Abstract
Biogeographical barriers formed by natural forces over billions of years have been substantially disrupted by human activity, particularly in recent centuries. In response to these anthropogenic changes, global homogenization of biota is observed at an ever‐increasing rate, causing environmental and economic losses as well as emerging health risks. Identifying factors underlying alien species richness is essential for prevention of future introductions and subsequent spread. In this study, we examined the effects of environmental and human‐related factors on distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). We compiled a set of maps showing the level of invasion of six categories of alien animal species in each of 628 grid cells (ca. 12.0 × 11.1 km) covering the Czech Republic. Relationships between alien species richness and 12 variables characterizing climatic conditions, topography, land cover, and human population size were calculated using the generalized least squares method. Species richness of all alien species, of invertebrates, and of terrestrial species showed the strongest positive relationship with mean annual temperature, while the number of black and grey (proposed prominent invaders) and aquatic species was most closely related to the presence of large rivers. Alien vertebrates showed a strong negative relationship with annual precipitation. The highest alien animal species richness was found in and near large population centers and in agricultural landscapes in warm and dry lowlands. The gateways for alien aquatic species are rather large rivers over sport fishing and aquaculture import. Compiled maps create a powerful visual communication tool, useful in development of programs to prevent future introductions.
Highlights
Biological invasions, consequential biodiversity loss, and ecosystem function alterations are major components of human-induced global change (Vitousek, D’Antonio, Loope, Rejmánek, & Westbrooks, 1997) and generate economic costs associated with commodity and service losses as well as with eradication and mitigation of alien species (Pimentel, 2011; Vilà et al, 2010)
Europe is considered to be a more frequent donor than recipient of alien species (Lambdon et al, 2008), several evidences proved that Central Europe possesses crucial historical, biogeographical, and anthropogenic predispositions for successful biological invasions (Hulme, 2007; Pyšek, Sádlo, & Mandák, 2002)
We aimed to investigate which factors are important in explaining alien species richness in the Czech Republic
Summary
Biological invasions, consequential biodiversity loss, and ecosystem function alterations are major components of human-induced global change (Vitousek, D’Antonio, Loope, Rejmánek, & Westbrooks, 1997) and generate economic costs associated with commodity and service losses as well as with eradication and mitigation of alien species (Pimentel, 2011; Vilà et al, 2010). Europe is considered to be a more frequent donor than recipient of alien species (Lambdon et al, 2008), several evidences proved that Central Europe possesses crucial historical, biogeographical, and anthropogenic predispositions for successful biological invasions (Hulme, 2007; Pyšek, Sádlo, & Mandák, 2002). Understanding the drivers and prediction of invasion processes, including determining high-risk areas, is of critical importance for designing appropriate management interventions
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