956. Thanks in large part to his 30 year research program to develop methods and equipment for the USDA-Carolinas Witchweed Eradication Program, the infestation has been reduced from 432,000 acres in the North and South Carolina Coastal Plain (1970) to 1,542 acres (end of 2012).

The principles and practices he developed in the Witchweed Program also contributed greatly to the development of new approaches for invasive species prevention in the U.S. and elsewhere. Some examples include:

Weed Science Society of America Liaison for Passage of the Federal Noxious Weeds Act of 1974
Science and Technical Support for Federal-State Weed Eradication Programs (e.g., Goatsrue in Utah, Common Crupina in Idaho, Hydrilla in California and Florida, and Japanese Dodder in South Carolina – 1981-2000)
Original member - U.S. Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW) (1990)
Development of Interagency Approaches for Early Detection and Rapid Response to New and Emerging Invasive Plants through State Invasive Species Councils and Committees (e.g., Wyoming Weed Team – 1998) and Invasive Plant Task Forces (North Carolina Giant Salvinia Task Force - 2002)

Read the tribute to Dr. Eplee

Disease Deadly to Bats Confirmed in Georgia

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:36 GMT

DISEASE DEADLY TO BATS CONFIRMED IN GEORGIA

ATLANTA (March 12, 2013) – The disease that has killed millions of bats in the eastern U.S. has been confirmed for the first time in Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that bats with white-nose syndrome were found recently at two caves in Dade County.
A National Park Service biologist and volunteers discovered about 15 tri-colored bats with visible white-nose symptoms in a Lookout Mountain Cave at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in late February. On March 5, a group led by a Georgia DNR biologist also found tri-colored bats with visible symptoms in Sittons Cave at Cloudland Canyon State Park.
A bat from each northwest Georgia site was sent to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens. Histopathology confirmed both bats had white-nose syndrome.
The name describes a white fungus, Geomyces destructans, often found on the muzzles, ears and wings of infected bats. White-nose, or WNS, spreads mainly through bat-to-bat contact. There is no evidence it infects humans or other animals. But spores may be carried cave-to-cave by people on clothing or gear.

Click here to read the entire article.

tri-colored bat infected with deadly white-nose syndrome
Image by Pete Pattavina, USFWS, Bugwood.org

Basic Wildland Firefighter Training

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 18:44 GMT

Basic Wildland Firefighter Training

S130/190

Date: August 12-16, 2013

Classroom Training: Waccasassa Forestry Center, Gainesville, Florida

Field Training: Ordway - Swisher Biological Station, Melrose, Florida

Tuition: $100 - Student registration

$125 - General registration

Click here to register

This course prepares the individual to participate in wildland fire management/fire suppression activities as a Firefighter Type II qualified fire crew.

participants must complete the I-100 course online (2-4 hours of training) and bring proof of completion on August 12.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will be classroom instruction at the Waccasassa Forestry Center in Gainesville: Thursday will be an all-day field exercise at Ordway-Swisher Biological Station.

What to bring:

Classroom training:

I-100 completion certificate
Lunch (lunch is only provided on Thursday, August 15 during the live fire exercise)

Field training:

6 inch or higher leather boots
Leather gloves
PPE (optional)

For more information contact:
Natural Areas Training Academy
(850) 875-7153
nata@ifas.ufl.edu
http://wec.ufl.edu/nata

White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:21 GMT

Pete Pattavina, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a GA-EPPC (Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council) board member, started cave surveys this week with GA DNR and the Georgia Museum of Natural History.

Nikki Castleberry from the Georgia Museum of Natural History also took part in the survey. She swabbed a tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) for evidence of white-nose syndrome, caused by the fungus Geomyces destructans, most likely of European origin.

Read more about White-Nose Syndrome in bats

Science News article "Bat-killing fungus is a European import"
Research Review article "National Interagency Team MobilizingTo
Read USDA Firest Service article "Help Us Slow the Spread of White-nose Syndrome"
Watch the video "The Battle for Bats: White Nose Syndome"

Tree Health and Human Health Linked

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:11 GMT

From an article by the USDA Forest service: "Evidence is increasing from multiple scientific fields that exposure to the natural environment can improve human health. In a new study by the U.S. Forest Service, the presence of trees was associated with human health.
For Geoffrey Donovan, a research forester at the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, and his colleagues, the loss of 100 million trees in the eastern and midwestern United States was an unprecedented opportunity to study the impact of a major change in the natural environment on human health."

NISAW: March 3-8, 2013

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:52 GMT

March 3-8, 2013

National Invasive Species Awareness Week is just around the corner. If you can not make it to Washington to attend the events planned there, then plan an event or project to recognize NISAW in your town or neighborhood.

