WORMSPREAD - an individual-based model of invasive earthworm population dynamics

Invasive earthworm species, such as Lumbricus rubellus, can cause changes to forest soils, which may result in reduced forest biodiversity. Individual Based Modeling (IBM) offers a way to predict the spread of invasive species, and can provide insight for control. We developed an individual-based, spatially explicit, population dynamics modeling software package (WORMSPREAD). The user interface is easy to learn and flexible enough to incorporate new data. WORMSPREAD allows ecologists and conservation biologists to test invasion scenarios that involve variations in landscape structure and demographic parameters that potentially affect abundance and distribution of invasive species. Results can help determine where to concentrate conservation efforts and control strategies.