Article
Entomology
Denis A. Demidko, Natalia N. Demidko, Pavel V. Mikhaylov, Svetlana M. Sultson
Summary: Biological invasions by bark beetles and borers pose a significant threat to ecosystems, with species utilizing four main invasion strategies: inbred, polyphagous, intermediate, and aggressive. These invaders exhibit traits like high fecundity, polyvoltinism, association with plant pathogens, and long-range or aggregation pheromones, contributing to their success in invaded areas and potential harm to native plant species.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elia Lo Parrino, Mattia Falaschi, Raoul Manenti, Gentile Francesco Ficetola
Summary: Species distribution models are commonly used to predict potential distributions of invasive species. However, niche expansion in freshwater invasive species challenges the reliability of these models. This study investigates the factors influencing niche shifts using multiple sets of environmental variables and found that methodological choices strongly affect niche dynamics metrics, while biological features have a weaker influence. Inappropriate methodological choices can lead to apparent niche shifts, raising concerns about the reliability and interpretation of niche models. The high rate of niche expansion in freshwater invasive species emphasizes the need for objective criteria in selecting variables for niche assessments.
Article
Ecology
Xing Chen, Sonja C. Jaehnig, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Thomas G. Evans, Fengzhi He
Summary: This study aimed to enhance our understanding of the impacts of alien species on native freshwater megafauna. The research found that 61 alien species caused negative impacts on 44 native freshwater megafauna species, with predation and competition being the most common mechanisms. It is worth noting that data limitations and the complexity of multiple threats make it difficult to fully assess the significance of alien species impacts.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bi Wei Low, Yiwen Zeng, Heok Hui Tan, Darren C. J. Yeo
Summary: The study demonstrates that using simpler predictor datasets can produce more accurate models than comprehensive bioclimatic datasets when detailed biological knowledge of focal species is lacking. Additionally, tuning models for optimal regularization parameters and feature-class combinations leads to the greatest increases in transferability and geographic niche conservatism. The findings suggest a delicate balance between model transferability and AICc, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of AICc as an estimate of model parsimony for stable model performance.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Emily M. X. Reed, Sara Cathey, Cameron Braswell, Prashasti Agarwal, Jacob N. Barney, Bryan L. Brown, Ariel Heminger, Ayda Kianmehr, Scott Salom, Todd Schenk, Gourav Sharma, David C. Haak
Summary: Despite the awareness of the threats of biological invasions, governments struggle to effectively prevent and control invasive species. A coordinated response, based on scientific research and attentive to the dynamics of policy-making, is crucial. A comprehensive survey of invasion-related laws and regulations in 21 eastern US states revealed inconsistencies in state policies regarding invasive species designation, particularly for invertebrate taxa.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jaime Ashander, Kailin Kroetzt, Rebecca Epanchin-Niell, Nicholas B. D. Phelps, Robert G. Haight, Laura E. Dee
Summary: Using network metrics to guide management can effectively address the challenges of biological invasions. The study evaluates the performance of network-guided invasive species management compared to optimal management and finds that the network-guided approach achieves high performance, even with incomplete information. This research highlights the potential of network approaches for sustainable resource management.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Lindsey K. Albertson, Michael J. MacDonald, Benjamin B. Tumolo, Michelle A. Briggs, Zachary Maguire, Sierra Quinn, Jose A. Sanchez-Ruiz, Jaris Veneros, Laura A. Burkle
Summary: The study found that positive interactions in freshwater habitats can significantly increase the number of beneficiaries, especially mollusks and amphibians. Invasive facilitators have stronger positive effects on beneficiaries compared to non-invasive facilitators.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joleen Chan, Yiwen Zeng, Darren C. J. Yeo
Summary: This study focuses on assessing the risk of non-native fish establishment in tropical Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore, using trait-based analysis. It emphasizes the importance of considering species traits such as climate match, prior invasion success, fecundity, trophic level, and involvement in the aquarium trade to minimize invasive risks and update regulatory lists. Additionally, the study suggests the need for more research on biological invasions in the tropics, especially in Asia.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chiara Polce, Ana Cristina Cardoso, Ivan Deriu, Eugenio Gervasini, Konstantinos Tsiamis, Olga Vigiak, Grazia Zulian, Joachim Maes
