Persistent invasion by non-native species and transition to an upland community after removal of invasive Tamarix in a Californian cienega

The targeted removal of a non-native species can result in secondary invasions and other unexpected shifts in plant community composition, but the persistence of these effects is less well known. We investigated how the plant community changed at three time points including before removal (pre-remov...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of arid environments Vol. 224; p. 105212
Main Authors Brigham, Laurel M., Coffey, Julie, Lulow, Megan E., Ta, Priscilla, Kimball, Sarah
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2024
Subjects
Drought
Groundwater
Invasive species
Restoration
Riparian
Secondary invasion
Invasive species
Groundwater
Restoration
Secondary invasion
Drought
Riparian
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:The targeted removal of a non-native species can result in secondary invasions and other unexpected shifts in plant community composition, but the persistence of these effects is less well known. We investigated how the plant community changed at three time points including before removal (pre-removal), in the years directly following removal (post-removal), and 16 years following Tamarix removal (recent) in an arid depressional wetland. Non-native species cover increased and several non-native species invaded the study area in the years between post-removal surveys and the recent time period, suggesting Tamarix removal may have been a catalyst for increases in non-native species abundance. We also found an increase in the cover of species tolerating upland conditions, and these species were largely non-native. Overall, interactions between targeted removal and shifts in the abiotic environment due to climate change are important drivers of persistent shifts in the plant community. Hydrogeomorphic restoration is likely needed in tandem with invasive removal to see improvements in riparian health, particularly when the invasive species to be removed is a passenger in addition to being a driver of change. •Non-native species increased after Tamarix removal indicating secondary invasions.•Upland-tolerant species increased after Tamarix removal indicating continued drying.•Important to restore function alongside invasive species management.
ISSN:0140-1963
DOI:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2024.105212