Mamíferos invasores en Chile : evaluación de aspectos biológicos para su erradicación

Abstract

Eradication of invasive species, both during the planning and implementation stages, it is in infancy in Chile. However, there is valuable knowledge in the world on the eradication which we can learn to have a better manage our invasive species. In this sense, the expert consultation about the most important questions of target species biology for eradication goals provides an important opportunity to determine whether in Chile we have this information to eradicate invasive species, particularly mammals. Experts currently involved in practical field eradication and the Chilean Cooperating Committee for the Control of Invasive Species (COCEI) members were consulted about the importance of a list of aspects of target species biology to implement eradication programs. This information was compared with the reported information for the thirteen invasive mammals species present in Chile. Our results indicate that information about species biology is not sufficient to support the requirements of experts to eradication purposes. Several species have been poorly studied even been considered part of the world's most harmful species. Invasive species research should aim to resolve issues regarding their management. We must be aware that they are one of the major threats to biodiversity, and that the eradication of invasive species is one of the most powerful tools to eliminate these threats.