In this recorded talk for the Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Professor Songlin Fei of Purdue University explains why understanding forest invasions requires looking beyond local plots to landscapes and regions.
Drawing on macrosystems ecology, he describes how compiling nationwide field data, historical herbarium records and remote sensing can map invasive species and model the natural and human factors that shape their spread.
Fei argues that piecing together patterns across spatial and temporal scales helps researchers see the “big picture”, guiding effective management and policy decisions. Watch the full talk to learn how landscape-level surveys can inform forest biosecurity and conservation.
Songlin Fei is a professor and Dean’s Remote Sensing Chair in Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.
He directs Purdue’s Institute for Digital Forestry, which uses digital technology and multidisciplinary expertise to measure, monitor and manage urban and rural forests.
A pioneer of macrosystems ecology, he co-edited special issues on this emerging field and studies ecological processes across spatial and temporal scales. Fei’s research focuses on the management of exotic and invasive species: he maps invaders using nationwide field and herbarium data and models how natural and anthropogenic factors drive their spread.
Project HIVE 101187384. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
