Tamarix as Wildlife Habitat

This chapter examines the effects of Tamarix invasion and Tamarix control on the use of riparian habitats by wildlife species such as birds, mammals, and herpetofauna. Birds, mammals, and herpetofauna are secondary consumers within a riparian food web, capable of providing a tool to evaluate how the establishment and proliferation of exotic species such as Tamarix can induce ecosystem-level changes. The chapter begins by comparing Tamarix with native or mixed habitats (defined as stands composed of nonnative Tamarix and native tree species, mainly cottonwood and willow) and proceeds by considering how the establishment and proliferation of Tamarix can lead to ecosystem-level changes. It also highlights data gaps with respect to the impact of Tamarix on most species of wildlife and suggests directions for future research.