Objectives
The objectives of this study are to examine the spatial distribution of C. offinciale (hound’s tongue) that could predict where this species could be found in the future due to climate change. Further, the study will try to find areas in present distribution where the species could be found, as well as the probability of being found in certain areas, and has not been reported. The study will locate areas that need to be considered in order to manage and prevent further distribution of hound’s tongue.
Background
Globalization has altered the interactions between humans on different continents. Not only has world trade increased connections of people, it has also made transporting of species to continents around the world much easier. One of these species is Cynoglossum officinale, also known as hound’s tongue. This plant is a species that is native to Europe, which has been introduced to North America and is found in Southern British Columbia. Under the BC Weed Control Act, hound’s tongue is declared a noxious weed that is of high concern. Hound’s tongue is a devastating plant to many animals specifically livestock including but not limited to cattle, deer, horses, and pigs (“Hound’s tongue”). Hound’s tongue distributes very easily because of Velcro-like seeds that attach to animals and humans. The distribution of hound’s tongue could potentially establish anywhere because the seeds are easily transported and dispersed.
Since hound’s tongue is an invasive species, it is necessary to know and control the areas that it is present. The data that is available about hound’s tongue’s location in BC is mostly from the Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP). The IAPP though is a program that is based off of public identification and reporting through the Report-a-weed program (“Invasive Plants…”). This limits the locations of where hound’s tongue is found to what a human being can see and report it. These reports help the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations to manage the species. However, under the Weed Control Act it states:
Since hound’s tongue is an invasive species, it is necessary to know and control the areas that it is present. The data that is available about hound’s tongue’s location in BC is mostly from the Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP). The IAPP though is a program that is based off of public identification and reporting through the Report-a-weed program (“Invasive Plants…”). This limits the locations of where hound’s tongue is found to what a human being can see and report it. These reports help the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations to manage the species. However, under the Weed Control Act it states:
“In accordance with the regulations, an occupier must control noxious weeds growing or located on land and premises, and on any other property located on land and premises, occupied by that person” - Weed Control Act, 1996
This places the ownership of removal and management of invasive species on the owner of land. This causes is a large problem because of two reasons a) property owners may not know the ideal locations on the land to manage and b) the property may be Crown land. Complications arise here because in order to comply with the management rules, a person must know where the species, specifically hound’s tongue, is located.
There are many management tools for hound’s tongue that need to be enforced at certain time. Management includes the use of biocontrol agents, such as the Mogulones cruciger, which kill hound’s tongue, herbicides, mowing, and preventative measures (“Hound’s Tongue”). It is especially important to further prevent the distribution of hound’s tongue because of its toxicity. Thus, it is important to know of potential suitable habitat for hound’s tongue to be located at the present day. In order to motivate people to manage and control hound’s tongue distribution, future predictions of the species’ spread is necessary. Modelling of habitat for current and future predictions are helpful for management practices to be carried through.
There are many management tools for hound’s tongue that need to be enforced at certain time. Management includes the use of biocontrol agents, such as the Mogulones cruciger, which kill hound’s tongue, herbicides, mowing, and preventative measures (“Hound’s Tongue”). It is especially important to further prevent the distribution of hound’s tongue because of its toxicity. Thus, it is important to know of potential suitable habitat for hound’s tongue to be located at the present day. In order to motivate people to manage and control hound’s tongue distribution, future predictions of the species’ spread is necessary. Modelling of habitat for current and future predictions are helpful for management practices to be carried through.
© Andrea Eisma, University of British Columbia, 2013