Current practice in applying CLIMATE for weed risk assessment in Australia

摘要

Climate matching models are used to help define the risk introduced species pose to natural and agricultural ecosystems. The models compare the climate of a species' current geographic range with the climate of a target site to show the potential range of the species. Other abiotic factors such as soil nutrients, aspect and disturbance regimes, and biotic factors, such as herbivory, disease and competition also affect a species' current and potential range. Hence, climate matching models must be considered in an ecological context. Reliable information should be sought to refine the input data and climatic parameters used in the model. Attributes that affect agricultural or environmental values are also considered when evaluating invasion risk or for supporting weed management decisions. In Australia, a number of approaches have been developed that apply computer-based climate matching models to predict a species' range. The Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) has assessed one of these approaches by surveying climate matching practitioners and experts. The survey results are presented, along with results from climate matching analyses. Common methodology and limitations in the use of CLIMATE are discussed to show how climate matching models are applied.