Invasive weeds inflict significant harm on native species, ecosystem processes, and natural disturbance regimes. When managing these weed threats, some of the most useful tools are the outputs of predictive distribution models. As they supplement existing distribution data to assess where in the landscape is most susceptible to weed invasion, they allow for more efficient weed management because the areas most suited to weed species may be targeted for control. This research develops a habitat suitability model for the weed lantana (Lantana camara L. sensu lato) in a portion of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area at present and under forecast warmer climates. A generalised additive model (GAM) is used, which fits the regression curve used for prediction to the calibration data themselves and allows for an exploration of which environmental conditions favour lantana as well as where in the landscape is most suitable for the weed. Temperature was positively correlated with suitable habitat and explained over 90% of the variation in lantana presence predicted by the model. 15% of the study area was found to be suitable for lantana at present, with this figure reaching 58% after a simulated 3??C rise in temperature. Mapping habitat suitability across the study area allowed for the identification of five distinct pathways for lantana to further invade the Blue Mountains. Responding to calls for the integration of weed management with biodiversity conservation, the research also integrates the habitat suitability model with information regarding the distribution of vegetation communities and endangered species in the Blue Mountains. Thirteen native vegetation communities were found to have more than 20% suitable habitat for lantana at present, and an additional three contained more than 80% suitable habitat after a simulated 3??C rise in temperature. Five of these communities are listed as threatened under relevant legislation and harbour at least 27 endangered species, placing additional urgency on their conservation. This research has successfully used modelling techniques to identify areas for targeted weed management integrated with biodiversity conservation. The methods are easily adaptable to other weeds and regions and could thus be used to illustrate the comprehensive threat weeds pose to Australia???s biodiversity.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: p. 169-180.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on September 19, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Wyoming, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Nov. 5, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (p. 39-42).

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-86). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.S. in soil science)--Washington State University, August 2009. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Sept. 23, 2009). "Department of Crop and Soil Science." Includes bibliographical references (p. 46-50).

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 1994. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 196-204). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 2010. / Title from PDF file main screen (viewed on May 28, 2010). A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Rangeland and Wildlife Resources, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität München, 1974. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-84).