Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sarah V. Wyse, Philip E. Hulme
Summary: Common weed risk assessment tools and expert knowledge were unable to predict the spread rates of non-native naturalized pine species in New Zealand, and should not be used to provide an index of spread risk. Instead, we recommend a move towards the use of dispersal models when assessing the spread risk of these species, even at national scales. Current practices relying on expert assessment are likely to underestimate the spread rate of species currently considered 'low risk', suggesting that these tools may be inadequate for predicting spread of these species.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Carolyn M. Malmstrom, Michael D. Martin, Lionel Gagnevin
Summary: Biotechnological advances have allowed broad exploration of past microbial communities, providing invaluable genomic and metagenomic data. This research has expanded to include plant-associated microbes, revealing insights into past epidemics and evolutionary history. It also enables the reconstruction of genetic mechanisms underlying microbial pathogenicity and the assessment of epidemiological parameters.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. Marie Ende, Marianne Lauerer
Summary: Invasive potential of the cup plant, a bioenergy crop increasingly cultivated in Germany, was investigated in this study. It was found that the cup plant can colonize a wide range of habitats, with open habitats and human settlement areas being particularly suitable. The development of stems, crucial for flowering and fruiting, is favored in warmer sites with a high herb layer. While the cup plant has the potential for future spread, this study did not confirm its invasive potential as a threat to biodiversity.
Article
Agronomy
Chiara Montagnani, Rodolfo Gentili, Giuseppe Brundu, Sarah Caronni, Sandra Citterio
Summary: Invasive alien species, particularly those introduced through horticulture and agriculture, have a significant impact on the environment. Accidental introductions of these species through human-mediated pathways can lead to large-scale invasions. It is crucial to address the risks associated with the accidental transport of invasive alien plants through agricultural practices.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alejandra Yezzi, Ana Nebbia, Sergio Zalba
Summary: This study analyzed the combined effect of fires and invasive alien trees on the coastal grasslands of southern Buenos Aires province, suggesting that fragmentation affects the resilience of coastal grasslands after fire and promotes the growth of invasive plants. Effective conservation of the biodiversity in these ecosystems will depend on preventing, mitigating, and compensating for the effects of forest plantations and invasive tree expansion through appropriate territorial planning.
Article
Fisheries
Nicole Reguera-Rouzaud, Noe Diaz-Viloria, Ricardo Perez-Enriquez, Elaine Espino-Barr, Mailin Isabel Rivera-Lucero, Adrian Munguia-Vega
Summary: The study analyzed the genetic structure of Pacific red snapper and yellow snapper in the tropical eastern Pacific region, finding significant genetic structure in both species at different locations, mainly influenced by factors such as isolation by distance and habitat differences.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zulema Nunez-Tobajas, Juan Carlos Senar, Ruth Rodriguez-Pastor, Jose G. Carrillo-Ortiz, Laura Cardador
Summary: As population density increases, individuals start using sub-optimal resources to compensate for the limitation of the preferred ones. However, shifts in nesting resource selection can occur during biological invasions.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Rudi Verovnik, Marko Kosmac, Alrabea A. E. Ishag, Hathal M. Al Dhafer
Summary: During surveys in the mountainous southwestern part of Saudi Arabia in February and September 2022, the alien species Western Pygmy Blue was unexpectedly discovered at two locations. This is the first time this species has been found in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, where it was previously limited to the Arabian Gulf region. The observations of adults at atypical elevations and in forested areas suggest the species has greater ecological plasticity and may disperse further into North Africa and the Mediterranean region. While long distance dispersal from the Arabian Gulf region seems likely, the possibility of human introduction through transfer of host plants cannot be ruled out.
