Ecological interactions in the biological control of saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) in the United States: Toward a new understanding

Saltcedars (Tamarix spp., Tamaricaceae) (SC), are exotic, invasive shrubs to medium trees native to the Old World. In riparian ecosystems of the western United States, SC replaces native plant communities, degrades wildlife habitat, reduces biodiversity, alters stream channel morphology, uses large quantities of groundwater, increases wildfire frequency, reduces recreational and agricultural usage, and probably has contributed to the decline of many wildlife and fish species. In recent years, the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trailii extimus) (sw WIFL) has begun nesting extensively in SC in some of its major breeding areas in Arizona, but not in other areas, since SC has replaced its native willow nest...

Categories: Publication; Types: Citation, Conference Citation; Tags: Empidonax trailii, Montana State University, Tamarix, Tamarix ecology, WIFL, All tags... biological control, functional equivalency, salt cedar, saltcedar, super stimulus, tamarisk, willow flycatcher, Fewer tags