Weeds; Ecological Management; Environmental Assessments; Weed Control; Biota; Threat; Data Handling; Conservation; Species (Biological); Distribution (Mathematical); Biological Diversity; Ecosystems
Environmental weeds threaten nearly all biological communities in Australia and threaten the conservation of natural biodiversity, but quantitative measures of their impact on natural ecosystems are rare. The main objectives of this study are to review the impact of weeds on the natural biota, and to provide a methodology for quantitative assessments. Four principal and equally valid techniques are identified: multi-site comparisons, weed removal, weed addition, and time-sequence studies and data collection procedures are recommended. It is argued that the formulation of management strategies to reduce or prevent further weed invasion is one of the most critical tasks for Australia's natural ecosystems (A).