AFRICAN ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lincoln F. Macgregor, Matthew Greenlees, Mark de Bruyn, Richard Shine
Summary: Geographical variation in abiotic and biotic conditions can significantly affect the rate of invasive species expansion. The colonization of cane toads in Australia has been extensively researched, with a focus on tropical regions rather than cooler climates. The spread of toads in New South Wales has been slower in cooler regions, with the expansion of their range mainly influenced by dry, warm weather conditions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maria J. Navarro-Ramos, Casper H. A. van Leeuwen, Camilla Olsson, Johan Elmberg, Johan Mansson, Victor Martin-Velez, Adam Lovas-Kiss, Andy J. Green
Summary: This study found that waterbirds disperse a variety of plant seeds through their feces, connecting different habitats. These seeds include agricultural weeds and alien species. The findings suggest that waterbirds, particularly geese, may contribute to agricultural conflicts through seed dispersal. The proximity to suitable aquatic habitats may increase the use of agricultural habitats and the potential for seed dispersal into them.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mahnaz Rashidi, Regina K. Cruzado, Pamela J. S. Hutchinson, Nilsa A. Bosque-Perez, Juliet M. Marshall, Arash Rashed
Summary: The study found that BYDV-PAV and the bird cherryoat aphid were common in the winter wheat production areas in Idaho. It was determined that various grassy weeds and types of corn could be inoculated with BYDV-PAV by the aphid, serving as sources of infection for winter wheat.
Article
Ecology
Johanna Haussler, Remo Ryser, Ulrich Brose
Summary: This study combines trophic network models with spatial network models to investigate the impact of nutrient supply and landscape structure on biological invasions and invasive spread. Results indicate that nutrient supply affects invasion success, with random landscapes facilitating invasive spread.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor Martin-Velez, Tomas Montalvo, Isabel Afan, Antoni Sanchez-Marquez, Raul Aymi, Jordi Figuerola, Adam Lovas-Kiss, Joan Navarro
Summary: The yellow-legged gull plays an important role in plant dispersal in the city of Barcelona, with average dispersal distances of around 700 m and maximum distances reaching up to 35 km. These gulls frequently disperse seeds, including alien species, within urban environments, posing a risk to native biodiversity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ryuji Uesugi, Akiya Jouraku, Suprada Sukonthabhirom Na Pattalung, Norihide Hinomoto, Seigo Kuwazaki, Hiroyuki Kanamori, Yuichi Katayose, Shoji Sonoda
Summary: The study revealed that the G4946E mutation plays a key role in resistance and has multiple origins across east and southeast Asia, despite geographical barriers. Field populations showed partial recovery in resistance levels during winter, with the frequency of the resistant allele decreasing. Regions that do not experience overwintering have significantly lower frequencies of the E4946 allele compared to overwintering regions.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucca A. C. Savio, Gustavo M. Dias, Kelen L. Leite, Silvia N. Godoi, Apoena C. Figueiroa, Geraldo F. O. Neto, Edineia C. Correa, Carlo L. B. Francini, Gustavo Shintate, Marcelo Kitahara
Summary: The study confirmed the effectiveness of manual removal of sun corals in controlling invasion, but continuous management efforts are necessary due to the high regeneration and recruitment rates of the invaders.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guillaume Latombe, Hanno Seebens, Bernd Lenzner, Franck Courchamp, Stefan Dullinger, Marina Golivets, Ingolf Kuehn, Brian Leung, Nuria Roura-Pascual, Emma Cebrian, Wayne Dawson, Christophe Diagne, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Cristian Perez-Granados, Dietmar Moser, Anna Turbelin, Piero Visconti, Franz Essl
Summary: This study investigated the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on biological invasions and found that trade, governance, lifestyle and education are the best indicators for explaining invasive species richness and a country's capacity to manage invasions. Historical levels of governance and trade were found to have a stronger influence than recent levels, highlighting the importance of historical factors in shaping future invasions. The results provide valuable insights for decision-making and management of biological invasions.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hermann Voglmayr, Anna Schertler, Franz Essl, Irmgard Krisai-Greilhuber
