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Tracey Gotthardt

We propose developing an Alaska node for the iMapInvases database, to be managed and maintained by AKNHP. Given that the most extensive efforts at assessing and controlling invasive animal species in Alaska has taken place within ABSI, we propose a pilot project using Alaska Maritime Refuge data to populate and test the database –recognizing of course this would likely take a commitment from the Refuge and/or ABSI staff. We imagine that the database and be established by fall of 2013 and current legacy data for invasive animals can be identified, prioritized and entered by May of 2014.
Assigning a numerical rank to an introduced species is an objective, quantifiable way to describe their relative impacts, and ranks are a valuable prioritization tool for land managers. We applied the Invasiveness Ranking System previously developed by the Alaska Natural Heritage Program to evaluate introduced species known to occur on Aleutian and Bering Sea Islands. This system uses sixteen criteria grouped into four categories to assess invasiveness: distribution, biological characteristics and dispersal ability, ecological impacts, and feasibility of control. Answers to individual questions are assigned a point value and the points are used to calculate subranks for each of the four sections. Each section is...
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