Bargeron appointed to National Invasive Species Advisory Committee

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:29 GMT

Washington, D.C., - January 7, 2013. Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, announced the appointment of Chuck Bargeron, Associate Director at The University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee for the National Invasive Species Council (NISC). The NISC members are the Secretaries and Administrators of 13 Federal departments and agencies who coordinate invasive species programs. The Council is co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce, Agriculture, and the Interior

The Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC), comprised of 30 members appointed for 3-year terms, provides scientific and other input to the NISC regarding non-native plants and animals that annually cause $35 billion in economic and other hardship in the United States. The National Invasive Species Council was established by Presidential Executive Order 13112 in 1999 to ensure that Federal programs and activities to prevent and control invasive species are coordinated, effective and efficient.

Bargeron has a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and has been with The University of Georgia for 14 years where he develops web applications, smartphone apps, databases and outreach publications. These websites have received over 1 billion hits. Bargeron was the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Advocate of the Year in 2008 and received the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council Award in 2009. He is the current President of the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils and Treasurer of the North American Invasive Species Network. In 2012, as part the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, he received the U.S. Department of Interior – Partners in Conservation Award. Bargeron has been an invited speaker at over 80 regional and national conferences and co-authored over 20 publications on invasive species issues.

The Center for Invasive Species & Ecosystem Health, located in Tifton, GA is a collaboration between the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Its mission is to serve a lead role in development, consolidation and dissemination of information and programs focused on invasive species, forest health, natural resource and agricultural management.

See more about the National Invasive Species Council is available at: http://www.invasivespecies.gov; and about the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at: http://www.bugwood.org/.

Introducing the Ohio State University node of the Bugwood Image Database

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:10 GMT

Several institutions help to curate the Bugwood Image Database. The Ohio State University has recently joined Colorado State University, Cornell University, and the University of Georgia in helping to build the Bugwood Image Database. Their involvement will be unique as there are multiple departments within the university who will be collaborating including Entomology, Plant Pathology, Natural Resources, and Horticulture and Crop Sciences. We look forward to this new partnership and are excited to see what new innovations it will foster.

Field Guide to the Identification of Japanese Stiltgrass

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:57 GMT

Field Guide to the Identification of Japanese Stiltgrass – with comparisons to other look-a-like species

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) is an aggressive invader of forestlands throughout the eastern United States. Infestations can impact native species diversity, reduce wildlife habitat, and disrupt ecosystem functions. This publication provides descriptions and clear pictures of key characteristics as well as details on how to distinguish several common look-a-like species.

High-resolution version
Low-resolution version

Purchase copies from Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Haywood County, North Carolina Wood Products Under Quarantine

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:19 GMT

Haywood County wood products under NCDA&CS quarantine
for Thousand cankers disease

RALEIGH–The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has placed Haywood County wood products under quarantine due to a recent detection of thousand cankers disease in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“This marks the first time the disease has been detected in the state, and by placing restrictions on a variety of plant material and wood products, we hope to keep the disease from spreading into other counties,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Something as simple as moving firewood from an infected area to an uninfected county could increase the risk of spreading this disease.”
Thousand cankers disease is a newly recognized disease primarily affecting black walnut trees. It is caused by the Geosmithia morbida fungus, which is spread by the walnut twig beetle. Thousand cankers disease has produced widespread death of black walnuts in many western states during the past decade. Other species of walnut, such as Arizona walnut, English walnut and California walnut, have also shown varying degrees of susceptibility to this fungus.
The following items fall under the quarantine restrictions: walnut plants and plant parts including firewood, lumber, logs, stumps, roots, branches, and composted and uncomposted chips. Regulated items cannot be moved outside the county. Exceptions to the quarantine restrictions include nuts, nut meats, hulls, processed lumber with square edges that is 100 percent bark free and kiln-dried, and finished wood products without bark, such as furniture, instruments and gun stocks.
NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division and N.C. Forest Service personnel will continue to monitor counties across North Carolina for the presence of this disease.

Anyone with questions about this quarantine should:

Python Challenge: Everglades Snake Hunt

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 18:26 GMT

From an article in Huffington Post, Miami: The 2013 Python Challenge, which begins Saturday, has attracted participants and media interest from around the United States for a month long event that will feature prizes of $1,000 for catching the longest snakes and $1,500 for catching the most.

Special note: This organized python hunt is not actually in the National Park but outside of it in other National (Big Cypress) and State lands. Read the guidance issued by the park.