Summary: Fungal invasions can have significant consequences, but there is a lack of research on fungi in invasion science. This annotated checklist provides a comprehensive overview of alien and cryptogenic fungi and oomycetes in Austria, showing a significant increase in their numbers. Most of the introduced fungi are plant pathogens, with a small number of animal pathogens severely affecting native hosts. The dominance of pathogens highlights the importance of better understanding and managing fungal invasions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rachael Holmes, Pieter Pelser, Julie Barcelona, Sri Sudarmiyati Tjitrosoedirdjo, Indah Wahyuni, Mark van Kleunen, Petr Pysek, Franz Essl, Holger Kreft, Wayne Dawson, Lahiru Wijedasa, Alessandra Kortz, Martin Hejda, Juan Carlos Berrio, Iskandar Siregar, Mark Williams
Summary: There are major regional gaps in the reporting and accessibility of naturalized plant species distribution data, with particular emphasis on Southeast Asia. The Malesian Naturalized Alien Flora database (MalNAF) is introduced as a standardized checklist for naturalized vascular plant species in the Malesian phytogeographical region. This database provides valuable information on the composition, origins, and habitat preferences of the naturalized flora in the region.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Lirong Cai, Holger Kreft, Amanda Taylor, Pierre Denelle, Julian Schrader, Franz Essl, Mark van Kleunen, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Anke Stein, Marten Winter, Julie F. Barcelona, Nicol Fuentes, Inderjit, Dirk Nikolaus Karger, John Kartesz, Andreij Kuprijanov, Misako Nishino, Daniel Nickrent, Arkadiusz Nowak, Annette Patzelt, Pieter B. Pelser, Paramjit Singh, Jan J. Wieringa, Patrick Weigelt
Summary: This study used machine learning and conventional statistical methods to investigate and predict global plant diversity, revealing complex interactions between environmental factors and plant diversity. Current climate and environmental heterogeneity were found to be the primary drivers, while past environmental conditions had smaller but detectable impacts on plant diversity. The results provide accurate estimates of global plant diversity at resolutions relevant for conservation and macroecology.
Article
Plant Sciences
Rosina Soler, Gimena Bustamante, Veronica Cruz-Alonso, Bernd Lenzner, Franz Essl
Summary: This study investigated the role of native and domestic herbivores in native-alien vegetation changes in sub-Antarctic forests. The results showed that excluding grazing by livestock and native herbivores can significantly increase native species diversity while reducing alien species diversity.
APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anna Walentowitz, Bernd Lenzner, Franz Essl, Nichola Strandberg, Alvaro Castilla-Beltran, Jose Maria Fernandez-Palacios, Svante Bjorck, Simon Connor, Simon G. Haberle, Karl Ljung, Matiu Prebble, Janet M. Wilmshurst, Cynthia A. Froyd, Erik J. de Boer, Lea de Nascimento, Mary E. Edwards, Janelle Stevenson, Carl Beierkuhnlein, Manuel J. Steinbauer, Sandra Nogue
Summary: Human-mediated changes in island vegetation are largely caused by the introduction and establishment of non-native species. However, data on past changes in non-native plant species abundance are scarce. Using fossil pollen data and botanical status information, we studied the changes in non-native plant abundance on 29 islands over the past 5000 years. Our findings reveal a proportional increase in non-native plant pollen in the last 1000 years and highlight the importance of considering the longer and more dynamic history of non-native plant introductions.
Article
Ecology
Johannes Hausharter, Sonia Rashid, Johannes Wessely, Patrick Strutzenberger, Dietmar Moser, Andreas Gattringer, Konrad Fiedler, Karl Huelber, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: This study found that climate niche breadth is the most important factor determining the range sizes of European butterflies, while dispersal ability and wingspan are not related to range size. The effects of predictors varied across different butterfly families and genera.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Karina Reiter, Christoph Plutzar, Dietmar Moser, Philipp Semenchuk, Karl-Heinz Erb, Franz Essl, Andreas Gattringer, Helmut Haberl, Fridolin Krausmann, Bernd Lenzner, Johannes Wessely, Sarah Matej, Robin Pouteau, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: Land use is a major driver of biodiversity loss. This study examines the correlation between human appropriation of net primary production and the decline of species richness in used landscapes across the globe. The findings suggest that human appropriation of net primary production is a useful indicator of heterotrophic species loss in used landscapes.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rafael Munoz-Mas, Franz Essl, Mark van Kleunen, Hanno Seebens, Wayne Dawson, Christine Marie V. Casal, Emili Garcia-Berthou
