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Boom-bust dynamics in biological invasions: towards an improved application of the concept

David L. Strayer, Carla M. D'Antonio, Franz Essl, Mike Fowler Orcid Logo, Juergen Geist, Sabine Hilt, Ivan Jarić, Klaus Jöhnk, Clive G. Jones, Xavier Lambin, Alexander W. Latzka, Jan Pergl, Petr Pyšek, Peter Robertson, Menja von Schmalensee, Robert A. Stefansson, Justin Wright, Jonathan M. Jeschke

Ecology Letters, Volume: 20, Issue: 10, Pages: 1337 - 1350

Swansea University Author: Mike Fowler Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1111/ele.12822

Abstract

Boom-bust dynamics – the rise of a population to outbreak levels, followed by a dramatic decline – have been associated with biological invasions and offered as a reason not to manage trouble- some invaders. However, boom-bust dynamics rarely have been critically defined, analyzed, or interpreted. H...

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Published in: Ecology Letters
ISSN: 1461023X
Published: 2017
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa34947
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Abstract: Boom-bust dynamics – the rise of a population to outbreak levels, followed by a dramatic decline – have been associated with biological invasions and offered as a reason not to manage trouble- some invaders. However, boom-bust dynamics rarely have been critically defined, analyzed, or interpreted. Here, we define boom-bust dynamics and provide specific suggestions for improving the application of the boom-bust concept. Boom-bust dynamics can arise from many causes, some closely associated with invasions, but others occurring across a wide range of ecological settings, especially when environmental conditions are changing rapidly. As a result, it is difficult to infer cause or predict future trajectories merely by observing the dynamic. We use tests with simulated data to show that a common metric for detecting and describing boom-bust dynamics, decline from an observed peak to a subsequent trough, tends to severely overestimate the frequency and severity of busts, and should be used cautiously if at all. We review and test other metrics that are better suited to describe boom-bust dynamics. Understanding the frequency and importance of boom-bust dynamics requires empirical studies of large, representative, long-term data sets that use clear definitions of boom-bust, appropriate analytical methods, and careful interpretations.
Keywords: alien species, biological invasions, concepts, exotic species, invasive species, long-term, manage- ment, non-native species, population collapse, population crash, population dynamics, reckless invaders, systematic review
College: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Issue: 10
Start Page: 1337
End Page: 1350