Summary: Invasive alien species (IAS) are animals, plants, and other organisms that are brought into a natural environment where they are not normally found, causing harmful effects on that environment. They pose a major threat to native biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, human health, and the economy. This study assessed the presence and potential pressure of IAS on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in 27 European countries. The findings showed that the Atlantic region had the highest level of invasion, followed by the Continental and Mediterranean regions. Urban and freshwater ecosystems were the most invaded, with forest and woodland being the next most affected. Cropland and forests had the highest average potential pressure of IAS.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Danish A. Ahmed, Emma J. Hudgins, Ross N. Cuthbert, Phillip J. Haubrock, David Renault, Elsa Bonnaud, Christophe Diagne, Franck Courchamp
Summary: The rate of biological invasions is rapidly increasing, posing a threat to global ecological and economic systems. This study developed a novel mathematical model to analyze the temporal trends of invasion costs based on population dynamics. The results revealed fundamental differences in cost dynamics among different genera, influenced by invasion duration, species ecology, and economic sectors impacted.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jan-Hendrik Keet, David M. Richardson
Summary: Numerous eucalypts have been introduced to South Africa, some of which have become naturalized or invasive species. Poor documentation of distribution patterns and a recent assessment highlighted invasion hotspots in the Western Cape and Modimolle region. Further research is needed to provide a comprehensive inventory of eucalypts and their introduction status in South Africa.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas P. Moore, Susan J. Clearwater, Ian C. Duggan, Kevin J. Collier
Summary: The study found that adverse sediment-water interface conditions were not always associated with dense submerged macrophyte beds in littoral zones. However, in cases where they did occur, adverse conditions were linked to reduced mussel density and skewed size-structure. Increased pore-water ammonia did not impact primarily adult populations of freshwater mussels.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pablo Rojas, Sergio A. Castro, Irma Vila, Fabian M. Jaksic
Summary: The introduction of exotic species significantly increased both richness and functional originality, while functional divergence and specialization remained unchanged. The possible extinction of threatened native species may lead to an increase in functional originality, a decrease in richness and divergence, as well as unchanged specialization. Some exotic species exhibit novel features, while others show redundant features with native ichthyofauna.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rafi Ullah, Nasrullah Khan, Nina Hewitt, Kishwar Ali, David Aaron Jones, Muhammad Ezaz Hasan Khan
Summary: Xanthium strumarium is a globally successful invasive herb with significant negative impacts on ecology, economy, and society. The study in northern Pakistan evaluated the invasive potential and spatial distribution patterns of X. strumarium, finding that high temperature and drought stress could determine population growth at lower elevations, while colder climates with adequate moisture are linked to reduced populations at higher elevations. Soil silt and available water were key factors associated with X. strumarium-invaded communities, with different invasive species responding similarly to these factors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pilar Alda, Manon Lounnas, Antonio A. Vazquez, Rolando Ayaqui, Manuel Calvopina, Maritza Celi-Erazo, Robert T. Dillon, Luisa Carolina Gonzalez Ramirez, Eric S. Loker, Jenny Muzzio-Aroca, Alberto Orlando Narvaez, Oscar Noya, Andres Esteban Pereira, Luiggi Martini Robles, Richar Rodriguez-Hidalgo, Nelson Uribe, Patrice David, Philippe Jarne, Jean-Pierre Pointier, Sylvie Hurtrez-Bousses
Summary: Cryptic species pose challenges to the application of systematic and biogeographic principles, requiring a pluralistic approach and molecular markers for detection. Research on the freshwater snails of genus Galba reveals diverse phenotypes and distributions, emphasizing the importance of not identifying species based solely on morphology.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Neil E. Coughlan, Stephanie J. Bradbeer, Ross N. Cuthbert, Eoghan M. Cunningham, Kate Crane, Stephen Potts, Joe M. Caffrey, Frances E. Lucy, Alison M. Dunn, Eithne Davis, Trevor Renals, Claire Quinn, Jaimie T. A. Dick
