Evidence for human-mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread.
As potent ecosystem engineers, non-native earthworms are altering the fundamental structure and function of previously earthworm-free cold-temperate hardwood forests in North America. Discarded earthworms used for fishing bait has been presumed to be an important vector for the continued spread of non-native earthworms because epicentres of invasion often include boat landings, lakeshores and roads. However, controversy has remained about the overall importance of human-mediated spread vs. natural expansion of established earthworm populations. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Cameron et al. explore the continued role of humans in dispersing non-native earthworms.
Hale
Cindy M
CM
The Natural Resources Research Institute, Center for Water and the Environment, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55811, USA. cmhale@d.umn.edu
D000416:Alberta; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D005843:Geography; D006239:Haplotypes; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000502:physiology*; D011157:Population Dynamics