New Early Detection Reporting Protocol

Prevention is considered the gold standard with regard to invasive species management, however prevention efforts are unable to stop all invasive species from being introduced and becoming established within our region. Early detection is the all-important next level of defense against the establishment of invasive species, and the harm they cause.

Northern snakehead (Channa argus), WNY PRISM Early Detection Priority – immature fish in between two adults, Photo Credit: Brett Billings, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bugwood.org.

Successful early detection programs allow for potential threats to be identified in time for effective, efficient and environmentally sound decisions to be made (Assessment) and appropriate actions to be taken (Rapid Response). The Invasion Curve (below) shows the exponential  increase in area infested and control costs for species over time. Early detection programs aim to catch species while still in the beginning parts of the curve.

As part of our ongoing efforts, WNY PRISM is pleased to announce the release of the regional Early Detection Reporting Protocol for invasive species. Developed in cooperation with WNY PRISM’s Working Groups, Steering Committee and additional Partners, this protocol provides a step-by-step process to report sightings of new and emerging invasive species as they are introduced to our 8-county WNY region.

Mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) fruit, Photo Credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

WNY PRISM established Early Detection Priority Species last fall (www.wnyprism.org/priority-invasives). This is a great place to start for professionals and citizen scientists alike, but the species on this list don’t represent all potential early detection species. Observations of any invasive species known from 3 or fewer locations within WNY, is an early detection. There are a lot of species out there and a lot of land to cover, so we need your help to ensure a successful program!

The full Early Detection Reporting Protocol may be found on our website:  https://www.wnyprism.org/get-involved/early-detection/

The Invasion Curve. Image from USDA Forest Service 2005 Invasive Plant Environmental Impact Statement.