Are invasive species a major cause of extinctions? Jessica Gurevitch and Dianna K. Padilla
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VJ1-4CX6XXG-2&_user=10&_handle=B-WA-A-W-AV-MsSAYVA-UUW-AUEEWUDWZE-AUEZDYYUZE-ZCBUBUCYC-AV-U&_fmt=summary&_coverDate=09%2F01%2F2004&_rdoc=9&_orig=browse&_srch=%23toc%236081%232004%23999809990%23514777!&_cdi=6081&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=373cdc1d28b048982b2c1fad8cd308cb
Are invasive species a major cause of extinctions?
Jessica Gurevitch and Dianna K. Padilla
Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5245, USA
Available online 21 July 2004.
The link between species invasions and the extinction of natives is widely accepted by scientists as well as conservationists, but available data supporting invasion as a cause of extinctions are, in many cases, anecdotal, speculative and based upon limited observation. We pose the question, are aliens generally responsible for widespread extinctions? Our goal is to prompt a more critical synthesis and evaluation of the available data, and to suggest ways to take a more scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding the impact of invasive species on extinctions. Greater clarity in our understanding of these patterns will help us to focus on the most effective ways to reduce or mitigate extinction threats from invasive species.