Introduction Of Alien Species Research Articles

Exploring the knowledge and application of biosecurity practices related to invasive alien species in field research in Croatia

Accidental introductions of invasive alien species (IAS) are increasingly prevalent and costly. Anthropogenic activities, including fieldwork activities of researchers, pose a risk for the unintentional spread of IAS. However, specific biosecurity policies and measures to prevent accidental introductions and the secondary spread of IAS are lacking in many European countries, primarily relying on researchers’ awareness of the issue. This study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity practices of researchers in Croatia during their fieldwork activities through an anonymous online survey distributed to over 63 institutions. The survey was completed by 172 respondents from 45 institutions and aimed to assess their knowledge of IAS and awareness of biosecurity risks they can pose. The results showed that even though more than half of the participants worked in the field of biology and had at least some knowledge of IAS, the majority used only the most basic and least efficient cleaning approaches for fieldwork equipment, clothes, and footwear, which are not sufficient for preventing unintentional IAS introductions. Moreover, vehicle cleaning was the most neglected biosecurity measure in our study, with up to 60 % of respondents never performing it and only 12 % always performing at least some type of vehicle cleaning. Respondents with the best knowledge of IAS posed a significant risk during their fieldwork activities but at the same time demonstrated the best understanding of biosecurity measures and had the best biosecurity performance. Furthermore, students were identified as a high-risk group since they visited the highest number of locations during fieldwork and used the equipment most often but cleaned it the least frequently. Based on obtained results, we discuss potential interventions that could help manage accidental IAS introductions at the national and EU levels.

Evaluating models for estimating introduction rates of alien species from discovery records

AbstractAimReducing the rate of alien species introductions is a major conservation aim. However, accurately quantifying the rate at which species are introduced into new regions remains a challenge due to the confounding effect of observation efforts on discovery records. Despite the recognition of this issue, most analyses are still based on raw discovery records, leading to biased inferences. In this study, we evaluate different models for estimating introduction rates, including new models that use auxiliary data on observation effort, and identify their strengths and weaknesses.InnovationWe compare four models: (1) a naïve model which assumes perfect detection; (2) a model proposed by Solow and Costello (the S&C model); (3) constant detection model: a modified version of the S&C model with constant detection probabilities and (4) a novel sampling proxy model: a model that uses external data on observation effort. We simulate discovery records of varying lengths, introduction rates and temporal patterns of detection probabilities to explore scenarios under which these models accurately estimate underlying introduction rates. (5) We also include code to perform a model based on Belmaker using independent data on the number of native species.Main conclusionWe found that the length of the discovery records and the annual number of recorded species play a crucial role in the performance of all models. Under simulated scenarios of high detection, the naïve model is usually the best‐performing model, but it falls short when detection is low. Moreover, we find that in simulations which most likely mimic most real‐world cases (i.e. non‐monotonic probability of detection), incorporating external data on observation effort using the sampling proxy model, substantially improve estimates. This highlights the importance of considering observation effort when estimating introduction rates of alien species. To facilitate the use of these models, we provide a decision workflow and a dedicated R package (‘alien’).

Multi-year mesozooplankton flux trends in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

AbstractWe conducted this study to investigate the relationship between environmental stressors and mesozooplankton fluxes in inner Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. The ongoing Arctic amplification, characterized by phenomena such as increased temperatures, glacial and watershed runoff, and diminishing ice cover, poses significant challenges to marine ecosystems. Our multi-year time-series analysis (2010–2018) of mesozooplankton, collected from a moored automatic sediment trap at approximately 87 m depth, aims to elucidate seasonal and interannual variations in fluxes within this Arctic fjord. We integrate meteorological, hydrological, and chemical datasets to assess their influence on zooplankton populations. Principal component analysis reveals the impact of seawater characteristics on mesozooplankton fluxes and composition, while two-way ANOVA highlights the role of seasonality in driving variations in our dataset. We observe a decrease in swimmer fluxes following the maxima mass flux event (from 2013 onwards), coupled with an increase in community diversity, possibly attributed to copepod decline and functional diversity. Notably, sub-Arctic boreal species such as Limacina retroversa have been detected in the sediment trap since 2016. Our continuous multi-year dataset captures the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics in this extreme environment. With Arctic amplification in Kongsfjorden and increasing submarine and watershed runoff, we anticipate significant shifts in mesozooplankton communities in the medium to long-term. This underscores the urgency for further research on their adaptation to changing environmental conditions and the potential introduction of alien species.