Invasive Tallow Tree Lowers Frog Egg Survival

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 01:28 GMT

Amphibians across the world are rapidly declining. Numerous studies have addressed causes of the decline, but very few have looked at the effects of invasive plants. Dan Saenz, Southern Research Station (SRS) research wildlife biologist based in Nacogdoches, Texas, is working with collaborators to determine the effect of Chinese tallow tree on Texas frog species.

Following its introduction in the late 1700s, Chinese tallow tree (tallow) rapidly took over the Gulf Coast that stretches from Florida to Texas, covering over 500,000 acres in Texas and Louisiana alone. SRS Forest and Inventory Analysis data suggest that tallow increased 174 percent in east Texas and more than 500 percent in Louisiana since the early 1990s; the aggressive invasive is now the fifth most common tree species in east Texas and Louisiana.

Although tallow can grow in almost every habitat and soil type, it is often found in wetter areas. Forming a monoculture in the areas it invades, tallow literally chokes out the native trees around the wetlands frogs breed in, blanketing the bottoms of pools with its leaves in the fall.

“Tallow leaves decompose much faster than the leaves of native wetland trees and plants,” says Saenz. “The process of leaf decomposition and the release of tannins from the leaves can affect water quality and specifically dissolved oxygen, which could adversely affect frogs in the egg or tadpole stages.”

A recent study by Saenz and SRS wildlife biologist Cory Adams on the effects of tallow leaf litter on the hatching success of southern leopard frog eggs is the first of its kind. “To our knowledge, no work has been conducted on the effects of invasive species on amphibian eggs,” says Saenz. “Amphibian eggs are immobile and one of the most vulnerable stages of development.”

For the study, the researchers exposed southern leopard frog eggs at various stages of development to different concentrations of tallow leaf litter. Results,published late summer in the Canadian Journal of Zoology, showed that eggs in the earliest stages of development exposed to tallow leaf litter died, regardless of the concentration, while some eggs in later stages of development survived.

“We found that the greater the concentration of tallow tree litter, the lower the dissolved oxygen and the more acidic the water,” says Saenz. ”We suggest that changes in these water quality factors are the cause of the death of frog eggs in our experiments. This has profound implications for amphibians in wetland areas where tallow has taken over.”

In an earlier study published in June in the Journal of Herpetology, Saenz and colleagues at Stephen F. Austin University reported findings from introducing tadpoles from four different frog species into pools containing leaf litter from tallow or from one of two native trees. Results were mixed, suggesting that the breeding season of a species may determine how well its members survive and develop in an environment with tallow leaf litter. “Chinese tallow leaf litter breaks down faster than native species,” says Saenz. “Because of this, negative effects might be short-lived, but could pose a threat to species that breed soon after leaf fall.”

For more information, email Dan Saenz at dsaenz@fs.fed.us

From: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2012/11/27/invasive-tallow-tree-lowers-frog-egg-survival/

Britain's ash tree dieback crisis and Ashtag app

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:16 GMT

Britain's 80 million ash trees are at deadly risk from ash dieback caused by Chalara fraxinea, a virulent fungal disease that has swept across Europe.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2012/nov/02/britain-ash-tree-dieback-crisis-interactive

But quick thinking environmental specialists at UEA’s Adapt Low Carbon Group have come up with a new smartphone app which will not only help monitor the spread of disease, but allow conservationists to target infected areas.

The free ‘Ashtag’ app will make it possible for anyone to take a photo of diseased leaves, shoots or bark and send it remotely to plant pathologists to identify whether or not the tree is infected.

http://ashtag.org

2013 Python Challenge

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:09 GMT

FWC announces 2013 Python Challenge™

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the 2013 Python Challenge™ with its goal of increasing public awareness about Burmese pythons and how this invasive species is a threat to the Everglades ecosystem, including native wildlife. As part of the Python Challenge, both the public and Florida’s python permit holders are invited to compete to see who can harvest the longest and the most Burmese pythons.

On Jan. 12, the Python Challenge™ Kickoff will initiate a month-long program of harvesting Burmese pythons from public lands, and the public can see and learn more about these large constrictors. The kickoff is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Research & Education Center, which will hold its invasive species open house that day.

“The FWC is encouraging the public to get involved in helping us remove Burmese pythons from public lands in south Florida,” said Kristen Sommers, head of the FWC’s Exotic Species Coordination Section. “By enlisting both the public and Florida’s python permit holders in a month-long competitive harvesting of Burmese pythons, we hope to motivate more people to find and harvest these large, invasive snakes. The Python Challenge gives people a chance to sign up for a competition to see who can catch the longest or the most pythons.

