158 AvailableNew on-lineZealand at: Journal http://www.newzealandecology.org/nzje/ of Ecology, Vol. 34, No. 1, 2010 special issue: Feathers to Fur The ecological transformation of Aotearoa/New Zealand Impacts of exotic invertebrates on New Zealand’s indigenous species and ecosystems Eckehard G. Brockerhoff1*, Barbara I.P. Barratt2, Jacqueline R. Beggs3, Laura L. Fagan4, Malcolm K. (Nod) Kay5, Craig B. Phillips6 and Cor J. Vink6 1Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), PO Box 29 237, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand 2AgResearch Invermay, Private Bag 50 034, Mosgiel, New Zealand 3School of Biological Sciences, Tamaki Campus, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, New Zealand 4Plant & Food Research, Private Bag 4704, Christchurch, New Zealand 5Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Private Bag 3020, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand 6Biosecurity Group, AgResearch, Lincoln Science Centre, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand *Author for correspondence (Email:
[email protected]) Published on-line: 9 November 2009 Abstract: Biological invasions have significantly affected New Zealand’s native species and ecosystems. Most prominent are the effects of exotic mammals and plants, whereas few invertebrate invasions are known to have major effects on native ecosystems. Exceptions are the well-known cases of Vespula wasps in Nothofagus forest ecosystems and Eriococcus scale insects in Leptospermum shrublands. This limited impact is surprising because over 2000 exotic invertebrates have become established in New Zealand, among them many pests of exotic crop plants. The low impact of exotic invertebrates that invaded forests and other native ecosystems in New Zealand is in contrast to the situation in other parts of the world where many invertebrates have become important pests.