Mapping alien and native forest dynamics in Chile using Earth observation time series analysis

Chile is a global biodiversity hotspot and hosts a large proportion of the southern hemisphere’s temperate forests. The Chilean Valdivian temperate forest is a vulnerable ecosystem containing a highly ecologically valuable species assemblage. Productive forest plantations have involved deforestation of, and alien species introduction into, this ecosystem. This process has already severely impacted the western part of Chile (the Coastal Range) and is now occurring in the eastern part (the Andes), with forestry plantations promoted by government subsidies between 1974 and 2012. Archive Landsat satellite imagery classification and Google Earth Engine are used to assess land cover change over a 31-year period with a focus on alien species (Pinaceae and Eucalyptus spp.) spread and native (Nothofagus spp. and Araucaria araucana) deforestation. Results show a clear land cover pattern based on elevation: a higher altitude, relatively undisturbed area dominated by native forest (the Andes), and a lower altitude area where most human activity and related land covers are located (the valley area). The valley is highly dynamic because of constant land cover change due to forestry. Overall, Araucaria araucana cover has decreased over the study period, while Nothofagus spp. has remained relatively stable. Alien Pinaceae has decreased, while Eucalyptus spp. has remained stable. However, the results indicate that change analysis over long periods conceal dynamism. For example, Eucalyptus spp. sharply decreased between the 1980s and the 1990s and surged afterwards. Also, even though Nothofagus spp. cover dominates throughout the study period, change analysis shows a high degree of change in the valley area, indicating newly established Nothofagus spp. patches. Over the study period, long rotation Pinaceae plantations for timber have given way to shorter rotation forestry (alien Eucalyptus spp., native Nothofagus spp.) for pulp and local uses resulting from discontinuation of forest subsidies. In the absence of subsidies, only large-scale plantations can engage in long rotation forestry, as smallholders need the more stable income provided by shorter rotation forestry. Although higher elevations (the Andes) are dominated by native forest, several abandoned alien forest plantations may be the source of biological invasion. In addition, native forest degradation as a result of Araucaria araucana loss and shrub encroachment is occurring. Earth observation methods are key for forest and alien species monitoring and landscape management. They can enhance traditional, ground-based forest surveys and provide continuous and even retrospective monitoring of forest change thanks to the wide availability of current and historical satellite data.

Status of floristic diversity and impact of development on two sacred groves from Maval Tehsil (Maharashtra, India) after a century

Global urbanisation and anthropogenic activities are leading to a decline in religious beliefs and adversely affecting the biodiversity, ecology, and environmental sustainability of sacred groves, particularly in Lonavala (Rye Wood Park) and Karla Grove in Maval Tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra, India. The Lonavala Grove, situated at 18.749° N, 73.403° E, and 622 m, and the Karla Grove, located at 18.760° N, 73.478° E, with an elevation of 621 m, both within the Western Ghats, are undergoing transformations due to landscape gardens and urban developments despite their historical significance. Gammie Alexander‘s 1903 floristic research identified 84 species across both groves, but our present study reveals a significant decline. Lonavala and Karla groves now host 46 genera and 42 species and 25 genera and 29 species, respectively, totaling 120 species from 49 families and 110 genera. This decline is attributed to the introduction of alien and invasive species, resulting in the disappearance of six indigenous species over the past century. The research aims to explore and document changes in floristic diversity, utilising remote sensing methods like NDVI for growth and deterioration assessment, measuring tree and liana girth, and analysing the impact on native flora due to the spread of alien species.

How to deal with invasive species that have high economic value?

The ever-accelerating process of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species (IAS) in marine waters requires engaging different actors in the management and planning. To address this challenge, stakeholders need an integrated approach for defining actions of control and management within an ecosystem-based framework: to seek and enhance coordination, collaboration and trust among all stakeholders affected by changes in linked marine social - ecological systems. This study explores the complexities and opportunities in managing economically valuable IAS, demonstrating the need for tailored management strategies that consider key ecological details needed for successful control such as timing of removals and key economic considerations such as appropriate incentive mechanisms and time horizons in favor of long-term conservation goals. We propose a set of actions that can serve as a roadmap for effective IAS control and management, considering their dual role as nuisances and valuable resources. These actions pertain to local, regional and international levels, encouraging meaningful stakeholder engagement through co-management structures that can foster the development of robust management plans, enabling better IAS control. The outcome holds potential for positive contributions to the blue economy— sustainable use of marine resources, including fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy— and for meeting sustainability objectives.

