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Instructor Guide, to be referenced by the instructor during group presentations and class discussion. The boxes in white show the information that student groups are given (each group receives one national park and one invasive species to manage). The boxes in grey list activity requirements and provide example answers (note: these answers are not comprehensive, but are provided here as a helpful resource). Answers are based on information from: invasivespeciesdatabase.org; invasivespeciesinfo.gov; nature.org. National Park Description of Park Potential Invasive Species (2 per park; 1 per student group) Potential Ecological Impacts Possible Mode of Invasion Policy to Reduce the Risk of Invasion Policy to Reduce the Impact of Invasion Potential Drawbacks/Limitations of Policy Azúl Rock National Park This park contains numerous tropical islands with large coral reefs, and is home to a variety of tropical aquatic species. Situated among snowcapped mountains, this park contains numerous lakes and is blanketed by an extensive temperate deciduous forest. This park also boasts a nursery that is world renowned for its variety of plants. This park contains numerous islands with towering cliffs. Cold water allows for extensive kelp forests, and the isolated cliff islands provide excellent habitat for breeding arctic birds and seals. Yellowfin Goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) Competes with native species for food; negatively impacts tidewater goby. Introduced as eggs on fouling organisms growing on ship hulls. Outcompetes native species for light and food sources; produces a noxious chemical to predators. Loss of native plants due to herbivory; competition with native gastropods. Introduced by aquarium owners into storm sewers. Destroy Y-shaped A. flavimanus nests; introduce the striped bass as a natural predator. Introduce aquatic slugs as a predator species. Destroying A. flavimanus nests may alter the ecosystem; introduction of the striped bass could alter the food chain. Ornamental Seaweed (Caulerpa taxifolia) Mandate that all ship hulls be inspected for A. flavomanus eggs. Increase public awareness of the dangers of C. taxifolia. Transported in shipping containers of horticultural products, equipment, and soil. Spread caused by movement of infested trees, logs and nursery stock. Inspect all nursery stock coming into the park for A. fulica. Introduce the rosy wolfsnail as a means of biological control; apply pesticides. Introduction of the rosy wolfsnail could have unexpected ecological consequences; pesticides could harm organisms other than A. fulica. Ban campers from bringing their own firewood for use at campsites. Introduce an insectpathogenic fungi; apply insecticides. Insect-pathogenic fungi could harm native insects; insecticides could harm other species in the ecosystem. Dispersed by stowing in sea freights, road vehicles, and other means of transportation. Carried beyond its native range by strong ocean currents caused by climate change; transported in ballast water. Build inspection checkpoints on every road that enters the park. Reduce population with fumigation, poisoning, repellents, and trapping. Fumigation, poisoning, and repellents may harm native species. Conduct regular assessments of marine ecosystems in the park; inspect water of ships entering the park. Promote C. rodgersii as an eco-cuisine; introduce a large population of rock lobsters. Introducing rock lobsters may alter the food chain. Crystal Lakes National Park Milden National Park Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica) Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) Eliminates emerald ash trees in nonnative ranges of Agrilus planipennis; alters species composition and diversity. House Mouse (Mus musculus) Predation of seabird eggs and chicks; consumption of entire seed crops. Long-Spine Sea Urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) Reduces biodiversity; reduces primary productivity due to herbivory on kelp. Introducing aquatic slugs may lead to unforeseen ecological consequences. Instructor Guide, continued from previous page. National Park Description of Park Potential Invasive Species (2 per park; 1 per student group) Potential Ecological Impacts Possible Mode of Invasion Policy to Reduce the Risk of Invasion Policy to Reduce the Impact of Invasion Potential Drawbacks/Limitations of Policy River Otter National Park Located at the heart of the tropical rainforest, numerous rivers traverse this park and are home to its namesake, the river otter. The rainforest provides habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Situated in the midst of a sprawling desert, this park is composed of desert grassland and subtropical desert. In addition, two rivers attract a variety of organisms seldom found in such arid climates. Common Waterweed (Elodea canadensis) Outcompetes native aquatic plants for sunlight and space; obstructs water flow. Dispersed as fragments attached to anchor chains and fenders. Introduce grass carp, an herbivorous fish; use chemical control. Introduction of grass carp may have negative ecological consequences; chemical control may harm native species. Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) Outcompetes native species for food; has been known to attack native geckos. Spread by being stowed in boats and shipping containers. Require all boats entering the park to clean anchor chains and fenders. Install checkpoints for all ships entering the park to inspect for H. frenatus. Use chemical euthanasia. If improperly disposed of, the carcass of a chemically euthanized animal could lead to secondary poisonings of surrounding wildlife. Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) Increases the risk and spread of wildfire; outcompetes native species. Introduced for erosion control and as a pasture grass; seeds can attach to pedestrian clothing. Mechanically remove the plant; apply herbicides. Herbicides may cause harm to native species. Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) Populations grow rapidly; predation on eggs and young of bird and reptile species as well as small mammals. Transported via nursery stock, road vehicles, and honeybee colonies. Outlaw purposeful introduction of P. ciliare; mandate that all visitors entering the park have hiking gear inspected for seeds. Mandate that all vehicles entering the park be inspected for S. invicta. Introduce parasitic phorid flies as a means of biological control. Phorid flies could also parasitize native species. Saraena National Park