Introduction Of Non-native Species Research Articles

Non-native fish assemblages display potential competitive advantages in two protected small and shallow lakes of northern Italy

The introduction and establishment of non-native fish species is a widespread phenomenon in freshwater ecosystems, including small and shallow lakes. However, these ecosystems are often not considered in conservation and ecological studies and a few information is available on their fish communities and the impacts of biological invasions. Here, standardized fish surveys (gillnetting and electrofishing) and stable isotopes analysis (SIA) of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) were combined to assess fish community composition, trophic structure and trophic diversity, and to characterize the interspecific trophic interactions (as isotopic niches and their relative asymmetric overlap) of the native and non-native species (NS and NNS, respectively) found in two protected small and shallow lakes, San Michele and Campagna (northern Italy). In San Michele, 92% of the fish caught were NNS and both the individual and biomass per unit effort were dominated by NNS, particularly by the invasive Lepomis gibbosus L. and Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque, 1818). In Campagna, 5.6% of the fish in the total catches belonged to NNS and the numeric and biomass abundances of the assemblage were dominated by the NS Alburnus alborella (Bonaparte, 1841). SIA revealed that NNS had greater trophic structure and were exploiting a wider range of resources (as per Layman metrics) and had a higher asymmetric overlap than NS assemblages in both lakes. This was also evident when species-specific isotopic ecology was considered, underlining that, in both lakes, NNS (particularly the NNS Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque, 1820)) may have a competitive advantage over NS in case of limiting resources. The results thus pointed to a worrying conservation status of these lakes that may mirror the condition of other Italian shallow and small lakes highlighting the need to implement management actions to preserve these valuable ecosystems.

Fish communities in Italian sub-alpine lakes: Non-native species and anthropogenic pressures increase community dissimilarities

In European lakes, anthropogenic pressures have increased significantly since the 1950s, facilitating colonisation by non-native species and increasing the potential for further invasions. Here, we determined the effects of anthropogenic pressures (i.e., habitat alterations and introduction of non-native species) on the fish communities of Italian sub-alpine lakes. We hypothesised that established non-native species would have more competitive traits against anthropogenic stressors, such as habitat alteration, than native species. Thus, we expected that non-native species would dominate lake communities and reduce native species occurrence and abundance depending on the degree of anthropogenic alterations. Overall, we predicted that the increase in anthropogenic pressures after the 1950s had led to homogenisation of the fish communities of the lakes in the region. We tested these hypotheses using data on 15 sub-alpine lakes, covering a broad geographical and morphological gradient, and compared the 2007–2014 fish community composition (sampled according to the CEN protocol plus point-abundance electrofishing) with variables of lake habitat and anthropogenic pressures (based on the Lake Habitat Survey, a method to evaluate the hydromorphological conditions of lakes according to the European Water Framework Directive) and fish communities before 1950, the latter based on bibliographic information. Following our hypothesis, non-native species showed higher prevalence of traits that increase their competitiveness against anthropogenic alterations (e.g., tolerance to pollution). In addition to lake morphology, the community composition of non-native fish determined as abundance (NPUE) and biomass (BPUE) was positively related to anthropogenic pressures. Since the 1950s, 19 non-native species have colonised the Italian sub-alpine lakes, and the occurrence of native species has decreased by ~27%. However, contrary to our expectation, these changes have increased the β-diversity of the fish communities in the lakes.

Invasiveness Risk Assessment of Non-native Freshwater Fish Species (Order: Siluriformes)for Lake Taal, Philippines

Biological invasions caused by the introductions of non-native species (NNS) into their non- native ecosystems have long been a global environmental concern. In the Philippines large-scale importation of non-native freshwater fish species for the aquarium and aquaculture industry have been documented as early as 1940s. However, little invasiveness assessment has been done in the past, which resulted to the invasion of some of these exotic species. Thus, in this paper, 25 NNS (Order: Siluriformes) were assessed using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) to determine their potential for becoming invasive in the chosen risk assessment (RA) area, as well as their ecological and socioeconomic potential impacts on the Philippines. Based on the comprehensive ROC Curve, with the use of the Youden-J index, overall threshold values of ≥ 35 for basic risk assessment (BRA) and ≥ 47 for BRA + climate change assessment (CCA) were established to categorize the potential invasiveness of each species as low-, medium-, or high-risk. According to BRA, 10 (40%) NNS were screened as highly invasive, 14 (56%) with medium risk, and one (4%) with low risk. For BRA + CCA, 10 (40%) NNS were categorized as highly invasive, 12 (48%) with medium risk, and three (12%) with low risk. These findings highlight the need for more RAs of the non-native fish species that enter the country through the ornamental industry, as well as improved public educational campaigns and comprehensive regulatory and management policies to prevent their future invasion.