A novel deep learning‐based bioacoustic approach for identification of look‐alike white‐eye (Zosterops) species traded in wildlife markets

The songbird trade crisis in East and South East Asia has been fuelled by high demand, driving many species to the brink of extinction. This demand, driven by the desire for songbirds as pets, for singing competitions and for prayer animal release has led to the overexploitation of numerous species and the introduction and spread of invasive alien species and diseases to novel environments. The ability to identify traded species efficiently and accurately is crucial for monitoring bird trade markets, protecting threatened species and enforcing wildlife laws. Citizen scientists can make major contributions to these conservation efforts but may be constrained by difficulties in distinguishing ‘look‐alike’ bird species traded in markets. To address this challenge, we developed a novel deep learning‐based Artificial Intelligence (AI) bioacoustic tool to enable citizen scientists to identify bird species traded in markets. To this end, we used three major avian vocalization databases to access bioacoustic data for 15 morphologically similar White‐eye (Zosterops) species that are commonly traded in Asian wildlife markets. Specifically, we employed the Inception v3 pre‐trained model to classify the 15 White‐eye species and ambient sound (i.e. non‐bird sound) using 448 bird recordings we obtained. We converted recordings into spectrogram (i.e. image form) and used eight image augmentation methods to enhance the performance of the AI neural network through training and validation. We found that recall, precision and F1 score increased as the amount of data augmentation increased, resulting in up to 91.6% overall accuracy and an F1 score of 88.8% for identifying focal species. Through the application of bioacoustics and deep learning, this approach would enable citizen scientists and law enforcement officials efficiently and accurately to identify prohibited trade in threatened species, making important contributions to conservation.

Risk of introduction and establishment of alien vertebrate species in transboundary neighboring areas

Cross-border neighboring areas could be particularly vulnerable to biological invasions due to short geographic distances and frequent interactions, although the invasion risk remains unevaluated worldwide. Here, based on global datasets of distributions of established alien vertebrates as well as vectors of introduction and establishment, we show that more than one-third of the world’s transboundary neighboring areas are facing high invasion risk of alien vertebrates, especially in Europe, North America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The most important predictors of high introduction and establishment risk are bilateral trade, habitat disturbance and the richness of established alien vertebrates. Interestingly, we found that border fences may have limited effects in reducing the risk, as only 7.9% of border fences spatially overlap with hotspots of biological invasion even in the Eurasia areas (13.7% overlap) where physical border barriers are mainly located. We therefore recommend the implementation of immediate and proactive prevention and control measures to cope with cross-border invasions in response to continued globalization.

First inventory of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with detection of potential invasive species in National Park of Ehotilés islands, Côte d’Ivoire

Estuarine and wetland ecosystems are becoming increasingly altered by the concentration of human population near the coastline. A major threat to biodiversity related to this human footprint is the introduction of invasive alien species, particularly in isolated ecosystems like islands where biological invasion is often harmful. The National Park of Ehotilés Islands is an archipelago of 6 islands and a RAMSAR site subjected to disturbances activities like agriculture, illegal fisheries, and tourism. These factors often act as an accelerator for the introduction of invasive species. However, there is a lack of research conducted on insects, specifically ants on these islands. This study aimed to inventory the present ant fauna and estimate the vulnerability to tramp and potential invasive ant species. Ants were collected using Winkler, pitfall, and funnel traps on five islands. In total, 76 ant species were recorded. These species are distributed into 20 genera and five subfamilies: Dolichoderinae (5 species), Formicinae (11 species), Myrmicinae (49 species), Ponerinae (11 species) and Proceratiinae (1 species). We also detected two tramp and potentially invasive species: the ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum and the big-headed ant Pheidole megacephala. Ant communities are dominated by six species, namely Odontomachus troglodytes, Oecophylla longinoda, Nylanderia lepida, Pheidole sp.2, Monomorium invidium, and the invasive ghost ant Tapinoma melanocephalum. This work is the first to inventory ants on the Islands of Ehotilés National Park and may serve as a basis for conservation decisions as it demonstrates that this park is not spared from the introduction of invasive ant species.

