M.J.B. Dyer, G. Keppel, D. Watling, M. Tuiwawa, S. Vido and H.J. Boehmer Dyer, M.J.B.; G. Keppel, D. Watling, M. Tuiwawa, S. Vido and H.J. Boehmer. Using expert knowledge and fi eld surveys to guide management of an invasive alien palm in a Pacifi c Island lowland rainforest Using expert knowledge and fi eld surveys to guide management of an invasive alien palm in a Pacifi c Island lowland rainforest M.J.B. Dyer1, G. Keppel1,2, D. Watling3, M. Tuiwawa4, S. Vido5 and H.J. Boehmer6,7 1School of Natural and Built Environments and Barbara Hardy Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. <
[email protected]>. 2Biodiversity, Macroecology and Conservation Biogeography Group, Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany. 3Environment Consulting Fiji, Suva, Fiji. 4South Pacifi c Regional Herbarium, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, University of the South Pacifi c, Suva, Fiji. 5Forestry Department, Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, Suva, Fiji. 6School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, University of the South Pacifi c, Suva, Fiji. 7Institute for Applied Ecological Studies (IFANOS), Baerenschanzstrasse 73, Nuremberg, Germany. Abstract Invasive alien ornamental plants are a global problem, especially on oceanic islands, and can have severe impacts on native biodiversity. Pinanga coronata, is an ornamental palm tree that can form mono-dominant stands in its native habitat and is widely cultivated throughout the tropics. Here we investigate the introduction, spread, impact and management of this invasive palm in the Fiji Islands, using extensive discussions with local experts and fi eld surveys.