History Of Introduction Research Articles

The legacy of over a century of introductions: Spread debt of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

AbstractFor over a century, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been widely introduced into lakes and rivers in South Africa to create and enhance sport‐fishing opportunities. Despite its long history of introduction, naturalized populations of rainbow trout are still localized to a few areas with suitable habitats and climate. This study assessed the spread debt (i.e., the increase in area invaded by invasive species over time) of rainbow trout in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa to highlight areas with known introductions, the extent of the invasion, and to identify areas that are suitable for establishment but are still invasion‐free. The total river length that was predicted as suitable for rainbow trout under current climate was about ca. 3,500 km in an extension of about ca. 15,000 km. Current occupancy (river length predicted as suitable with known rainbow trout occurrence records) was ca. 1,220 km (35%) and the invasion debt was therefore estimated as 65%. While these data infer a large invasion debt, they are confounded by a lack of knowledge on sampling effort and verified true absence and should therefore be recognized as an estimate. In addition, the extent of the suitable area varied under different climate change scenarios where it was projected to decrease under RCP 4.5 scenarios and increase under the RCP 8.5 scenarios. This study demonstrates some of the difficulties of quantifying the potential future extent and impacts of biological invasions and how the invasion debt concept can be applied to provide an important link between invasion biology, management, and policy.

The western European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus L. 1758 on San Pietro Island (southern Sardinia, Italy) and an updated review of its presence on the Italian small islands

The current presence and local distribution of the western European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus L. 1758, on San Pietro Island (Southern Sardinia, Italy) are here discussed for the period 2013-2021 with a short review of the species’ occurrence on the small Italian islands. The species was found in the central-eastern sector of the island, which is characterised by a high urban and infrastructural density and an agricultural mosaic, both suitable ecological conditions favouring its presence. Most of the direct data were obtained from roadkills. Despite the elusive behaviour of the species and the consequent possible underestimation, it can be assumed that the species shows a low density. In this respect, it might be interesting to investigate whether local limiting factors, either anthropogenic or natural might act on the hedgehog population. At a larger scale, the updated review of the small Italian islands shows the presence of the species on 13 islands, of which probably only Elba, Asinara and San Pietro (all >50 km2) support established populations. Further research is needed to study anthropogenic origin, history of introduction, genetics, density and medium-long-term viability of these small populations in each insular context.

Monographs on Invasive Plants in Europe: Rhododendron ponticum L.

ABSTRACT This report presents information on all aspects of the biology, ecology and invasion behaviour of Rhododendron ponticum L., particularly R. ponticum subsp. baeticum (Boiss. & Reut.) Hand.-Mazz. The main topics presented are: taxonomy, distribution, history of introduction and spread, ecology, biology, impacts, and management. The subspecies baeticum is native to the Iberian Peninsula, where it is close to extinction. This shade-tolerant evergreen shrub has been broadly introduced throughout Europe since the 18th century, mainly for ornamental purposes. The invasive taxon likely results from artificial introgressive hybridization with the Appalachian species R. catawbiense Minchx. It is now naturalized in many countries across western Europe and has become a serious invader in the British Isles. In continental Europe, it mostly invades forest ecosystems of the Atlantic domain, especially on acidic, nutrient-poor but moist soils. R. ponticum subsp. baeticum has perfectly adapted to the humid temperate climate of these regions. As a shade-tolerant species, it can spread out its dense canopy below tree canopies, thereby shading out most herb species and tree seedlings and saplings. Its thick litter likely impacts soil chemical and biological features and hence alters ecosystem processes. Though it produces thousands of seeds, the species mostly propagates vegetatively via layering and forms extended clonal thickets. Long-distance dispersal occurs via seeds, but those can only germinate on moss mats, decaying wood and bare soil and seedlings are very vulnerable to drought. The shrub is also known to be a reservoir for phytopathogenic oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora, including P. ramorum and P. kernoviae. R. ponticum subsp. baeticum invasion is an emerging threat to natural habitats and their associated fauna and flora in western continental Europe. Control is still challenging since management operations are not only expensive and time-consuming but also poorly effective due to vigorous resprouting from stumps after cutting and herbicide resistance.