‘Challenges and Regulatory Precautionary Approach of Flag States in Implementing Obligations Under the Ballast Water Management Convention’

Increasing shipping activities necessitated by an upsurge in international trading has a resultant impact on the marine ecosystem. Apart from the usual incidences of marine pollution and oil spillages, the introduction and transfer of invasive alien species (IAS), often known as harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP), are increasing and impacting marine ecosystems and biological diversities. In realization of these threats, at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was requested to consider the adoption of appropriate rules on ballast water discharge based on the understanding that ships’ ballast water serves as a pathway for such bio-invasion transfer. Responding to these challenges led to the adopting of several regulations, technical guidelines, and rules, including the Ballast Water Management Convention in 2004. Hence, implementing the Convention has several implications for the existing legal regimes on flag states. The Convention and its Guidelines are complex and technical, coupled with a differential approach to ballast water management (BWM) by non-state parties like the U.S. Therefore, this research paper analyses some of the challenges and precautionary regulatory approaches for flag states in implementing the Convention while carrying out their obligations under the Convention. It concluded by suggesting a reflection of universally acceptable and environmentally friendly standards for ballast water management and treatment for containing the increasing prevalence of bio-invasion in the marine ecosystem.

Historic deforestation and non‐native plant invasions determine vegetation trajectories across an oceanic archipelago

AbstractQuestionsOceanic islands are global hotspots of endemism and evolutionary radiations but many have been severely degraded by human activities and biological invasions. We evaluated the pace and direction of the natural recovery of ecosystems over 77 years across a subtropical oceanic archipelago including islands of various size, elevation, histories of human settlement and deforestation, and invasions by non‐native plants and mammals. This information is essential to guide the ecological restoration of the archipelago.LocationForest vegetation on nine of the Ogasawara Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.MethodsWe first digitized historical vegetation data of the Ogasawara Islands collected during field surveys in 1935. Then, after checking their species compositions, we integrated past and present plant community types. Finally, we identified the landscape‐scale changes in forest vegetation by comparing vegetation maps from 1935, 1979 and 2012.ResultsOver 77 years, the vegetation trajectories of each island varied depending on the introduction of invasive alien species and the remaining proportion of native forest, the latter of which had a strong influence on the recoverability of native forest.ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of the history of invasive species introductions and the remaining proportion of native forest—both of which reflect the intensity of anthropogenic disturbance—in determining the degree of human intervention needed for restoration on oceanic islands.

Dittrichia graveolens (Asteraceae), rapidly spreading along European highways, recorded in Lithuania

For a long time, railways were the main pathway for the accidental introduction of alien plant species, but now highways and other roads are becoming increasingly important in this process. Considering that Dittrichia graveolens is spreading rapidly along highways in Central Europe and neighbouring Poland, a targeted search was conducted in Lithuania in 2023. Dittrichia graveolens was recorded at two sites along the Kalvarija–Kaunas highway (Kazlų Rūda district, in the environs of Pentupiai, and Kaunas city, in the environs of Jonučiai). At both sites, the species occupied relatively compact stands consisting of several hundred individuals, suggesting that the stands were formed from locally matured seeds. The mean number of flowers per capitulum in Lithuania in 2023 was 20.5 ± 4.9, and the realised fecundity was 89.7% of the potential fecundity. It is presumed that the seeds of Dittrichia graveolens were accidentally introduced into Lithuania by trucks, probably attached to tyres. Currently, this species is classified as a casual alien, but its naturalisation is expected. The study revealed that the first record of Dittrichia graveolens in Poland was not in 2013, as previously reported, but more than 20 years earlier, in 1990, near Kraków, at the slag deposit site of the Nowa Huta Steelworks.