Douglas-fir outperforms most commercial European softwoods

One of the main ideas of non-native tree species introduction into forest stands is to replace declining native species. The same is also valid for industry; the wood of native species should be replaced by a wood of the same or even better quality. Douglas-fir is often compared to other coniferous tree species based on its production. This study compared Douglas-fir wood properties with European commercial species, namely Norway spruce, Scots pine, and European larch. Trees representing different sites and ages were tested for wood density, shrinkage, and compression strength. In all cases, Douglas-fir outclassed spruce and pine in density and strength. The difference was striking, especially for spruce, where the density was surpassed by Douglas-fir by more than 100 kg.m−3 (above 25%). In the case of compression, the strength of Douglas-fir was up to 12.3 MPa higher (above 33%) compared to spruce. The only species that obtained higher figures was larch. Wood shrinkage was comparable to European softwoods. Therefore, Douglas-fir wood can be regarded as an excellent and promising substitute for the European processing industry.

Assessing Hybridization Risk Between ESA-Listed Native Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and Introduced Brook Trout (S. fontinalis) Using Habitat Modeling

The introduction of non-native species can negatively impact native species through reduced genetic fitness resulting from hybridization. The lack of spatiotemporal data on hybrid occurrences makes hybridization risk assessment difficult. Here, we developed a spatially-explicit Hybridization Risk Model (HRM) between native Oregon bull trout, an Endangered Species Act-listed Oregon species, and introduced brook trout by combining an intrinsic potential model (IPM) of brook trout spawning habitat and existing bull trout distribution and habitat use datasets in Oregon, United States. We created an expert-based brook trout IPM classification score (0–1) of streams based on the potential of geophysical attributes (i.e., temperature, discharge, gradient, and valley confinement) to sustain spawning habitats. The HRM included a risk matrix based on the presence/absence of both species as well as the type of habitat (spawning versus other) at 100-m stream segment resolution. We defined the hybridization risk as “extreme” when stream reaches contained bull trout spawning habitat and brook trout were present with IPM moderate or greater scores (IPM >0.5). Conversely, “low” risk reaches contained historic or non-spawning bull trout habitat, brook trout were absent, and IPM scores were low (IPM <0.25). Our HRM classified 34 km of streams with extreme risk of hybridization, 115 km with high risk, 178 km with moderate risk, and 6,023 km with low risk. Our HRM can identify a differential risk of hybridization at multiple spatial scales when either both species coexist in bull trout spawning habitat or are absent. The model can also identify stream reaches that would have higher risk of hybridization, but where brook trout are not currently present. Our modeling approach can be applied to other species, such as cutthroat trout and rainbow trout, Chinook and coho salmon, or similar species occurring elsewhere that potentially hybridize in freshwaters.

Citizen science reveals current distribution, predicted habitat suitability and resource requirements of the introduced African Carder Bee Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum in Australia

The introduction of non-native bee species is a major driver of ecosystem change resulting in the spread of non-native weeds, alterations to plant-pollinator interactions and competition with native species for food and nesting resources. Our lack of ecological information for many non-native organisms hinders our ability to understand the impacts of species introductions. This is often compounded by the Wallacean Shortfall—a lack of adequate knowledge of a species’ distribution in geographic space. In Australia, the African carder bee (Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum) was first observed in 2000 and has since become one of the most common bees in some regions. Despite its rapid population increase and range expansion, little is known about the ecology or distribution of P. repetitum. In this study, we determine the flower preferences, current distribution and predicted areas at risk of future invasion of P. repetitum using opportunistic data collected from citizen science websites, social media and museum records. We found that the current distribution of P. repetitum in Australia encompasses approximately 332,000 km2 concentrated along the eastern coast. We found considerable suitable habitat outside the current distribution including biodiversity hotspots and world heritage listed natural areas. Pseudoanthidium repetitum foraged on a wide range of plants from many families and can thus be classified as a generalist forager (polylectic). Our results suggest that P. repetitum is well suited for continued expansion in coastal Australia. Our results demonstrate the effective application of opportunistic data in overcoming knowledge gaps in species ecology and modelling of introduced species distribution.

Disentangling the last 1,000 years of human–environment interactions along the eastern side of the southern Andes (34–52°S lat.)