Introduction history mediates naturalization and invasiveness of cultivated plants

AbstractAimSpecies characteristics and cultivation are both associated with alien plant naturalization and invasiveness. Particular species characteristics are favoured for cultivation, obscuring the relationship between traits and naturalization success. We sought to better understand the drivers of naturalization and invasiveness by analysing relationships with species characteristics and cultivation and by disentangling the direct effects of characteristics from the indirect effects mediated by cultivation.LocationGreat Britain.Time periodc. 1000–present.Major taxa studiedSeed plants.MethodsWe used a comprehensive dataset of 17,396 alien plant taxa introduced to Great Britain before 1850, a country with one of the most well‐documented histories of plant introductions. We integrated this with cultivation data from historical and modern records from botanic gardens and commercial nurseries and with trait data. Accounting for time since introduction, we quantified the influences of cultivation and species characteristics on present‐day naturalization and invasiveness in Great Britain.ResultsLarger native range size, earlier flowering, long‐lived herbaceous growth form, and outdoor cultivated habitat were all associated with naturalization. However, these relationships between characteristics and naturalization largely reflected cultivation patterns. The indirect, mediating influence of cultivation on naturalization varied among species characteristics, and was relatively strong for growth form and weak for native range size. Cultivation variables, particularly availability in present‐day nurseries, best explained invasiveness, while species characteristics had weaker associations.Main conclusionsHuman influence on species introduction and cultivation is associated with increased probability of naturalization and invasiveness, and it has measurable indirect effects by biasing the distribution of species characteristics in the pool of introduced species. Accounting for human cultivation preferences is necessary to make ecological interpretations of the effects of species characteristics on invasion.

Non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala, northern Central America: introduction sources, distribution, history, and conservation consequences

Non-native freshwater fishes have been introduced to Guatemalan freshwater ecosystems since the beginning of the last century without prior risk assessment or subsequent evaluation of their impacts. We synthesized historical records, and distributional data from a literature review, online databases and museum records of non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala. We found records for 22 non-native freshwater fishes with the oldest records dating back to 1926. Non-native freshwater fishes were recorded in 64% of the river sub-basins in Guatemala and we identified that at least 12 species have established populations. The Jaguar guapote (Parachromis managuensis) and Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) are the most widespread non-native fishes. The species of non-native freshwater fishes introduced indicates that they are human selected (e.g., for farming purposes). Our work shows that aquaculture has been the major driver of introductions in the country, but aquarium release has become an important source in the last 20 years. Given the potential impact of non-native freshwater fishes on native fauna and ecosystems, we highlight an urgent need to assess their ecological effects, as well as to establish a fish fauna monitoring program in Guatemala to detect new introductions. Government and non-governmental agencies should promote the use of native species to supply fish demands in alignment with environmental policies and the objectives of the fishing agency in Guatemala.

Looking beyond history: tracing the dispersal of the Malaysian complex of crops to Africa.

In his 1959 book, Africa: Its Peoples and Their Culture History, George P. Murdock suggested that a Malaysian complex of crops dispersed to Africa in ancient times across the Indian Ocean along the Sabaean Lane. The Malaysian complex comprised bananas, sugarcane, taro, three yam species, rice, Polynesian arrowroot, breadfruit, coconut, areca palm, and betel leaf. Except for rice, arrowroot, and potentially taro, most of these crops were domesticated in the Island Southeast Asia-New Guinea region, from where they dispersed to Africa. Our reassessment of agronomic, archaeological, classical, genetic, and historical sources shows that we need to go beneath standard historical narratives to recover a much more ancient and complex history of crop introductions to Africa. Despite considerable uncertainty and fragmented research, we were able to conclude that the Malaysian complex of crops did not arrive in Africa as a complete assemblage at one time or along one route. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that these crops arrived in Africa at different times and followed different pathways of introduction to the continent.

Invasive rats consuming mountain flax nectar – resource competitors and possible pollinators?