Summary: This study aims to investigate major freshwater fish flows between biogeographic regions and their temporal dynamics, as well as quantify spatial patterns and temporal changes in the array of introduced species, and the emergence and distance between major donor and recipient regions. The analysis of a global dataset on freshwater fish introductions revealed unique changes in the composition and origins of introduced species in each biogeographic region. The results suggest that global policy should focus on tropical ornamental and aquaculture species, particularly in the Sino-Oriental region and the Ethiopian and Neotropical regions.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daijun Liu, Philipp Semenchuk, Franz Essl, Bernd Lenzner, Dietmar Moser, Tim M. Blackburn, Phillip Cassey, Dino Biancolini, Cesar Capinha, Wayne Dawson, Ellie E. Dyer, Benoit Guenard, Evan P. Economo, Holger Kreft, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Mark van Kleunen, Wolfgang Nentwig, Carlo Rondinini, Hanno Seebens, Patrick Weigelt, Marten Winter, Andy Purvis, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: Based on a global collection of samples from five taxa, this study examines the relationship between the presence and frequency of naturalised non-native species and land use types. Results show that primary vegetation has the lowest invasion rates in plants, while other land-use types also have low levels of non-native species occurrence and frequency in other taxa. High land use intensity is associated with increased non-native incidence and frequency in primary vegetation. These findings highlight the importance of primary vegetation in preserving native biodiversity and resisting biological invasions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ruta Juozaitiene, Hanno Seebens, Guillaume Latombe, Franz Essl, Ernst C. C. Wit
Summary: This paper presents a method called relational event modeling (REM) for analyzing spatio-temporal patterns of biological processes. By applying REM, researchers were able to unravel the main drivers of the dynamics of invasive alien species spread and discovered the role of species-interconnectedness in the spread. This method helps understand the changing relationships between ecological events and potential drivers over time.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adrian Garcia-Rodriguez, Bernd Lenzner, Clara Marino, Chunlong Liu, Julian A. Velasco, Celine Bellard, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Hanno Seebens, Franz Essl
Summary: Shifts between native and alien climatic niches pose challenges for predicting biological invasions, especially for insular species. This study analyzed alien occurrences of endemic insular amphibians, reptiles, and birds and found that climatic mismatches were common in invasions of birds and reptiles, but less common in amphibians. Several predictors were identified for climatic mismatches, which varied among taxonomic groups.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Franz Essl, Adrian Garcia-Rodriguez, Bernd Lenzner, Jake M. Alexander, Cesar Capinha, Pierre Gauzere, Antoine Guisan, Ingolf Kuehn, Jonathan Lenoir, David M. Richardson, Sabine B. Rumpf, Jens-Christian Svenning, Wilfried Thuiller, Damaris Zurell, Stefan Dullinger
Summary: The rapid environmental changes in the Anthropocene era have caused shifts in species' spatial distributions, with lagged responses leading to disequilibrium states. The effects of different types of environmental change and time lags on species responses have not been adequately explored, which has implications for biodiversity assessments, scenarios, and models, thus impacting policymaking and conservation science. This perspective piece examines lagged species responses to environmental change and discusses ways to improve the calibration of species distribution models (SDMs) to account for time lags and enhance biodiversity science and policy.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lirong Cai, Holger Kreft, Amanda Taylor, Julian Schrader, Wayne Dawson, Franz Essl, Mark Van Kleunen, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Marten Winter, Patrick Weigelt
Summary: Assessing the distribution and drivers of phylogenetic endemism in seed plants worldwide, this study finds that tropical and subtropical islands and tropical mountain regions have the highest phylogenetic endemism. Tropical rainforest regions are centers of paleoendemism, while Mediterranean-climate regions show high levels of neoendemism. Factors such as warm and wet climates, geographic isolation, and long-term climatic stability are key drivers of phylogenetic endemism. The study provides insights into the evolutionary underpinnings of biogeographical patterns and identifies areas of high evolutionary and biogeographical uniqueness for global conservation priorities.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anna Schertler, Bernd Lenzner, Stefan Dullinger, Dietmar Moser, Jennifer L. Bufford, Luisa Ghelardini, Alberto Santini, Cesar Capinha, Miguel Monteiro, Luis Reino, Michael J. Wingfield, Hanno Seebens, Marco Thines, Wayne Dawson, Mark van Kleunen, Holger Kreft, Jan Pergl, Petr Pysek, Patrick Weigelt, Marten Winter, Franz Essl
Summary: This study analyzes the global distribution, taxonomy, ecological characteristics, temporal accumulation trajectories, and regional hotspots of 100 major alien fungal and oomycete pathogens with significant socio-economic and environmental impacts.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
