Abstract
Biological invasions and grassland transformation are significant problems in pasture ecosystems of the Central Caucasus. The aim was to study the main patterns of invasive processes in grasslands and included identification the main vegetation parameters and abiotic factors affecting the invasion and distribution of alien species (Erigeron annuus,Ambrosia artemisiifolia, andXanthium albinum) in plant communities. We assessed vegetation parameters of steppe grasslands with the presence of alien species within 122 model plots on plains, in foothills and low mountains (250-1000 m above sea level). We also modeled the current habitats of the species in grasslands of the Central Caucasus by using the Maxent method. The most suitable for invasion and distribution ofErigeron annuusare productive grasslands (NDVI is 0.25 and more) of the foothills and low mountains with a moderately warm humid climate (average annual temperature is 5-10°C; precipitation of the most humid quarter is 240-300 mm). The most suitable forAmbrosia artemisiifoliaare medium-productive grasslands (NDVI is 0.25-0.38) of the foothills and low mountains with low vegetation coverage (65-85%) and moderately humid climate (precipitation of the most humid quarter is 225-275 mm). The most suitable forXanthium albinumat present are dry unproductive disturbed grasslands of plains.
Highlights
Biological invasions are one of the main significant environmental problems leading to degradation of grasslands globally [1,2,3,4]
Whereas earlier the grasslands were relatively resistant to invasion of alien species, nowadays climate warming, overgrazing and development of the road network significantly increased the risk of biological invasions in these environments
The alien plant species that are widespread in the lowland and foothill regions of the Central Caucasus and currently penetrate into the grasslands include Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., and Xanthium albinum (Widd.) Scholz & Sukopp
Summary
Biological invasions are one of the main significant environmental problems leading to degradation of grasslands globally [1,2,3,4]. The alien plant species that are widespread in the lowland and foothill regions of the Central Caucasus and currently penetrate into the grasslands include Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., and Xanthium albinum (Widd.) Scholz & Sukopp. Distribution of these species, as well as overgrazing, is a key factor in grassland degradation, which changes the forage value and the biodiversity of pastures
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