A review on the invasion ecology of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, Caprifoliaceae) a case study of ecological impacts at multiple scales

Author: McNeish, R.; McEwan, R.

Description: Abstract Invasive species are of global importance because of their impacts on ecological communities, habitat structure, native community dynamics, and ecosystem processes and function. Scientists and conservation managers are increasingly focusing on the biological impacts of invasive species and on devising management practices that emphasize the health of ecosystems based on measured biological processes. Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder) is a highly successful invasive shrub in forests of eastern North America. The scientific literature surrounding this species has grown in the past several decades as researchers have investigated L. maackii impacts across multiple ecological scales. In this review we synthesized literature on (a) the key traits related to this species’ invasion success, (b) the impacts this invasive species has at various ecological scales, (c) the outcomes of restoration efforts for this species, and (d) the connections of this weed to invasion ecology theories. Lonicera maackii impacts are complex and vary across ecosystems and spatial scales; we report findings from studies demonstrating a wide range of effects on species composition, community structure, ecosystem function, and successional trajectories. We end by providing a working ecological framework that may help guide future research and conservation efforts.

Subject headings: Invasive species; Amur honeysuckle; North America; Lonicera maackii; Species composition; Community structure; Ecosystem function; Ecological impacts

Publication year: 2016

Journal or book title: The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society

Volume: 143

Issue: 4

Pages: 367-385

Find the full text: https://www.strategian.com/fulltext/McNeish2016a.pdf

Find more like this one (cited by): https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=16392632789037619096&as_sdt=1000005&sciodt=0,16&hl=en

Serial number: 3818

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.