Patterns of exotic plants invasion, management, and their impacts on pocket gophers at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and outlying properties in Nueces County, Texas

Exotic plant invasion has become a very important environmental concern because of their adaptability, vigorous growth rate, and negative impacts on native biotic communities. Invasion by these plants may reduce and alter native plant and animal species diversity. I investigated disturbance, soil, and topographic characteristics that may contribute to invasion, addition of sucrose to the soil to re-establish native vegetation in areas invaded by guineagrass (Urochloa maxima (Jacq.) R. Webster), determined the efficacy of herbicides to reduce exotic trees, and determined the effect of guineagrass invasion on presence of Maritime pocket gopher (Geomys personatus maritimus) mounds. Guineagrass preferred sloping terrain and areas where the soil contained elevated levels of in phosphorous and potassium. Sucrose temporarily reduced guineagrass and increased native vegetation. Triclopyr was found to be very effective in killing the exotic trees. Pocket gophers are generalist herbivores that are not affected by exotics grasses and prefer soils that are mainly sandy.