Evaluating the status of eucalypt species in Brazil
Risk analysis was conducted for 16 eucalypt species (Eucalyptus and Corymbia species listed in the table below) cultivated in Brazil using a protocol adapted from an Australian model to Brazilian conditions. The risk assessment protocol consisted of 45 questions divided into 8 topics: cultivation, climate, records of occurrence and invasion, undesirable attributes, habit and competition potential, reproduction, dispersal mechanisms and attributes of persistence. Within the risk assessment protocol, each question is scored and a species score can range from 0 to 49. Risk is low if the score is between 0 and 8 points, in which case the system recommends that the species is accepted for introduction; risk is moderate if the score is between 9 and 20 points, which means the species behaves as a ruderal and may become invasive (or not), creating uncertainty; and risk is high if the score is between 21 and 49 points, when the system recommends that the species is not accepted for introduction. Results indicate high risk for 7 species, moderate risk for 8 species and low risk for 1 species. The only low risk species was Eucalyptus dunnii, while the highest risk scores were obtained for Corymbia torelliana, E. tereticornis and E. grandis. These results are consistent with the history of invasion of the species around the world and should be considered for plantations especially when investment capacity to prevent and permanently control spread is low or not associated with forest certification standards.
Results of risk assessment for 16 species of Eucalyptus and Corymbia introduced to Brazil
Species | Risk level | Score |
Eucalyptus dunnii | Low | 5 |
Eucalyptus cloeziana | Moderate | 9 |
Eucalyptus benthamii | Moderate | 11 |
Eucalyptus viminalis | Moderate | 11 |
Eucalyptus pellita | Moderate | 13 |
Corymbia maculata | Moderate | 14 |
Eucalyptus globulus | Moderate | 18 |
Eucalyptus urophylla | Moderate | 18 |
Corymbia citriodora | Moderate | 20 |
Eucalyptus brassiana | High | 21 |
Eucalyptus camaldulensis | High | 22 |
Eucalyptus robusta | High | 22 |
Eucalyptus saligna | High | 22 |
Corymbia torelliana | High | 24 |
Eucalyptus tereticornis | High | 24 |
Eucalyptus grandis | High | 26 |
Sources
Ziller SR, Sa Dechoum M, Zenni RD (2018) Predicting invasion risk of 16 species of eucalypts using a risk assessment protocol developed for Brazil. Austral Ecology, DOI: 10.1111/aec.12649