The long history of human-mediated species introductions has resulted in a multitude of novel interactions around the globe. Many of these interactions have been to the detriment of native species. In New Zealand, the ship rat (Rattus rattus) is considered culpable for the rapid declines in the populations of numerous bird species. While seed masts have been implicated in rat population booms, alternative food resources, such as floral nectar, may play an underappreciated role in rat-bird interactions.

Genome analysis suggests HTLV-1aA introduction in Chile related to migrations of ancestral indigenous populations

The human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), unlike other RNA viruses such as HIV, has a stable genome and has infected humans since remote times. Although the HTLV-1 infection is endemic in South America, there is scarce information about HTLV-1 in Chile and its history of introduction. This study assessed the genomic content of HTLV-1 from Chile and its relationship with HTLV-1 lineages circulating worldwide by phylogenetic reconstruction and dating analyses. A total of 30 HTLV-1 genomes collected from the four continents were used to conduct dating analyses, including the first HTLV-1 genome from Amerindian/Mapuche ethnicity. Estimation was performed using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo coalescent-based approach as implemented in the BEAST program. The time of the most recent ancestor of HTLV-1 from Chile was ∼1409 years ago, which coincides with the period of Amerindian population expansion across South America. Our results suggest HTLV-1aA was possibly introduced in Chile during the migrations of the ancestral indigenous populations.

Composition, introduction history and invasion status of alien flora in Dachigam National Park of Kashmir Himalaya

Protected areas (PAs) hold pivotal importance as repositories of biodiversity, especially for some flagship species of high conservation priority. The growing threat of biological invasions in PAs defies the general perception that these areas are rather immune to invasions. Given the paucity of information on the status of biological invasions in the Himalayan PAs, here we developed a well-annotated inventory of alien flora in Dachigam National Park (DNP) through intensive field surveys for the period of 2 years (2019–2021) and recorded 56 alien species with majority (50 species) as neophytes and 6 archaeophyte species belonging to 48 genera and 26 families. Of these alien plant species, 43% species are naturalized, 29% invasive, 20% cultivated, 4% casual aliens and 5% either cultivated or casual. Amongst different natural habitat types investigated in DNP, the grasslands and riparian habitats were found to be most prone to invasive species. These invasions are attributed to myriad of anthropogenic pressure and growing human-footprint in and outside the DNP. The checklist of alien plant species containing useful information on invasion status, growth form, nativity, mode and purpose of introduction is an important tool with the managers of the PA for keen monitoring and effective management of invasive species in the DNP. In view of UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021–30), the PA managers can use this checklist to plan their strategies well for restoration of invaded habitats and preventing further invasions in tune with the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas. So we recommend preparing such checklists for other PAs as well in view of importance this baseline information to deal with invasion-driven changes.

Unravelling cucumber resistance to several viruses via genome-wide association studies highlighted resistance hotspots and new QTLs.

The mapping and introduction of sustainable resistance to viruses in crops is a major challenge in modern breeding, especially regarding vegetables. We hence assembled a panel of cucumber elite lines and landraces from different horticultural groups for testing with six virus species. We mapped 18 quantitative trait loci (QTL) with a multiloci genome wide association studies (GWAS), some of which have already been described in the literature. We detected two resistance hotspots, one on chromosome 5 for resistance to the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) and watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), colocalizing with the RDR1 gene, and another on chromosome 6 for resistance to the zucchini yellowing mosaic virus (ZYMV) and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) close to the putative VPS4 gene location. We observed clear structuring of resistance among horticultural groups due to plant virus coevolution and modern breeding which have impacted linkage disequilibrium (LD) in resistance QTLs. The inclusion of genetic structure in GWAS models enhanced the GWAS accuracy in this study. The dissection of resistance hotspots by local LD and haplotype construction helped gain insight into the panel's resistance introduction history. ZYMV and CMV resistance were both introduced from different donors in the panel, resulting in multiple resistant haplotypes at same locus for ZYMV, and in multiple resistant QTLs for CMV.

