Background of the internship on invasive exotic species

Invasive exotic species (IAS) are species carried by humans beyond their historical biogeographic barriers (introduced), which manage to reproduce in the wild (naturalized) with negative ecological, economic, or health consequences (invasive). This damage would amount to tens of billions of dollars per year worldwide. However, climate disturbances (e.g. increase in temperature, modification of the rain regime, more frequent and more violent cyclones) lead to an acceleration of species flows and promote the crossing of all the barriers of the invasion process. Without effective control measures, the impact of EEE will therefore inevitably intensify (invasion debt). It is generally recognized that measures to contain the spread of EEE are easier and less expensive to implement when EEE is not yet introduced, low in abundance, or occupies a restricted territory. In order to implement the most appropriate biosecurity measures, it therefore seems necessary to identify, as soon as possible and at appropriate scales, the species with the most harmful potential. Based on this observation, black lists of species at risk have recently appeared. These lists are a relevant starting point in order to prioritize the attention of decision-makers in the procedures to be put in place, but they are still too rarely the result of a reliable and replicable methodology. Island territories are global epicenters of biological invasions. This phenomenon would result both from the reduced diversity of indigenous communities and from increased ecological “naivety” in the most isolated islands, which makes them extremely sensitive to rapid environmental changes, which makes them sometimes referred to as “sentinels” of global change. Paradoxically, islands have their own strengths in the fight against the introduction of EEE since they have fewer entry points controlling the traffic of goods and people than continents (airports and seaports). However, a lack of understanding of invasion risks and their interactions with climate change severely limit the scope of current measures. Therefore, it seems necessary to define a methodological framework for a more accurate assessment of the risks of future biological invasions in the islands.

Objective of the internship

This internship aims to develop a generic methodology capable of estimating the risk of invasion of a species pool based on ecological niche models. To do this, a workflow linked to the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) and including various modeling algorithms and methods of change of scale will be implemented under R. This workflow will be tested on a case study in Réunion Island (Indian Ocean). We will use regionalized climate simulations over the present period—2100 associated with various IPCC SSP scenarios on which Météo-France, a project partner, is working. Special emphasis will be placed on invasive plant species in the southwest of the Indian Ocean, i.e. around 400 species inventoried by the UMR PVBMT, also a partner in the project. These plants are in fact very likely to be introduced to Réunion given the close economic and demographic links between the islands of the sub-region. If time permits, we will extend our simulations to animal species, and in particular to fauna that are reservoirs of pathogens. Finally, the consistency of the various black lists generated in this way will be examined.

Profile wanted

Level of studies: Master 2 student or engineer (gap year internships accepted) Recommended training: Ecology with a good command of programming under R or Computer Science with an interest in ecology and/or decision support Skills required:

• Enthusiasm for modeling work • Interest in biosecurity issues

• A first experience in handling netcdf files would be a plus

• Writing and summary skills

• Rigor, autonomy, relational skills • Proficiency in English (reading/writing articles)

Characteristics of the internship

Duration: 6 months, start as soon as possible, at the latest in June 2022 Place of the internship: Reception at the premises of the Plant Protection Center, Saint-Pierre, Réunion. Airline ticket taken care of. Gratification: Internship compensated according to the regulations in force.

Application procedures

Application deadline: 01/07/2022 Reference for this ecology internship offer in Réunion: OE-110422-2 Email a cover letter and a CV to Robin Pouteau by clicking below:

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The review of applications will begin on April 14, 2022 and will continue until the internship is filled.