Open AccessFramework and guidelines for implementing the proposed IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa ( EICAT )
Author(s) -
Hawkins Charlotte L.,
Bacher Sven,
Essl Franz,
Hulme Philip E.,
Jeschke Jonathan M.,
Kühn Ingolf,
Kumschick Sabrina,
Nentwig Wolfgang,
Pergl Jan,
Pyšek Petr,
Rabitsch Wolfgang,
Richardson David M.,
Vilà Montserrat,
Wilson John R. U.,
Genovesi Piero,
Blackburn Tim M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
diversity and distributions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.918
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1472-4642
pISSN - 1366-9516
DOI - 10.1111/ddi.12379
Subject(s) - taxon , alien species , alien , iucn red list , ecology , geography , computer science , environmental resource management , biology , invasive species , political science , environmental science , politics , citizenship , law
Abstract Recently, Blackburn et al . (2014) developed a simple, objective and transparent method for classifying alien taxa in terms of the magnitude of their detrimental environmental impacts in recipient areas. Here, we present a comprehensive framework and guidelines for implementing this method, which we term the Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa, or EICAT. We detail criteria for applying the EICAT scheme in a consistent and comparable fashion, prescribe the supporting information that should be supplied along with classifications, and describe the process for implementing the method. This comment aims to draw the attention of interested parties to the framework and guidelines, and to present them in their entirety in a location where they are freely accessible to any potential users.