Ацетилсалициловая кислота в профилактике преэклампсии и ее осложнений. Современные представления о группах риска

This paper reviews current published data on the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for preventing preeclampsia and its complications and techniques to determine risk groups for im-plementing this preventive treatment. In addition, the authors summarize data on the history of ASA advent and introduction into medical practice (particularly obstetrics) and presumed mech-anisms of its action as first-line therapy to prevent preeclampsia. Recent review papers and guidelines addressing optimal ASA dose, treatment duration, and dosing during pregnancy in Russia and worldwide are discussed. Methods that have been studied as preventive ones for preeclampsia are briefly discussed. It was demonstrated that anamnestic determination of risk groups of early preeclampsia is not always enough. Expanded combined first-trimester screening is a perspective diagnostic tool. Success in determining high-risk groups and optimal prevention of preeclampsia may significantly affect population health by reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and long-term risk of cardiovascular events both in the mother and child. KEYWORDS: preeclampsia, acetylsalicylic acid, screening, placental disorders, trophoblast, fetal growth restriction, prevention of preeclampsia, uterine artery pulsatility index, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), placental growth factor (PlGF). FOR CITATION: Kuznetsov P.A., Dzhokhadze L.S., Shamugiya V.V., Kravtsova O.M. Acetylsalicylic acid to prevent preeclampsia and its complications. State-of-the-art of risk groups. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2022;5(1):28–34 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2022-5-1-28-34.

Impatiens glandulifera (Balsaminaceae) in Ukraine: history of distribution, ecological and coenotic peculiarities and invasiveness

We present the history of introduction and further naturalization, recent distribution, ecological and coenotic peculiarity of Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Balsaminaceae) in Ukraine. The species of Asian origin was cultivated as an ornamental plant at the beginning of the 20th century in west regions of Ukraine. The main periods and directions of spreading are reconstructed. The map of recent distribution of the species is presented. The first escape from cultivation was recorded in 1938 in the villages Osii and Hankovytsia of Transcarpathian region and in 1939 in Mykhailivka of Khmelnytskyi region. Recently it is a species with high invasive potential in Ukraine, especially in Transcarpathian and western forest region of Ukraine, where it is a transformer. Syntaxonomical scheme of plant communities with participation of I. glandulifera in Ukraine is presented, the species is a component of 13 associations of 6 classes. The species was noted in 11 habitat types of the EUNIS classification. The assessment of the impact of the species on the phytobiota is given. URL: https://www.upjs.sk/pracoviska/botanicka-zahrada/odborne-aktivity/contents-abstracts/

English

Abstract In the present study, for the first time the Mexican freshwater crayfish reported in the Japanese aquarium pet trade is identified as Cambarellus patzcuarensis. This diagnosis is based on the morphological description of key characters, such as the gastric mill, mandible, and gill, which are also illustrated. Information on the introduction history and legislation of the species in Japan is provided. Mating behaviour of the species was observed under laboratory conditions and is described.

Looking backward to find a path forward for the sustainable flow of suitable potato varieties to Eritrean potato farmers

ABSTRACT The lack of a sustainable flow of suitable potato varieties is a major contributing factor to low productivity and production of potato in Eritrea. This study examined the history of potato variety introductions to identify weaknesses, a path forward and enable the sustainable flow of suitable potato varieties to potato farmers. The research approaches included: reviewing the history of potato variety introductions to Eritrea, consultation with local and international stakeholders and a survey assessing potato variety preference. Over 70 varieties of potato have been introduced and 14 varieties approved through the official system but with only three currently available. Many farmers rely on poor-quality seed from unofficial sources. The analysis led to the identification of priorities for improvement: strengthening research institutions to create networks for potato variety sourcing; strengthening local regulatory institutions to implement registration and release standards; engaging potato farmers in the variety evaluation process; considering Plant Variety Protection and Plant Breeders Rights when establishing potato variety conservation; designing maintenance and multiplication strategies and also allowing the private sector to participate in potato variety seed sourcing and distribution. These options could be the basis of a roadmap making improved potato varieties and seeds available to potato farmers in Eritrea.

