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Using citizen science data to update the distribution of key invasive plants in Texas. H. Travis Gallo Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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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