Florida, along with Hawaii, has among the two worst invasive species problems in the USA, and the state is espe-cially susceptible to establishment by alien reptiles. Besides the large numbers of established non-nativ...Florida, along with Hawaii, has among the two worst invasive species problems in the USA, and the state is espe-cially susceptible to establishment by alien reptiles. Besides the large numbers of established non-native reptile species in Florida, many of these species present novel difficulties for management, or have other characteristics making effective management ex-tremely challenging. Moreover, initiation of management action requires more than recognition by experts that a potentially harmful species has become established. It also requires the political will along with concomitant resources and appropriate per-sonnel to develop effective methods and apply them. We review the situation in Florida, including assessment of risk for estab- lishment, and we use a subset of prominent species to illustrate in more detail the array of invasive reptile species circumstances in Florida, including routes of introduction, impacts, and potential and implemented management actions. These examples not only highlight the severity of the invasive reptile problems in the state, but they also show the diversity in resolve and response towards them and the motivating factors [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 599-612, 2011].展开更多
Most biologists recognize the ＂species phenomenon＂ as a real pattern in nature： Biodiversity is characterized by dis- continuities between recognizable groups classified as species. Many conservation laws focus on ...Most biologists recognize the ＂species phenomenon＂ as a real pattern in nature： Biodiversity is characterized by dis- continuities between recognizable groups classified as species. Many conservation laws focus on preventing species extinction. However, species are not fixed. Discontinuities evolve gradually and sometimes disappear. Exactly how to define particular spe- cies is not always obvious. Hybridization between taxonomic species reminds us that species classification is not a perfect repre- sentation of nature. Classification is a model that is very useful, but not adequate in all cases. Conservationists often confront questions about how to apply species-based laws when hybridization confounds classification. Development of sophisticated techniques and nuanced interpretation of data in the basic study of species and speciation has exposed the need for deeper educa- tion in genetics and evolution for applied conservationists and decision makers. Here we offer a brief perspective on hybridiza- tion and the species problem in conservation. Our intended audience is conservation practitioners and decision-makers more than geneticists and evolutionary biologists. We wish to emphasize that the goals and premises of legislative classification are not identical to those of scientific classification. Sometimes legal classification is required when the best available science indicates that discrete classification is not an adequate model for the case. Establishing legal status and level of protection for hybrids and hybrid populations means choosing from a range of scientifically valid alternatives. Although we should not abandon species-based approaches to conservation, we must recognize their limitations and work to clarify the roles of science and values in ethical and legal decisions [Current Zoology 61 （1）： 206-216, 2015].展开更多
文摘Florida, along with Hawaii, has among the two worst invasive species problems in the USA, and the state is espe-cially susceptible to establishment by alien reptiles. Besides the large numbers of established non-native reptile species in Florida, many of these species present novel difficulties for management, or have other characteristics making effective management ex-tremely challenging. Moreover, initiation of management action requires more than recognition by experts that a potentially harmful species has become established. It also requires the political will along with concomitant resources and appropriate per-sonnel to develop effective methods and apply them. We review the situation in Florida, including assessment of risk for estab- lishment, and we use a subset of prominent species to illustrate in more detail the array of invasive reptile species circumstances in Florida, including routes of introduction, impacts, and potential and implemented management actions. These examples not only highlight the severity of the invasive reptile problems in the state, but they also show the diversity in resolve and response towards them and the motivating factors [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 599-612, 2011].
文摘Most biologists recognize the ＂species phenomenon＂ as a real pattern in nature： Biodiversity is characterized by dis- continuities between recognizable groups classified as species. Many conservation laws focus on preventing species extinction. However, species are not fixed. Discontinuities evolve gradually and sometimes disappear. Exactly how to define particular spe- cies is not always obvious. Hybridization between taxonomic species reminds us that species classification is not a perfect repre- sentation of nature. Classification is a model that is very useful, but not adequate in all cases. Conservationists often confront questions about how to apply species-based laws when hybridization confounds classification. Development of sophisticated techniques and nuanced interpretation of data in the basic study of species and speciation has exposed the need for deeper educa- tion in genetics and evolution for applied conservationists and decision makers. Here we offer a brief perspective on hybridiza- tion and the species problem in conservation. Our intended audience is conservation practitioners and decision-makers more than geneticists and evolutionary biologists. We wish to emphasize that the goals and premises of legislative classification are not identical to those of scientific classification. Sometimes legal classification is required when the best available science indicates that discrete classification is not an adequate model for the case. Establishing legal status and level of protection for hybrids and hybrid populations means choosing from a range of scientifically valid alternatives. Although we should not abandon species-based approaches to conservation, we must recognize their limitations and work to clarify the roles of science and values in ethical and legal decisions [Current Zoology 61 （1）： 206-216, 2015].
