Hulme, PhilipPyšek, PPergl, JJarošík, VSchaffner, UVilà, M2018-01-152013-09-112014-092013-08-13Hulme et al. (2014). Greater focus needed on alien plant impacts in protected areas. Conservation Letters, 7(5), 459-466. doi:10.1111/conl.120611755-263XAS6KW (isidoc)https://hdl.handle.net/10182/8883Alien plants pose significant threats to protected areas worldwide yet many studies only describe the degree to which these areas have become invaded. Research must move toward a better understanding of alien plant impacts since managers urgently require an appropriate evidence base to prioritize control/eradication targets. We analyze a global database of quantitative studies of alien plant impacts to evaluate existing knowledge of alien plant impacts within and outside protected areas. Although protected areas are a significant focus for quantitative impact studies, the biogeographic emphasis of most research effort does not coincide with the global distribution of protected areas nor the plant species or life-forms recognized to have greatest impacts on ecosystems. While impacts were often as significant within protected areas as outside, only a minority of studies provide any subsequent management recommendations. There is therefore considerable scope to improve the evidence base on alien plant management in protected areas.pp.459-466en© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.biological invasionscommunity structureexotic speciesfiremacroecologynational parksnature reservesplant conservationsoil processesweedsJournal Article10.1111/conl.12061ANZSRC::050103 Invasive Species EcologyANZSRC::0501 Ecological Applications1755-263X