Introduced plants induce outbreaks of a native pest and facilitate invasion in the plants' native range: Evidence from the emerald ash borer

Abstract Biological invasions are among the most serious threats to native forest ecosystems worldwide due to ever‐increasing international trade and global change. Understanding the invasion processes and ecology of invasive pests in both newly invaded and native habitats is necessary to effectively manage the risks they pose. The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is one of the most devastating invasive forest insect pests in North America and has also invaded European Russia and parts of Europe. Through synthesizing historical data spanning >100 years and contemporary field observations in China, we examined EAB's distribution, occurrence and outbreak frequency in its native range in relation to historical introductions and plantings of non‐Asian ash trees in China. The frequencies and levels of EAB infestations in China gradually increased from 1900 to 2021 after a time‐lag of 30–50 years following introductions and widespread plantings of non‐Asian ash trees from North America. Increased frequencies of EAB outbreaks following the planting of North American ash trees in China may have increased the risk of EAB invading North America and other novel regions. Synthesis. Our findings demonstrated that planting susceptible non‐native host plants can induce outbreaks of a native insect pest in its native range, which, in turn, may enhance risks of invading novel regions via human‐assisted activities (e.g. international trade). In addition, our findings suggest that lag‐times of several decades between planting susceptible hosts and initial pest outbreaks may pose challenges in predicting the true risk of invading novel regions. Consequently, comprehensive risk assessment for invasive insect pests should consider the role of non‐native plants introduced or planted in the pest's native range.

Non-Indigenous Parasites of Fish in Inland Waters of Croatia

AbstractNon-indigenous parasite fauna of freshwater fish has not been studied extensively in Croatia, despite the long history of introductions and translocations of alien fish species into inland waters. Negative implications for aquaculture production and wild native fish species have been frequently associated with the introduction of non-native parasite species. Hence, the present paper attempts to lay out a historical overview of the suspected localities, time frames and pathways of introduction for non-indigenous fish parasites into inland waters of Croatia, therefore producing a list of species. In total, 16 non-native fish parasites have been recorded in inland waters of Croatia, aquaculture establishments being identified as initial points of introduction. However, a paucity of information exists on the overall prevalence of infection as well as the economic impact on aquaculture production. In addition, limited information is available about the presence and potential ecological impact of non-indigenous parasites on endemic fish fauna in areas of high biodiversity, such as the water bodies of the Adriatic Sea Basin. Therefore, there is an urgent need and opportunity for multidisciplinary cooperation between different stakeholders, including government, scientists, in both biological and veterinary disciplines, and the industry, with the aim of extensive surveys to determine the potential impact on aquaculture production and wild fish population of high conservation value.

Trait‐habitat associations explain novel bird assemblages mixing native and alien species across New Zealand landscapes

AbstractAimSpecies introductions have reshaped island faunas for the last 200 years, often threatening native biodiversity. Approximately equal numbers of native and alien species currently co‐occur in the New Zealand avifauna, but they show distinct habitat use. Antagonistic interactions, habitat affinities and legacies of introduction history may concur to explain their segregation along habitat gradients. To investigate these processes, we explored how habitat, ecological traits and introduction history relate with the current composition of bird assemblages.LocationNew ZealandTaxonBirdsMethodsWe analysed 917 bird point counts spread along habitat and elevation gradients in the Canterbury region, South Island and related 10 ecological traits to landscape composition using a three‐table ordination method known as “RLQ analysis”, accounting for spatial autocorrelation and phylogeny. We tested whether alien species’ positions in the RLQ were related to proxies of introduction history.ResultsEighteen endemic, 11 native and 19 alien species were distributed along a gradient from forest to open‐habitat assemblages, in relation to foraging mode, nesting site and body size. A second gradient segregated species between native and exotic forests according to territoriality, sedentarity and diet. Traits accounted for the separation of native and alien bird species in forests, but not in open habitats. Phylogenetic signals emerged from the separation of native and alien species by forest type, and spatial structures suggested a landscape‐level, rather than regional or local determinism. These correlations were independent of introduction history, although open‐habitat assemblages tended to host alien species introduced later in time.Main conclusionsHabitat type and resource availability explain the spatial partitioning of New Zealand bird assemblages between native and alien species more consistently than competitive exclusion. We conclude that trait‐mediated ecological differences among species have likely played a predominant role in species’ segregation among landscapes, while maintaining endemic bird assemblages in native forests.