Dittrichia graveolens (Asteraceae), rapidly spreading along European highways, recorded in Lithuania

For a long time, railways were the main pathway for the accidental introduction of alien plant species, but now highways and other roads are becoming increasingly important in this process. Considering that Dittrichia graveolens is spreading rapidly along highways in Central Europe and neighbouring Poland, a targeted search was conducted in Lithuania in 2023. Dittrichia graveolens was recorded at two sites along the Kalvarija–Kaunas highway (Kazlų Rūda district, in the environs of Pentupiai, and Kaunas city, in the environs of Jonučiai). At both sites, the species occupied relatively compact stands consisting of several hundred individuals, suggesting that the stands were formed from locally matured seeds. The mean number of flowers per capitulum in Lithuania in 2023 was 20.5 ± 4.9, and the realised fecundity was 89.7% of the potential fecundity. It is presumed that the seeds of Dittrichia graveolens were accidentally introduced into Lithuania by trucks, probably attached to tyres. Currently, this species is classified as a casual alien, but its naturalisation is expected. The study revealed that the first record of Dittrichia graveolens in Poland was not in 2013, as previously reported, but more than 20 years earlier, in 1990, near Kraków, at the slag deposit site of the Nowa Huta Steelworks.

Kudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata, Fabaceae): Invasive alien species of Union concern (EU Regulation 1143/2014) in Croatia

AbstractKudzu vine (Pueraria montana var. lobata; Fabaceae) was included on the list of invasive alien species of (European) Union concern in 2016, according to EU Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. In the Flora Croatica Database this species is recorded under its synonym Pueraria thunbergiana Benth. for Split (Central Dalmatia), so its presence in Croatia was overlooked until it was discovered in Malinska on the island of Krk in August 2018. Recent field observations confirm that, in addition to Malinska, it is also present in Šestanovac (Central Dalmatia), the Trsteno Arboretum and in Dubrovnik (South Dalmatia). Localities in Gradac and Seget (Central Dalmatia) were also recently discovered. Literature and herbaria data as well as internet resources indicate that kudzu vine has been historically grown as an ornamental species in Croatia. Considering its invasiveness as reported in several countries and its ornamental uses, other unknown localities of cultivated or naturalized kudzu vine could exist along the Croatian coast.

Germany’s first Action plan on the pathways of invasive alien species to prevent their unintentional introduction and spread

The increase in global trade and traffic networks contributes to the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, posing a threat to biodiversity. EU Regulation 1143/2014 addresses the prevention and management of invasive alien species and requires an action plan on the priority pathways of unintentional introduction and spread of invasive alien species by each member state. To this end, the first German action plan was developed for the German government in cooperation with relevant Ministries and authorities, scientists, administrative experts, stakeholder working groups and political as well as public deliberation processes. As a result, 14 priority pathways of unintentional introduction, escape or release and spread were identified, resulting in 24 targeted measures. Nineteen sectors will be involved in the implementation of these measures. Here we describe the development process and outcome of Germany’s first action plan. By this, we aim making the process public and transparent, which can facilitate a revision of the action plan required at least every six years, and trigger broader European as well as national cooperation in the future.

Alien species of vascular plants of Taimyr

The features of alien plant species distribution in Taimyr district of Krasnoyarsk region are characterized. Totally, 54 alien plant species (5.5 % of the district’s flora) were found in the area, 27 of them were observed by the authors more than once or found in the region for the first time. The general features of the distribution, occurrence and timing of these species are given. For row of species, methods of introduction and assessment of population dynamics (emergence and extinction) are considered. It has been noted that a large part of noted imported species populations are very short-lived (1-2 years, rarely more). It is also discussed whether certain species are alien or natural. A relatively new group of introduced species - those spreading from culture (mainly from lawn mixtures) - has been identified that requires a separate special study. The likelihood of significant introductions of alien species into natural ecosystems, based on available observations, is assessed as low. As a rule, introduced plant species appear only in the early stages of post-anthropogenic succession or under constant influence of technogenic factors, later they are still superseded by the native pioneer erosiophilic species. Nevertheless, the need to monitor the invasion of alien species and the dynamics of their populations remains relevant as a general element in the dynamics of the composition of the Arctic flora.

Effect of Climate Change on the Invasive Alien Plant Species

The introduction of invasive alien plant species (IAPS), which have strong competitiveness will outcompete the native species, destroy the ecological balance and results in loss of biodiversity. Under staggering changes of climate scenarios, the damage brought by invasion could be even more unpredictably severe. To better protect the original biodiversity, possible evolution process of distribution and mechanisms of some invasive species, and some efficient approaches that could deal with invasive organisms is concluded below. The results illustrate that based on their dominant biological mechanisms, the invaded geographical regions will increase in the future and with different species, the rate of expansion may vary. The elevational changes of invaded regions will also occur due to rising temperature. With increasing rate of globalization and climate change, there will be more frequent species exchange in the future. Controlling or preventing the presence of IAPS out of natural range, especially the presence caused by anthropogenic activity will still be extremely crucial. It is also necessary to keep carrying out experiment, modelling and analysis to comprehend the nature of invasive species. The paper summarizes the possible effect and mechanisms of typical species that can be used by the authorities, in order to develop effective control and management strategies in the nearly future.