Researchers have long debated the degree to which Native American land use altered landscapes in the Americas prior to European colonization. Human-environment interactions in southern South America are inferred from new pollen and charcoal data from Laguna El Sosneado and their comparison with high-resolution paleoenvironmental records and archaeological/ethnohistorical information at other sites along the eastern Andes of southern Argentina and Chile (34-52°S). The records indicate that humans, by altering ignition frequency and the availability of fuels, variously muted or amplified the effects of climate on fire regimes. For example, fire activity at the northern and southern sites was low at times when the climate and vegetation were suitable for burning but lacked an ignition source. Conversely, abundant fires set by humans and infrequent lightning ignitions occurred during periods when warm, dry climate conditions coincided with ample vegetation (i.e., fuel) at midlatitude sites. Prior to European arrival, changes in Native American demography and land use influenced vegetation and fire regimes locally, but human influences were not widely evident until the 16th century, with the introduction of nonnative species (e.g., horses), and then in the late 19th century, as Euro-Americans targeted specific resources to support local and national economies. The complex interactions between past climate variability, human activities, and ecosystem dynamics at the local scale are overlooked by approaches that infer levels of land use simply from population size or that rely on regionally composited data to detect drivers of past environmental change.

Meridionalization as a Possible Resource for Fisheries: The Case Study of Caranx rhonchus Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817, in Southern Italian Waters

Climate change affects the shift range distribution of species, especially among mobile species, and this phenomenon can alter ecosystems and impacts human activities. Fishing is an anthropic activity that undergoes the effect not only of the introduction and increase of non-native species but also of native thermophilic ones. Some of these species can become a commercially exploitable resource. However, this information is often obscured by the negative effects these species can cause to the environment. We investigated how the thermophilic species Caranx rhonchus, neglected in Italy, could become a relevant resource. We studied the nutritional profile and the presence of heavy metal contamination and compared these traits with those of a similar common Mediterranean species, namely Trachurus trachurus. The proximate composition was determined following the AOAC procedure, while the fatty acid profile was determined by GC/MS, and the mineral component was obtained by mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Caranx rhonchus is a nutritionally good species, although it is little consumed and exploited. Increasing the market supply with new commercially exploitable emerging species would benefit local communities and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate how a shift of the range caused by climate change can provide benefits within the human dimension.

Ship traffic connects Antarctica’s fragile coasts to worldwide ecosystems

Antarctica, an isolated and long considered pristine wilderness, is becoming increasingly exposed to the negative effects of ship-borne human activity, and especially the introduction of invasive species. Here, we provide a comprehensive quantitative analysis of ship movements into Antarctic waters and a spatially explicit assessment of introduction risk for nonnative marine species in all Antarctic waters. We show that vessels traverse Antarctica's isolating natural barriers, connecting it directly via an extensive network of ship activity to all global regions, especially South Atlantic and European ports. Ship visits are more than seven times higher to the Antarctic Peninsula (especially east of Anvers Island) and the South Shetland Islands than elsewhere around Antarctica, together accounting for 88% of visits to Southern Ocean ecoregions. Contrary to expectations, we show that while the five recognized "Antarctic Gateway cities" are important last ports of call, especially for research and tourism vessels, an additional 53 ports had vessels directly departing to Antarctica from 2014 to 2018. We identify ports outside Antarctica where biosecurity interventions could be most effectively implemented and the most vulnerable Antarctic locations where monitoring programs for high-risk invaders should be established.

Zakonodaja in pravni okviri gojenja tujerodnih drevesnih vrst v gozdovih Slovenije

The aim of the study was to review the legislation and legal framework for the cultivation of non-native tree species in Slovenian forests. In the EU, several legal instruments are relevant for the introduction, use and management of non-native tree species, e.g. the Council Directive on the marketing of forest reproductive material, the Habitats Directive and the Regulation on the prevention and control of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. In Slovenian legislation, the area of their introduction and potential impact is regulated primarily by the Nature Conservation Act, but also important are the Decree on Special Protection Areas (Natura 2000 areas), the Forest Act, the Forest Reproductive Material Act, the Regulations on the Designation of Seed Areas and the Decree on Protected Wild Plant Species. According to the legislation, the cultivation of non-native trees is not prohibited in Slovenia for the implementation of forestry activities, immigration is allowed, and the introduction of new non-native species requires an appropriate procedure that includes an environmental impact assessment and is approved by the competent minister. Slovenian legislation thus provides opportunities for the cultivation of non-native tree species, which could be of crucial importance for the adaptation of forests to climate change due to their better resistance to biotic and abiotic factors, as well as of economic importance due to their faster growth and timber quality.

