The Possible Role of Bird Migrations on Introduction and Spread of Invasive Alien Plants: A Case Study, Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.

Abstract

Solanum elaeagnifolium (SOLEL), a native plant of the Americas is a highly spread invasive alien species worldwide with impacts on biodiversity and agriculture. It has a long history in Mediterranean basin and the Middle East where Türkiye is located but there was no record except one in 2006 from the eastern the Mediterranean of Türkiye of which introduction was attributed to migrating birds. Despite widespread and large populations in neighboring countries, not detecting SOLEL in Türkiye had been questionable. The aims of the study were to find out new populations of SOLEL in Türkiye and understand the reason of less population occurred in Türkiye. Two areas were selected near the country borders of Türkiye which are known as migrating bird routes. Areas were visited unregularly several times from 2020 to 2023 to find out SOLEL populations. New populations were detected in the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Regions of Türkiye which are over 1000 km apart from each other. SOLEL populations and bird migration routes through Türkiye and countries SOLEL has already been recorded were compared. It is concluded that SOLEL might be introduced by migrating birds. It is suggested that more detailed research is needed to explain the role of migrating birds in invasive alien plants’ introductions. Furthermore, plants around wetlands which birds use in their migration routes should be observed to prevent new plant invasions.