Application of the ecosystem approach for the management of Eucalyptus globulus, an invasive non-native species, in Quito ? Ecuador
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are one of the main factors responsible for environmental change and their negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems (ecosystem services) have been generating severe socioeconomic problems around the world. In addition, among the most challenging and poorly s...
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| Formato: | Tesis de Maestría |
| Lenguaje: | eng |
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Londres / University of Greenwich
2017
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | http://repositorio.educacionsuperior.gob.ec/handle/28000/4275 |
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| Sumario: | Invasive non-native species (INNS) are one of the main factors responsible for environmental change and their negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems (ecosystem services) have been generating severe socioeconomic problems around the world. In addition, among the most challenging and poorly studied INNS are the invasive non-native trees (INNT).
Such is the case of Eucalyptus globulus, an INNT widely introduced for commercial purposes and whose negative impacts have gone unnoticed. In Ecuador E. globulus have become an integral part of the ecosystem and landscape due to the benefits or ecosystem services (ES) (e.g. recreation, pure air and protection against volcanic eruptions) that local population is receiving from Eucalypt invasions, to the extent
that are considered native forest.
The aim of this research is to develop a strategy for the management of Eucalyptus globulus in Quito ? Ecuador, by adopting the ecosystem approach. In order to achieve this aim an outline management plan was proposed which was elaborated by carrying out an empirical spatial analysis. For this purpose satellite images and maps of Quito were obtained from Google Earth?. These images were processed
with ArcGIS?, in order to generate several maps of the study area (orientation, land cover and land use map). Furthermore, the factors influencing on the main features of the study area were exposed.
Even though eradication have been recommended as the best option for the management of INNS, in this case it is not possible to apply it for two reasons: a) the study area is located inside of an Area of Ecological Intervention (AEI), and b) because the public opposition will be a difficult barrier to overcome. Thus, the results obtained suggest that instead of eradication the most appropriate management option for the study area is to become a recreational park.However, it is recommended that due to the deleterious effects of E. globulus in the soil of the invaded ecosystem, eradication should be focused on ravines and watersheds. In addition, an analysis of soil quality as well as an assessment of the seed bank should be carried out. |
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