Using citizen science data to update the distribution of key invasive plants in Texas

H. Travis GalloLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centerat the University of Texas at Austin

Using citizen science data to update the distribution of key invasive plants in Texas

What is an Invasive Species?An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. (Executive Order 13112).

"On a global basis...the two great destroyers of biodiversity are, first habitat destruction and, second, invasion by exotic species”

- E.O. Wilson

Carduus nutansArundo donax Lonicera japonicaAilanthus altissima

Texas Issues (circa 2005)

1. There is not a definitive source for IS information in Texas.

2. There is a need for more communication among the state’s IS stakeholders

3. A coordinated response to address IS on a statewide level has yet to materialize.

4. There is a gap in our knowledge about the distribution and biology of IS.

Citizen Science

• Citizen scientist- volunteers who participate as field assistants in scientific studies

• Why not experts?– Time– Space– $$$$$

Invaders of Texas: Satellites

Invaders of Texas: Recruitment and Equipment

• Recruitment– Texas Master Naturalist– NPSOT– Nature Centers– Conservation Volunteer

Based Groups– Online “Voyager”

Satellite

• Equipment– GPS (optional)– Digital camera– Datasheet

Invaders of Texas: Data Collection

Invaders of Texas: Detection DatabaseTracks species observations submitted by volunteers.

Provides the public with full access to citizen science data.

Links to species observation detail page plant detail page and validation information.

Procedure based on Nature Conservancy Weed Information Management System.

Invaders of Texas: Species ObservationFields:SpeciesPatch TypeAbundanceDisturbanceCollectorSatelliteDate & TimeGPS CoordinatesLocation NotesValidationMapImage

Invaders of Texas: Mapping

Google MapsInteractive and searchable by Species or Satellite and linked to individual records.

Invaders of Texas: Species ObservationFields:SpeciesPatch TypeAbundanceDisturbanceCollectorSatelliteDate & TimeGPS CoordinatesLocation NotesValidationMapImage

Methods: Mapping distributions

• Picked 5 species1. Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)2. Melia azedarach (Chinaberry tree)3. Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow)4. Ligustrum lucidum (Glossy Privet)5. Arundo donax (Giant Reed)

• Combined 2 distribution references– USDA PLANTS Database– Atlas of Vascular Plants of Texas (Turner et al., 2003)

Comparing Turner et al. and USDA

Invaders data• Export species data

www.texasinvasives.org• Import to ArcGIS 9.3• Create county maps• Compare

Results: Triadica sebifera

•Invaders – 44

•Unique Invaders- 26 (40%)

•USDA/Turner – 40 (60%)

65% increase in recorded distribution from USDA &Turner

Results: Ligustrum lucidum

•Invaders – 16

•Unique Invaders- 12 (48%)

•USDA/Turner – 13 (52%)

75% increase in recorded distribution from USDA &Turner

Results: Arundo donax

•Invaders – 80

•Unique Invaders- 58 (60%)

•USDA/Turner – 39 (40%)

149% increase in recorded distribution from USDA &Turner

Moral of the Story?

• Citizen scientist are contributing valuable information

• National Contribution (EDDMapS)

Limitations

• Distribution of citizen scientist

• $$$

LILU2 observationsn = 322

Future needs• Expansion of citizen

scientists• Target counties• Keeping current citizen

scientist more engaged– Currently working with

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Future goals• Expand reporting to not

just plants• Create a sentinel

network for early detection of pest

• Create a better network between citizen scientist and land managers

The 2009 Invaders of Texas Program was funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Wildlife Diversity Conservation Grants – Horned Lizard License Plate Fund

PartnersThe Invaders of Texas Program is currently funded by the Texas Forest Service and Forest Health Protection