Habitat modification in conservation problems: Modeling invasive ecosystem engineers

We propose a working group to develop models and analyze data for species that substantially modify their environment. We will incorporate such habitat modification in models describing population and community dynamics of invasive species. Therefore, we will simultaneously develop methods of modeling "ecosystem engineers", and produce generalizations regarding the effects of invasive habitat modifiers. Finally, we will develop quantitative criteria to determine when it is necessary to consider ecosystem engineering in ecological problems.