Introduction
Invasive species are organisms that spread rapidly and potentially cause harm to other organisms that naturally occur in a given area. Invasive species may also be called exotic, non-native or introduce species (Krasny, 2003).
Native to Australia, Southeast Asia and the south Pacific Islands, Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) is an exotic inhabitant of the U.S. and Bahamas that was introduced in the 1800's to provide erosion control, windbreak and shade along beaches. This tree is not a pine but an angiosperm (flowering plant) and produces a thick layer of cover, casting a great amount of shade over surrounding plants (Sweringen, 2007).
In this project, we will assess the impact of the presence of Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) by measuring Australian pine canopy cover and presence of native Bahamian plants.
Research question
Does the presence of Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia) impact the occurrence of native plant species in the surrounding area?
Click here for additional information about our vegetation survey.
