Distribution and Management of Heracleum species in Reykjavík, Iceland

• Main Author: Beauchemin, Danielle Elizabeth, 1989-
• Other Authors: Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Umhverfis- og auðlindafræði; Vistkerfi; Hvannir; Ágengar tegundir; Reykjavík; Tröllahvönn; Laugarnes; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/30541

Invasive alien species can negatively impact ecosystems in a number of ways that include declines in biodiversity, economic losses, human health issues, and risks to native species. Given these impacts, the City of Reykjavík, Iceland, is concerned about three alien hogweed species: Heracleum mantegazzianum, H. persicum, and H. sphondylium. To assess this concern, these species were mapped in 11 districts in Reykjavík between May and August 2017 on both managed and unmanaged sites, using ArcGIS. The study also focused on the area of Laugarnes, where vegetation cover was measured and efforts to eradicate H. mantegazzianum were implemented in June 2017. Overall, hogweed was found in 53 public land locations and 70 private land locations. Results indicate that H. mantegazzianum is abundant and widely distributed in Laugarnes. H. sphondylium is prevalent in Vesturbær and is spreading at a faster rate than H. mantegazzianum. This is the first time H. sphondylium is being recorded as an invasive species in Iceland. H. persicum is not a threat at this time but should be monitored. Key findings reveal early detection and monitoring of the species and surrounding plant community is needed to reduce the threats and costs of hogweed control, so the City of Reykjavík can adopt more focused and effective management strategies. Finally, public interaction and participation is important to increase community awareness and support towards future management decisions regarding invasive species.