Abstract
In invasion processes, both abiotic and biotic factors are considered essential, but the latter are usually disregarded when modeling the potential spread of exotic species. In the framework of set theory, interactions between biotic (B), abiotic (A), and movement-related (M) factors in the geographical space can be hypothesized with BAM diagrams and tested using ecological niche models (ENMs) to estimate A and B areas. The main aim of our survey was to evaluate the interactions between abiotic (climatic) and biotic (host availability) factors in geographical space for exotic symbionts (i.e., non-free-living species), using ENM techniques combined with a BAM framework and using exotic Entocytheridae (Ostracoda) found in Europe as model organisms. We carried out an extensive survey to evaluate the distribution of entocytherids hosted by crayfish in Europe by checking 94 European localities and 12 crayfish species. Both exotic entocytherid species found, Ankylocythere sinuosa and Uncinocythere occidentalis, were widely distributed in W Europe living on the exotic crayfish species Procambarus clarkii and Pacifastacus leniusculus, respectively. No entocytherids were observed in the remaining crayfish species. The suitable area for A. sinuosa was mainly restricted by its own limitations to minimum temperatures in W and N Europe and precipitation seasonality in circum-Mediterranean areas. Uncinocythere occidentalis was mostly restricted by host availability in circum-Mediterranean regions due to limitations of P. leniusculus to higher precipitation seasonality and maximum temperatures. The combination of ENMs with set theory allows studying the invasive biology of symbionts and provides clues about biogeographic barriers due to abiotic or biotic factors limiting the expansion of the symbiont in different regions of the invasive range. The relative importance of abiotic and biotic factors on geographical space can then be assessed and applied in conservation plans. This approach can also be implemented in other systems where the target species is closely interacting with other taxa.
Highlights
Biotic and abiotic factors in invasion processesDramatic impacts of alien species on invaded ecosystems have prompted interest to scientifically understand invasion processes in order to prevent their harmful effects (Strayer et al 2006; Young and Larson 2011)
Several studies show that spatial and temporal heterogeneity and physical disturbances, usually related to abiotic conditions, may facilitate the establishment of invasive species (Melbourne et al 2007). Another example of the importance of abiotic factors in invasion biology is the effect of climate change on the invasion processes (Hellmann et al 2008; Rahel and Olden 2008)
Occurrences of A. sinuosa were widely distributed in the Iberian Peninsula (Fig. 3C), while those of U. occidentalis were located in NE Iberian Peninsula, Central and N Europe (Fig. 4C)
Summary
Biotic and abiotic factors in invasion processesDramatic impacts of alien species on invaded ecosystems have prompted interest to scientifically understand invasion processes in order to prevent their harmful effects (Strayer et al 2006; Young and Larson 2011). Several external factors are involved in an invasion success, usually classified into abiotic, biotic, and dispersal factors. Several studies show that spatial and temporal heterogeneity and physical disturbances, usually related to abiotic conditions (like climatic or geographical), may facilitate the establishment of invasive species (Melbourne et al 2007). Another example of the importance of abiotic factors in invasion biology is the effect of climate change on the invasion processes (Hellmann et al 2008; Rahel and Olden 2008)
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