Antarctic Science

Table of Contents - 2009 - Volume 21, Issue 05  

Cambridge Journals Online - CUP Full-Text Page
Antarctic Science (2009), 21:471-475 Cambridge University Press
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2009
doi:10.1017/S0954102009990162

Biological Sciences

Quantifying the propagule load associated with the construction of an Antarctic research station

Jennifer E. Leea1 c1 and Steven L. Chowna1

a1 Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
Article author query
lee je [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]
chown sl [PubMed]  [Google Scholar]

Abstract

Although the impacts of biological invasions are widely appreciated, a bias exists in research effort to post dispersal processes because of the difficulties of measuring propagule pressure. Here we quantify the propagule pressure associated with the construction of a research station in Antarctica. Based on quantitative assessment of different classes of cargo, we predict that over 5000 seeds will be entrained during the period of building the station. Seeds from 34 taxa were identified, including known invasive species.

(Received February 27 2009)

(Accepted April 08 2009)

Key wordsdispersal; invasion; Halley VI; propagule pressure; risk assessment; vector

Correspondence:

c1 jlee@sun.ac.za

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