V. Terrestrial vertebrates

Abstract

Within the Interior West, terrestrial vertebrates do not represent a large number of invasive species relative to invasive weeds, aquatic vertebrates, and invertebrates. However, several invasive terrestrial vertebrate species do cause substantial economic and ecological damage in the U.S. and in this region (Pimental 2000, 2007; Bergman and others 2002; Finch and others 2010). About 28 species of mammals have been introduced into the U.S.; these include dogs (Canis familiaris), cats (Felis catus), horses (Equus caballus), burros (E. asinus), cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries), pigs (Sus scrofa), goats (Capra hirus), deer (Cervus spp.), rats and other small mammals (Drost and Fellers 1995; Layne 1997). In the Interior West, released burros and horses graze heavily on native vegetation, facilitating invasion by exotic annuals. Many invasive mammal species in the Interior West have escaped or were released into the wild; some have become pests by preying on native animals, by spreading diseases to native animals, by grazing on crops and native vegetation, by increasing soil erosion, or by damaging structures (Pimental 2007; Finch and others 2010).

Parent Publication

• Rocky Mountain Research Station invasive species visionary white paper

Citation

Pearson, Dean; Finch, Deborah. 2011. V. Terrestrial vertebrates. In: Pearson, D. E.; Kim, M.; Butler, J., eds. 2011. Rocky Mountain Research Station invasive species visionary white paper. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-265. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 33-38.