WETLANDS ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Caitriona Shannon, Paul D. Stebbing, Claire H. Quinn, Daniel A. Warren, Alison M. Dunn
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2020)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Robert J. Williams, Alison M. Dunn, Gavin Hanke, Joel W. Dixon, Christopher Hassall
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ross N. Cuthbert, Zarah Pattison, Nigel G. Taylor, Laura Verbrugge, Christophe Diagne, Danish A. Ahmed, Boris Leroy, Elena Angulo, Elizabeta Briski, Cesar Capinha, Jane A. Catford, Tatenda Dalu, Franz Essl, Rodolphe E. Gozlan, Phillip J. Haubrock, Melina Kourantidou, Andrew M. Kramer, David Renault, Ryan J. Wasserman, Franck Courchamp
Summary: Research indicates that the global economic cost of aquatic invasive alien species has reached $345 billion, with the majority attributed to invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants. The highest costs were reported in North America and Asia, primarily due to resource damages. The costs of aquatic invasive species have increased exponentially in recent decades, but are likely underreported.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nigel G. Taylor, Patrick Grillas, Hazem Al Hreisha, Ozge Balkiz, Maud Borie, Olivier Boutron, Ana Catita, Jocelyn Champagnon, Semia Cherif, Kerim Cicek, Luis T. Costa, Mohamed Dakki, Mauro Fois, Thomas Galewski, Alessandro Galli, Nicholas M. Georgiadis, Andy J. Green, Virgilio Hermoso, Rezart Kapedani, Manfred A. Lange, Zoran Mateljak, Maher Osta, Eva Papastergiadou, Clairie Papazoglou, Sergi Sabater, Boudjema Samraoui, Farrah Samraoui, Abdelkrim Si Bachir, Eva Tankovic, Mathieu Thevenet, Antonio Troya, William J. Sutherland
Summary: The research team identified key issues and research questions that will impact Mediterranean wetlands between 2020 and 2050, through an online survey and literature review, prioritized by an assessment panel. This analysis will support research, policy, and practice related to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the Mediterranean region.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nadege Popoff, Elie Gaget, Arnaud Bechet, Laura Dami, Pierre Defos du Rau, Ilse Geijzendorffer, Anis Guelmami, Jean-Yves Mondain-Monval, Christian Perennou, Marie Suet, Fabien Verniest, Clemence Deschamps, Nigel G. Taylor, Hichem Azafzaf, Nadjiba Bendjedda, Taulant Bino, John J. Borg, Luka Bozic, Mohamed Dakki, Vitor Encarnacao, Kiraz Erciyas-Yavuz, Khaled Etayeb, Clemence Gaudard, Ohad Hatzofe, Tom Langendoen, Christina Ieronymidou, Tibor Mikuska, Blas Molina, Nicky Petkov, Danae Portolou, Tareq Qaneer, Samir Sayoud, Marko Sciban, Goran Topic, Danka Uzunova, Gal Vine, Andrej Vizi, Marco Zenatello, Wed Abdou, Thomas Galewski
Summary: By evaluating 4186 sites in 24 Mediterranean countries, it was found that 161 internationally important waterbird habitats have not yet been declared as Ramsar sites. Among them, 32 very important sites exceed the required level for at least one criterion by double, while 95 sites are not protected by any conservation status.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Melina Kourantidou, Ross N. Cuthbert, Phillip J. Haubrock, Ana Novoa, Nigel G. Taylor, Boris Leroy, Cesar Capinha, David Renault, Elena Angulo, Christophe Diagne, Franck Courchamp
Summary: Invasive alien species (IAS) in the Mediterranean basin have led to significant economic costs, mainly driven by damages and losses from invasions rather than management expenditure. Costs were predominantly attributed to a few countries, primarily France, Spain, Italy, and Libya. The study highlights the need for improved research and data collection to understand the full extent of invasion costs in the region.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Phillip J. Haubrock, Anna J. Turbelin, Ross N. Cuthbert, Ana Novoa, Nigel G. Taylor, Elena Angulo, Liliana Ballesteros-Mejia, Thomas W. Bodey, Cesar Capinha, Christophe Diagne, Franz Essl, Marina Golivets, Natalia Kirichenko, Melina Kourantidou, Boris Leroy, David Renault, Laura Verbrugge, Franck Courchamp
Summary: This study is the first comprehensive effort to quantify the costs of IAS collectively across European countries and examine temporal trends in these data. The total costs of IAS in Europe amounted to US$140.20 billion between 1960 and 2020, with significant impacts in large western and central European countries. Temporally, invasion costs have exponentially increased through time, reaching up to US$23.58 billion in 2013 and an extrapolated US$139.56 billion in impacts in 2020.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alec P. Christie, Thomas B. White, Philip Martin, Silviu O. Petrovan, Andrew J. Bladon, Andrew E. Bowkett, Nick A. Littlewood, Anne-Christine Mupepele, Ricardo Rocha, Katherine A. Sainsbury, Rebecca K. Smith, Nigel G. Taylor, William J. Sutherland
Summary: The study reveals that there is a significant publication delay in conservation science, with an average delay of 3.2 years. Studies on Bee Conservation, Sustainable Aquaculture, Management of Captive Animals, Amphibian Conservation, and Control of Freshwater Invasive Species have shorter publication delays. Publication delay has increased over time but has stabilized post-2000s, with no evidence of decline.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Henry Hakkinen, Silviu O. Petrovan, William J. Sutherland, Maria P. Dias, Eric I. Ameca, Steffen Oppel, Ivan Ramirez, Becki Lawson, Aleksi Lehikoinen, Katharine M. Bowgen, Nigel G. Taylor, Nathalie Pettorelli
Summary: The increasing threat of climate change to species' long-term survival requires the integration of scientific knowledge and conservation actions. However, the lack of strategic collection and collation of information on species' climate change vulnerability and the effectiveness of conservation actions hinders decision-making and conservation outcomes. By utilizing a pressure-state-response framework, existing knowledge can be effectively utilized to identify missing information and improve conservation outcomes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emma. J. J. Hudgins, Ross. N. N. Cuthbert, Phillip. J. J. Haubrock, Nigel. G. G. Taylor, Melina Kourantidou, Dat Nguyen, Alok Bang, Anna. J. J. Turbelin, Desika Moodley, Elizabeta Briski, Syrmalenia. G. G. Kotronaki, Franck Courchamp
Summary: Globalization intensifies the ecological and economic impacts of biological invasions, challenging sustainability. This study identifies the cost distributions of invasions across origin and recipient countries and continents and determines socio-economic and environmental predictors of cost dynamics. The findings highlight the uneven distribution of impacts and costs globally, with Europe being most frequently impacted and reported monetary costs resulting from species with origins in Asia influencing North America.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Henry Hakkinen, Nigel G. Taylor, Nathalie Pettorelli, William J. Sutherland, Jon Aldara, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Christophe Aulert, Rob S. A. van Bemmelen, Daisy Burnell, Bernard Cadiou, Letizia Campioni, Bethany L. Clark, Nina Dehnhard, Maria P. Dias, Leonie Enners, Robert W. Furness, Gunnar thorn or Hallgrimsson, Sjurour Hammer, Erpur Snaer Hansen, Martti Hario, Stephen Hurling, Mark Jessopp, Birgit Kleinschmidt, Meelis Leivits, Klaudyna Maniszewska, Steffen Oppel, Ana Payo-Payo, Daniel Piec, Jaime A. Ramos, Frederic Robin, Iben Hove Sorensen, Antra Stipniece, Danielle L. Thompson, Antonio Vulcano, Silviu Petrovan
Summary: Conservation guidance is an important tool to communicate evidence-based advice to conservation actors, especially in the face of rapidly increasing pressure from climate change. However, the process of developing guidance documents with input from stakeholders can be complicated and costly. There is currently little direct evidence and guidance specifically targeting climate change. This study introduces a process for co-developing guidance for species conservation in the context of a changing climate, using seabirds in the North-East Atlantic as a case study.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark S. Reed, Dylan M. Young, Nigel G. Taylor, Roxane Andersen, Nicholle G. A. Bell, Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz, Matthew Grainger, Andreas Heinemeyer, Kristell Hergoualc'h, Adam M. Gerrand, Johannes Kieft, Haruni Krisnawati, Erik A. Lilleskov, Gabriela Lopez-Gonzalez, Lulie Melling, Hannah Rudman, Sophie Sjogersten, Jonathan S. Walker, Gavin Stewart
Summary: Lack of data consistency among multiple studies hampers decision-making in policy and practice regarding the conservation and restoration of peatlands. This study proposes a methodological framework and discusses subsequent steps to standardize the measurement and reporting of outcomes in peatland research. These efforts contribute to the creation of reliable datasets that inform evidence-based policy and contribute to the sustainable management of globally significant carbon stores.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eliza M. Grames, Graham A. Montgomery, Douglas H. Boyes, Lynn V. Dicks, Matthew L. Forister, Tanner A. Matson, Shinichi Nakagawa, Kit S. Prendergast, Nigel G. Taylor, Morgan W. Tingley, David L. Wagner, Thomas E. White, Paul Woodcock, Chris S. Elphick
Summary: The study identified 45 multi-year odonate datasets, including 10 studies with data that span more than 10 years, which could contribute to analyses of insect population trends. The methods developed for the EntoGEM project have the potential to be applied to other areas of research.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kate Crane, Ross N. Cuthbert, Eoghan M. Cunningham, Stephanie J. Bradbeer, Lawrence Eagling, Louise Kregting, Jaimie T. A. Dick, Alison M. Dunn, Emily R. C. Smith, Caitriona Shannon, Joe M. Caffrey, Frances E. Lucy, Eithne Davis, Neil E. Coughlan
MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2020)