02 March, 2004

Standish (2004): Impact of an invasive clonal herb on epigaeic invertebrates in forest remnants in New Zealand.

Standish, R.J. 2004. Impact of an invasive clonal herb on epigaeic invertebrates in forest remnants in New Zealand. Biological Conservation 116: 49–58.

Tradescantia fluminensis is widespread throughout northern New Zealand and can become the dominant ground cover of forest remnants that it invades. Epigaeic invertebrates were sampled within three Tradescantia-infested plots and three non-infested plots at each of three sites using pitfall traps. Impacts of Tradescantia were apparent despite large differences in invertebrate assemblages among sites. The impact of Tradescantia could be a result of the weed’s tall, dense vegetation structure and associated microclimate, relative to native ground covers.

No comments: