Viewing invasive species removal in a whole-ecosystem context

Eradications of invasive species often have striking positive effects on na tive biota. However, recent research has shown that species removal in isol ation can also result in unexpected changes to other ecosystem components. These secondary effects will become more likely as numbers of interacting i nvaders increase in ecosystems. and as exotics in late stages of invasion e liminate native species and replace their functional roles. Food web and fu nctional role frameworks can be used to identify ecological conditions that forecast the potential for unwanted secondary impacts. Integration of erad ication into a holistic process of assessment and restoration will help saf eguard against accidental, adverse effects on native ecosystems.