A multi-objective optimization approach for invasive species control

Abstract

In this paper, we formulate and analyse a long-term multi-objective dynamic model for controlling invasive species. This optimization framework is then applied to the case of buffelgrass control in the Arizona desert. The proposed model simultaneously optimizes three objectives corresponding to three different valued and threatened resources including saguaros (a native cactus species), buildings and vegetation. The model is used to decide the optimal allocation of labour to these resources to control the population of the species in a multi-period planning horizon. The computational method to solve this problem is based on multi-objective integer programming.

Keywords:

• invasive species
• biological invasion
• environmental studies
• optimal control
• integer programming
• multi-objective optimization

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank George Frisvold and Aaryn Olsson for providing insights to the model and the data needed to conduct the experiments in this paper. The authors are also grateful to three anonymous referees and the associate editor for their insightful comments.