Leah Dann ‘When Aliens Invade: The Impact of Invasive Species on Norfolk Island’s Native Vegetation’

Leah, a PhD Student at the University of Queensland will discuss Norfolk Island’s vegetation and some major threats to native plant establishment, particularly the impact of invasive species such as rats and feral chickens.  Strategies to mitigate key threats and secure native vegetation communities are vital.

Abstract
The subtropical rainforest on Norfolk Island provides an essential refuge for the island’s threatened plant and bird species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.  Historical deforestation and the introduction of alien plant and animal species pose a serious threat to the remaining native forest.  Many native plant species on the island experience low recruitment and would likely be outcompeted by invasive plant species without substantial management efforts.  This study aims to examine some major factors that impact native plant recruitment on Norfolk Island, including invasive plant and animal species such as guava, rodents, and feral chickens.  Learning more about the history, biology and ecological networks relevant to Norfolk Island’s flora can produce effective, data-driven strategies to mitigate key threats and secure native vegetation communities.

Biography
Leah Dann
Leah is currently a PhD student at the University of Queensland studying the biology and ecology of native plant species on Norfolk Island. This project is part of the National Environmental Science Program’s Threatened Species Hub and supported by Parks Australia (Norfolk Island National Park and the ANBG) and the Friends of ANBG. Prior to this project Leah received her Master of Science in the United States, where she examined the role of plant pigments in crustacean health.