Marler, T.E., & Cruz, G.N. 2023 Insular Cycas micronesica Habitats Respond Similarly to Aulacaspis yasumatsui Invasion, Regardless of Co-Occurring Consumers. Forests doi.org/ 10.3390/f15010022

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Notes: The natural distribution of Cycas micronesica includes three island groups. Damage to the widespread tree from the armored scale Aulacaspis yasumatsui was initiated with the 2003 invasion of Guam and the 2007 invasion of Rota. This herbivore has threatened the unique gymnosperm species with extinction. The timing of this plant population behavior did not differ among habitats with five other consumers, three other consumers, one other consumer, or no other consumers. We have shown that A. yasumatsui acting as the sole biotic threat in an isolated subpopulation can generate a decline in survival that is as rapid as when it is acting in conjunction with up to five other consequential consumers.