Opening the floodgates for invasion-modelling the distribution dynamics of invasive alien fishes in India.

Invasive alien species have become the second major threat to biodiversity affecting all three major ecosystems (terrestrial, marine, and freshwater). Increasing drivers such as habitat destruction, expanding horticulture and aquaculture industries, and global pet and food trade have created pathways for exotic species to be introduced leading to severe impacts on recipient ecosystems. Although relatively less studied than terrestrial ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems are highly susceptible to biological invasions. In India, there has been a noticeable increase in the introduction of alien fish species in freshwater environments. In the current study, we aimed to understand how climate change can affect the dynamics of the biological invasion of invasive alien fishes in India. We also evaluated the river-linking project's impact on the homogenization of biota in Indian freshwater bodies. We used species occurrence records with selected environmental variables to assess vulnerable locations for current and future biological invasion using species distribution models. Our study has identified and mapped the vulnerable regions to invasion in India. Our research indicates that the interlinking of rivers connects susceptible regions housing endangered fish species with invasive hotspots. Invasive alien fishes from the source basin may invade vulnerable basins and compete with the native species. Based on the results, we discuss some of the key areas for the management of these invasive alien species in the freshwater ecosystems.

MarINvaders: A web toolkit of marine species for use in environmental assessments

AbstractInvasive species are the second most important reason for species extinction since 1500 ad. In addition, these invasive species can cause vast economic loss. In marine ecoregions, alien species introductions are increasing, and those that become invasive have caused profound changes in many marine ecoregions. We compiled a database consisting of information about where species are alien, where they are not, and which species are listed as threatened by invasive species. In addition, we developed an interactive Webapp for visualizing and analyzing the results. We used the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) for identifying the presence of a species in a marine ecoregion. Information from the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), and the Nature Conservancy database on marine invasive species (NatCon) was used to identify the names and locations of marine alien species. Information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List revealed which species are considered to be threatened by invasive species. Our database lists 112,399 marine species, of which 966 are alien species and 1655 are listed as threatened by invasive species by the IUCN. These are distributed throughout 225 marine ecoregions (97% of marine ecoregions). Our results confirm previous studies about the prevalence of alien and invasive species and provide an up‐to‐date status about known and recorded species and their distribution. This information can be used as a fundament for developing impact assessment models and identifying management strategies to combat marine invasive species.

Predicting the Potential Invasion Hotspots of Chromolaena odorata under Current and Future Climate Change Scenarios in Heterogeneous Ecological Landscapes of Mizoram, India

Recent trends in globalization, human mobility surge and global trade aggravated the expansion of alien species introduction leading to invasion by alien plants compounded by climate change. The ability to predict the spread of invasive species within the context of climate change holds significance for accurately identifying vulnerable regions and formulating strategies to contain their wide proliferation and invasion. Anthropogenic activities and recent climate change scenarios increased the risk of Chromolaena odorata invasion and habitat expansion in Mizoram. To forecast its current distribution and habitat suitability amidst climatic alterations in Mizoram, a MaxEnt-driven habitat suitability model was deployed using the default parameters. The resultant model exhibited that the current spatial range of C. odorata occupies 15.37% of geographical areas deemed suitable for varying degrees of invasion. Projections for 2050 and 2070 anticipated an expansion of suitable habitats up to 34.37% of the geographical area of Mizoram, specifically under RCP 2.6 in 2070 in comparison with its present distribution. Currently, the distributional range of C. odorata in Mizoram spans from lower (450 m) to mid elevational ranges up to 1700 meters, with limited presence at higher altitudes. However, the habitat suitability model extrapolates that climate changes will elevate the invasion risk posed by C. odorata across Mizoram, particularly in the North-Western and Central regions. The projection of further territorial expansion and an upward shift in altitudinal range in the future underscores the urgency of instating robust management measures to pre-empt the impact of C. odorata invasion. This study recommends the imperative nature of effective C. odorata management, particularly during the initial stages of invasion.