Taxonomic uncertainty in pest risks or modelling artefacts? Implications for biosecurity policy and practice

By

Kriticos, Darren John
Morin, Louise
Webber, Bruce

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2014-9-2

Original Publication

NeoBiota : advancing research on alien species and biological invasions

Volume

23

Pages

81--93

Subjects

biosecurity , eucalyptus rust , extrapolation , guava rust , Maxent , methods , myrtle rust , niche modelling , psidii , Puccinia , rangelii , species distribution modelling , Uredo

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sophia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.23.7496

 

Abstract

Various aspects of uncertainty have become topical in pest risk modelling discussions. A recent contribution to the literature sought to explore the effect of taxonomic uncertainty on modelled pest risk. The case study involved a high profile plant pathogen Puccinia psidii, which causes a major disease of plants within the Myrtaceae family. Consequently, the results and recommendations may attract a wide range of interest in the biosecurity and pest risk modelling communities. We found the study by Elith et al. (2013) included a number of methodological issues that limit some of the specific and general conclusions reached in the paper. We discuss these issues and the ensuing implications for biosecurity management. We also draw attention to the need for pest risk modellers and biosecurity managers to find ways to communicate more effectively. We urge modellers and managers alike to develop a better understanding of the challenges and limitations of modelling species potential distributions across novel climates, and to be able to appreciate the meanings and limitations of models framed in different ways.