Providing scientifically defensible evidence and correct calibrated thresholds for risk screening non-native species with second-generation Weed Risk Assessment-type decision-support tools

The risk screening of non-native species that are likely to be invasive in a defined assessment area is crucial for implementing strategies rapid response and mitigation protect native biodiversity socio-economic activities. However, successful risk-ranking the screened species, scientifically defensible evidence support outcomes must provided, computation correctly calibrated threshold distinguish between medium-risk high-risk achieved. This paper reviews published applications “second-generation” Weed Risk Assessment-type decision tools (i.e. Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit Terrestrial Animal Kit) evaluates them terms above two requirements. Several procedural errors were identified involved: i) lack provision report with details species-specific screenings; ii) incomplete justifications responses toolkit questionnaire; iii) protocol used priori categorisation computation; iv) unaccepted or non-existent taxonomic names (including typographical errors). Guidelines provided both assessors reviewers ensure these avoided future toolkits.