Abstract
This chapter reviews the pathways and vectors of the terrestrial alien arthropod species in Europe according to the DAISIE-database. The majority of species (1341 spp., 86%) were introduced unintentionally, whereas 218 species (14%) were introduced intentionally, almost all of these for biological control purposes. The horticultural/ornamental-pathway is by far the most important (468 spp., 29%), followed by unintentional escapees (e.g., from greenhouses, 204 spp., 13%), stored product pests (201 spp., 12%), stowaways (95 spp., 6%), forest and crop pests (90 spp. and 70 spp., 6% and 4%). For 431 species (27%), the pathway is unknown. The unaided pathway, describing leading-edge dispersal of an alien species to a new region from a donor region where it is also alien, is expected to be common for arthropods in continental Europe, although not precisely documented in the data. Selected examples are given for each pathway. The spatiotemporal signal in the relevance of pathways and vectors and implications for alien species management and policy options are also discussed. Identifying and tackling pathways is considered an important component of any strategy to reduce propagule pressure of the often small and unintentionally translocated, mega-diverse arthropods. This requires coordination and clear responsibilities for all sectors involved in policy development and for all associated stake-holders.
Highlights
To become an alien species, boundaries of natural distribution ranges must be overcome with the help of man-made structures, goods and services
This chapter reviews the pathways and vectors of the terrestrial alien arthropod species in Europe according to the DAISIE-database
The others are utilised unintentionally, accidentally and may come from any direction. These are escapes from contained environments and captivity; contaminants of commodities; stowaways, transported as hitch-hikers with vehicles and cargo; corridors, where transport infrastructure enables the spread of a species; and the unaided pathway, where an alien species conquers a nearby region under its own dispersal capacity
Summary
To become an alien species, boundaries of natural distribution ranges must be overcome with the help of man-made structures, goods and services. The others are utilised unintentionally, accidentally and may come from any direction These are escapes from contained environments and captivity; contaminants of commodities; stowaways, transported as hitch-hikers with vehicles and cargo; corridors, where transport infrastructure enables the spread of a species; and the unaided pathway, where an alien species conquers a nearby region under its own dispersal capacity. These different pathways have major implications for risk assessment, regulations, management and control (Hulme et al 2008, Hulme 2009). It has to be said very clearly that many assignments were only “best guess” or “most likely” assessments, deduced from the preferred habitats, food
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