“Part of the goal of the Python Challenge is to educate the public to understand why nonnative species like Burmese pythons should never be released into the wild and encourage people to report sightings of exotic species,” Sommers said. “We also expect the competitive harvesting of Burmese pythons to result in additional information on the python population in south Florida and enhance our research and management efforts.”

Grand prizes of $1,500 for harvesting the most Burmese pythons will be awarded to winners of both the General Competition and the Python Permit Holders Competition, with additional $1,000 prizes for the longest Burmese python harvested in both competitions. Funding for the prizes is provided by Python Challenge™ sponsors. The largest Burmese python documented in Florida was more than 17 feet in length.

Complete information on the Python Challenge™, including how to train and register for the competitions and more about upcoming south Florida events, is available at PythonChallenge.

Many partners, including the University of Florida, The Nature Conservancy, The Future of Hunting in Florida, the Wildlife Foundation of Florida and Zoo Miami, are involved in the Python Challenge™.

Florida currently prohibits possession or sale of Burmese pythons for use as pets, and federal law bans the importation and interstate sale of this species.

The Python Challenge™ will conclude with a free Awareness and Awards Event on Feb. 16 at Zoo Miami. Educational talks and exhibits will be available for all ages, with chances to encounter live Burmese pythons, meet the experts who research and capture them, and learn about protecting the precious resources of the Everglades ecosystem, including its native birds, mammals and reptiles. The winners of the General Competition and Python Permit Holders Competition will be presented with their awards.

http://myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2012/december/05/python-challenge/

YOU can help STOP the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug!

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:29 GMT

The brown marmorated stink bug damages a huge range of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops in North America. StopBMSB.org features the latest findings from more than 50 researchers working to solve the mysteries of this pest.

The web site provides a photo identification guide and recommendations for how to control BMSB. Visitors can connect to our researchers' sites, send a specimen for identification, and report a sighting.

YOU can help by reporting this fearsome foe! The more we know about where is is, the better strategies we can come up with to limit it's spread and impact.

You can help stop this pest!

Invasive Plant Science and Management

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:22 GMT

Invasive Plant Science and Management Vol. 5, Issue 4 (October–December 2012) from Weed Science Society of America is now available on BioOne. BioOne is a global, not-for-profit collaboration bringing together scientific societies, publishers, and libraries to provide access to critical, peer-reviewed research in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences.

Research article topics include:

Bushkiller (Cayratia japonica)
Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) Bulbs
Sulfur Cinquefoil (Potentilla recta)
Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata)
Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum)
Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)
Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare)
Chinese and European Privet (Ligustrum sinense and Ligustrum vulgare)
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Cultivars
Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum)
Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)
Mycorrhizal Associations
Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

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Review hails citizen scientists

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 04:08 GMT

A review of more than 230 “citizen science” projects says the involvement of volunteers offers “high value to research, policy and practice”.

See article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20445296

and review here: http://www.ceh.ac.uk/news/news_archive/documents/GuideToCitizenScience_Version2_InteractiveWeb.pdf

Bugwood Network: Invasive Species

Maps for the National Distribution and Trends of Pesticide Use from 1992-2009

Florida's Citrus Industry Battle's Invasive Foe

Customs Inspectors - On the Front Lines

Nature's Rototillers: Feral Swine

Cogongrass in Georgia: Spring 2013 Update

Running Bamboo Invasive in Connecticut

Fighting Zebra & Quagga Mussels at Washington State University

Eight 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards Announced

Eight 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards Announced

Individuals and Organizations honored for their accomplishments controlling and preventing invasive species

03/22/2013

Dr. Robert Eugene Eplee, Sr., Remembered

Disease Deadly to Bats Confirmed in Georgia

Basic Wildland Firefighter Training

White-Nose Syndrome in Bats

Tree Health and Human Health Linked

NISAW: March 3-8, 2013

Bargeron appointed to National Invasive Species Advisory Committee

Introducing the Ohio State University node of the Bugwood Image Database

Field Guide to the Identification of Japanese Stiltgrass

Haywood County, North Carolina Wood Products Under Quarantine

Haywood County wood products under NCDA&CS quarantine for Thousand cankers disease

Python Challenge: Everglades Snake Hunt

Invasive Tallow Tree Lowers Frog Egg Survival

Britain's ash tree dieback crisis and Ashtag app

2013 Python Challenge

YOU can help STOP the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug!

Invasive Plant Science and Management

Review hails citizen scientists

Haywood County wood products under NCDA&CS quarantine
for Thousand cankers disease