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Evidence for human‐mediated dispersal of exotic earthworms: support for exploring strategies to limit further spread
Author(s) -
HALE CINDY M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
molecular ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.619
H-Index - 225
eISSN - 1365-294X
pISSN - 0962-1083
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2007.03678.x
Subject(s) - biological dispersal , biology , earthworm , ecology , ecosystem engineer , introduced species , ecosystem , population , demography , sociology
As potent ecosystem engineers, non‐native earthworms are altering the fundamental structure and function of previously earthworm‐free cold‐temperate hardwood forests in North America. Discarded earthworms used for fishing bait has been presumed to be an important vector for the continued spread of non‐native earthworms because epicentres of invasion often include boat landings, lakeshores and roads. However, controversy has remained about the overall importance of human‐mediated spread vs. natural expansion of established earthworm populations. In this issue of Molecular Ecology , Cameron et al . explore the continued role of humans in dispersing non‐native earthworms.