A temperature-dependent physiologically based model for the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Invasive Species Biology
• Population Dynamics

Background:

• Invasive species pose significant ecological and economic threats.
• Accurate predictions of invasive species' abundance and distribution are crucial for management.
• The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is a widespread freshwater invader with severe impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a physiologically based demographic model for Pomacea canaliculata.
• To predict the population dynamics, including abundance and distribution, of this invasive snail.
• To understand the factors influencing the snail's invasiveness across different climates.

Main Methods:

• Developed a demographic model incorporating mortality, development, and fecundity rates.
• Model functions are driven by water and air temperatures for aquatic and aerial stages.
• Validated the model against distribution data from South America and Japan.

Main Results:

• The model accurately simulates reproduction, growth, maturation, and mortality patterns.
• Pomacea canaliculata exhibits reproductive plasticity (semelparity and iteroparity), aiding its invasiveness.
• Predicted snail densities vary significantly across different climatic regimes, influencing impact magnitude.

Conclusions:

• Physiologically based demographic modeling is a valuable tool for invasive species management.
• Understanding snail reproductive strategies and climate-driven dynamics is essential for predicting impact.
• The model provides insights for prioritizing management efforts for costly invasive species.