Using a network modularity analysis to inform management of a rare endemic plant in the northern Great Plains, USA

What is it about?

This study explored the potential effects of invasive plant species on a rare, endemic plant. By using a network modularity analysis, we were able to visualize which plant species were connected to each other via shared pollinators. Those that share the most pollinators are most likely to have a strong influence on each other, for better or worse. We found that exotic Russian thistle shared many pollinators with the rare plant, Visher's buckwheat and they often carried Russian thistle pollen to Visher's buckwheat and vice-versa. Another common exotic, yellow sweetclover, had few or no pollinators in common with Visher's buckwheat. Managers can use this information to target for control the exotic plant most likely to harm the rare species.

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Why is it important?

It is never possible to manage every exotic invasive species. Information that allows resource managers to prioritize invasive plant control will ultimately lead to more effective management strategies. Interestingly, not every plant species that shares pollinators with another is necessarily a competitor. Our work suggested that a perennial congener to the rare plant may play a keystone role in supporting the pollinators that visit many native plants with more variable abundances in the community, including Visher's buckwheat.