With
a climate suitable for both tropical and sub-tropical species as well as
temperate life forms, the state of Florida faces a serious environmental problem
with rapidly growing populations of invasive species. Florida has been considered the world capital
of invasive reptile and amphibian species with more than 50 identified
nonindigenous animals establishing residency (Parry, 2011; Mazzotti & Harvey, 2012). Native
habitats throughout Florida have been entirely transformed by the introduction of
nonnative plants, insects, fish and birds and other animals. Species such as the Burmese python and
Indo-Pacific lionfish are terrorizing native life forms both on land and in the
ocean. With further invasion and
destruction to the native ecosystems imminent, human management and control is
essential in order to protect the biodiversity of the Florida. Organizations across the state have partnered
with teams of researchers as well as citizen scientists in order track the
spread of exotic species. By identifying
areas with high densities of invasive species, conservation organizations can
establish effective management control, reduce and restrict the spread of
harmful invasive species and restore the natural ecosystems. To increase data collection and monitoring and
to promote statewide buy-in, conservation organizations, such as NOAA, Florida
Natural Areas Inventory, the U.S. Forest Service and Southeast Early Detection
Network (SEEDN) have created web-based and mobile smartphone applications
(apps) designed so that individuals can directly report any observation of an
invasive species from the field. Through the use of these mobile and
web apps, conservation groups hope gain gather more extensive population data
thus providing a better understanding of the extent of which invasive species
have infested areas and form effective eradication plans.
Created by Erin Brack
Miami University - Global Field Program
BAT: TESP - Tracking Invasive Species in Florida Using Mobile Smartphone Applications (Apps)
April 22, 2015
Miami University - Global Field Program
BAT: TESP - Tracking Invasive Species in Florida Using Mobile Smartphone Applications (Apps)
April 22, 2015