Invasion biology: understanding the mechanisms of naiveté towards alien species

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Naiveté in local wildlife is central to why alien species are so damaging, yet it is typically viewed as a simple lack of recognition of novel enemies. This project tests for multiple levels of naiveté in Australia’s mammals to demonstrate its many complex forms. It will use field and lab experiments and formal meta-analysis to unravel the three main forms of naiveté, to reveal their role in predator:prey and competitive interactions, and to understand how native and alien mammals might overcome their initial naiveté to novel enemies. These results will identify to ecologists and land managers the complex nature of naiveté, and how it ultimately defines the nature of interactions between aliens and natives.