The first checklist of alien vascular plants of Kyrgyzstan, with new records and critical evaluation of earlier data. Contribution 1.

BackgroundNational checklists of alien plants and detailed databases of non-native plant occurrences are required to study and control regional and global plant invasions. No country in Central Asia has a national checklist of alien plants. A recent inventory counted 183 alien plant species in Kyrgyzstan, including archaeophytes and neophytes, established and casual. This preliminary checklist, which was developed for the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species in 2018, served as a starting point for the present study.New informationA complete inventory of Xanthium in Kyrgyzstan has revealed that three alien species are resident in the country. Their correct nomenclature is X.orientale (syn. X.albinum, X.californicum, X.sibiricum auct.; invasive neophyle of the period of extensive grain import to the USSR after the Second World War), X.spinosum (invasive neophyte of the period of the Second World War, which arrived as a contaminant on the relocated livestock) and X.strumarium (syn. X.chinense, X.sibiricum; archaeophyte of the Neolithic period, introduced with wheat cultivation, which had lost its invasive status and appeared on the verge of extinction when its pool was no longer renewed by contaminated grain). A history of introduction to Central Asia is uncovered for all the species of Xanthium. A further spread is documented for Buniasorientalis, with a new record extending its distribution to the Eastern Tian-Shan; a complex history of its introduction to Europe and Central Asia is inferred from the archaeological data and its recent dispersal, and the pathways of its introduction to Kyrgyzstan are established. Erigeronannuus s.str. is reported as new to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and E.lilacinus as new to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Nepal and Tajikistan (it was previously recorded as E.annuus s.l. from the three latter countries, in which the presence of E.annuus s.str. is not confirmed). These closely related species differ in their pathways of introduction and invasion status: E.annuus s.str. is an invasive established alien which was imported as a contaminant of forage, whereas E.lilacinus is mostly a casual (locally persisting) alien introduced with contaminated seed of ornamental plants or nursery material, and also intentionally introduced and locally established in the Botanical Garden in Bishkek. Bidenstinctoria (syn. Coreopsistinctoria) is newly recorded as a casual alien from a single locality in Kyrgyzstan; this species name is validly published here in conformity with the phylogeny of Coreopsideae.Point maps of species distributions in Kyrgyzstan are provided on the basis of a complete inventory of the literature data, herbarium specimens and documented observations, and our recent fieldwork. The maps are documented with a dataset of herbarium specimens and observations. Period and pathways of introduction, vectors of dispersal, current and historical invasion status, evidence of impact and distributional trend are established or inferred for each species. Each species is discussed in the context of plant invasions in Central Asia as a whole.These species accounts are part of the national database of alien plants which aims at producing a comprehensive overview and analysis of plant invasions in Kyrgyzstan.

History of ECSJ Awards and Introduction of Award Winners in 2021

History of ECSJ Awards and Introduction of Award Winners in 2021

Invasion success and tolerance to urbanization in birds

Cities are considered hotspots of biological invasions, yet it remains unclear why non‐indigenous species are so successful in environments that most local native species do not tolerate. Here, we explore the intriguing possibility that humans may be unintentionally introducing species preadapted to persist in such environments. Combining data on historical introductions with information of avian assemblages along urban–wildland gradients, we found that avian species that in their native range proliferate in human‐altered environments have been more likely to be transported and introduced to new locations than species confined to the wildland. We also found that such urban dwellers had higher chances to become established because they already had adaptations to cope with novel environments. These findings suggest that the pathway of introduction selects for species preadapted to persist in novel environments, providing an explanation for why non‐indigenous birds are so successful in cities. Because the tendency to introduce species associated with human‐altered environments continues, there is an urgent need to develop new regulations to prevent future introductions.