Synthesising 35 years of invasive non-native species research

Biological Invasions, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 25(8), С. 2423 - 2438

Опубликована: Апрель 29, 2023

Abstract The growing focus on the threat of invasive non-native species (INNS) in international biodiversity targets highlights a need for targeted research to support effective understanding, legislation, and management. However, publishing landscape invasion biology is complex expanding rapidly, making consolidation information increasingly challenging. To identify major themes INNS literature understand how these have changed over last 35 years, we applied topic modelling approach. We analysed approximately 10,000 peer-reviewed article abstracts 50 key topics being discussed literature. also quantified publications time commonly different interacted within articles as measure their connectedness. Topics covering Population genetics, Policy, First records Insect biocontrol were most frequent. grouped into broad themes, with largest theme related Ecosystems, followed by Monitoring, then Management decision-making. Significant overrepresentation particular geographical regions taxa apparent. Considering relative changes through time, prevalent each decade reflected policy influences, technological developments. When assessing degree connectedness- Policy , Genetics Strategies showed low levels co-occurrence other topics. This concern focussed Strategy it suggests weakness at science-policy interface around accessing exchanging evidence. If progress towards future global be made, argue that more interdisciplinary must encouraged, better incorporate management considerations wider landscape.

Язык: Английский

---

Careful design of Large Language Model pipelines enables expert-level retrieval of evidence-based information from conservation syntheses

Research Square (Research Square), Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Янв. 23, 2025

Wise use of evidence to support efficient conservation action is key tackling biodiversity loss with limited time and resources. Evidence syntheses provide recommendations for decision-makers by assessing summarising evidence, but are not always easy access, digest, use. Recent advances in Large Language Models (LLMs) present both opportunities risks enabling faster more intuitive systems access databases. Such natural language search open-ended evidence-based responses pipelines comprising many components. Most critical these components the LLM used how retrieved from database. We evaluate performance ten LLMs across six different database retrieval strategies against human experts answering synthetic multiple-choice question exams on effects interventions using Conservation found that was comparable over 45 filtered questions, correctly them retrieving document generate them. Across 1867 unfiltered demonstrated a level conservation-specific knowledge, this varied topic areas. A hybrid strategy combines keywords vector embeddings performed best substantial margin. also tested state-of-the-art previous generation which outperformed all current models - including smaller, cheaper models. Our findings suggest that, careful domain-specific design, could potentially be powerful tools expert-level However, general ‘out-of-the-box’ likely perform poorly misinform decision-makers. By establishing exhibit synthesis providing restricted queries databases, future work can build our approach quantify responses.

Язык: Английский

---

Navigating uncertainty in environmental DNA detection of a nuisance marine macroalga

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 20(2), С. e0318414 - e0318414

Опубликована: Фев. 4, 2025

Early detection of nuisance species is crucial for managing threatened ecosystems and preventing widespread establishment. Environmental DNA (eDNA) data can increase the sensitivity biomonitoring programs, often at minimal cost effort. However, eDNA analyses are prone to errors that complicate their use in management frameworks. To address this, studies must consider imperfect detections estimate error rates. Detecting low abundances with uncertainty vital successful containment eradication. We developed a novel assay detect marine macroalga across its colonization front using surface seawater samples from Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM), one world’s largest reserves. Chondria tumulosa cryptogenic red alga invasive traits, forming dense mats overgrow coral reefs smother native flora fauna PMNM. verified site-occupancy modeling quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) data, calibrated visual estimates benthic cover C . ranged < 1% 95%. Results were subsequently validated high-throughput sequencing amplified negative control samples. Overall, probability detecting occupied sites was least 92% when multiple qPCR replicates positive. False-positive rates 3% or less false-negative 11% less. The proved effective routine monitoring shallow (less than 10 m), even abundance below 1%. Successful implementation tools conservation decision-making requires balancing uncertainties both molecular methods. Our results demonstrated assay’s high , we outline steps infer ecological presence-absence data. This reliable, cost-effective tool enhances low-abundance species, supports timely interventions.

Язык: Английский

---

Helping land trusts prepare for a new climate: experiences of challenges and facilitators for translating knowledge about climate change adaptation in Ontario, Canada

FACETS, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 10, С. 1 - 18

Опубликована: Янв. 1, 2025

The environment is changing under the impact of climate change, but many Ontario land trusts still operate with goal maintaining historic patterns biodiversity. This misalignment conditions and goals may render important work these less effective. To help improve this situation, we conducted several knowledge translation activities to inform about possible change adaptation options. Throughout activities, collected participants’ comments examined them hypothesis descriptive coding reveal data challenges facilitators, which grouped into themes pattern coding. results helped us identify facilitators that experience when participating in attempting adapt change. include a lack resources, limited technical skills species knowledge, competing priorities perspectives. Facilitators general interest use tools for planning, resource sharing. increase adaptability trust sector, recommend greater collaboration between trusts, modest modifications existing conservation actions, shifting from passive active conservation, moving species-level community ecosystem function goals.

Язык: Английский

---

Quantifying ento-literacy: development and validation of an international insect-focused attitude and knowledge survey instrument

International Journal of STEM Education, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 12(1)

Опубликована: Фев. 17, 2025

Язык: Английский

---