Time for decisive actions to protect freshwater ecosystems from global changes

Freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity provide fundamental services to humans such as nutritional resources production, water provisioning, water purification, recreation, and more globally climate regulation. Anthropogenic impacts on freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity are already strong and will most probably increase in the near future. Anthropogenic drivers are widely known and include in particular, climate change, habitat shrinking and/or modification due to land-use (e.g. water abstraction for human and agricultural consumption, urbanization), habitat fragmentation and homogenization in stream flow dynamics due to the damming of rivers, introduction of non-native species, dumping of nutrient or organic loadings increasing eutrophication processes, and biodiversity over-exploitation. Here, I review the current and future effects of these anthropogenic drivers on freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity and provide some few examples of existing solutions, either technological, nature-based or policy-based, that could be applied globally to halt and/or minimize their negative consequences. However, success will require systemic changes across public policy and a sufficient political will to do so.

High-Resolution Satellite Bathymetry Mapping: Regression and Machine Learning-Based Approaches

Remote spectral imaging of coastal areas can provide valuable information for their sustainable management and conservation of their biodiversity. Unfortunately, such areas are very sensitive to changes due to human activity, natural phenomenon, introduction of non-native species, and climate change. Thus, the main objective of this research is the implementation of a robust image processing methodology to produce accurate bathymetry maps in shallow coastal waters using high-resolution multispectral WorldView-2/3 satellite imagery for the monitoring at the maximum spatial and spectral resolutions. Two different island ecosystems have been selected for the assessment, since they stand out for their richness in endemic species and they are more vulnerable to climate change: Cabrera National Park and Maspalomas Natural Protected area, located in the Balearic and Canary Islands, Spain, respectively. In addition, a third example to show the applicability of the mapping methodology to monitor the construction of a new port in Granadilla (Canary Islands) is presented. Contributions of this work focus on improving the preprocessing methodology and, mainly, on the proposal and assessment of new satellite-derived regression and machine learning bathymetric models, which have been validated and compared with respect to measured reference bathymetry. After a thorough analysis of nine techniques, using visual and quantitative statistical parameters, ensemble learning approaches have demonstrated excellent performance, even in challenging scenarios up to 35-m depth, with mean RMSE values around 2 m.

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.

Influence of Mechanical Wounding and Compartmentalization Mechanism on the Suppression of Invasive Plant Species Using the Example of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Natural habitats increasingly face the introduction and spread of non-native species. Under the right conditions, non-native species can become invasive over time. This issue is now being addressed by many experts and researchers who are using and developing various approaches and methods to limit and eliminate or suppress problematic plant species. Many invasive plants are already spreading uncontrollably in urban and forestry areas, causing health hazards, environmental and economic damage and negatively impacting natural ecosystems. The use of chemical agents is generally limited, so our only option to control and suppress the problematic species is mechanical removal. In this research suppression by tree stem wounding, i.e., incomplete girdling, was used. This type of injury causes the plant to lose its vitality, become weaker after first year and then die within a few years. Using a research approach, we chronologically monitored the response of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) stem tissue to mechanical wounding of the incomplete girdling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and light microscopy were used for monitoring moisture content and anatomical changes in different periods after injury. The results of the study showed that cherry laurel, with an intense wound tissue response and other changes, is a species with good compartmentalization potential. The rapid and intense tissue response to injury requires high energy and nutrient consumption and consequently leads to a loss of vigour and mechanical stability, which may result in plant destruction. Results revealed that mechanical wounding by incomplete girdling is a successful method for suppression of non-native and invasive cherry laurel.

Using the Kariba Invitation Tiger Fishing Tournament for monitoring an invasive crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

The stomach contents of tigerfish Hydrocynus vittatus, caught in an angling competition on Lake Kariba, were examined to determine the extent to which they feed on the invasive crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. The stomach contents of 281 tigerfish caught during three tournaments (2013, 2014 and 2015) were examined and grouped into six main categories. The proportion of empty stomachs ranged from 4.6 to 13.9% in males and from 11.9 to 29.1% in females. The main food items according to the frequency of occurrence were fish (Limnothrissa miodon (69.0 ± 13.0%) fish remains (bones and scales; 33.0 ± 22.0%), Cichlidae (26.8 ± 2.10%) and Mormyridae (0.5 ± 0.9%) and invertebrates, such as crayfish (24.9 ± 4.6%) and insects (5.2 ± 2.1%). This tournament has been useful in confirming changes in tigerfish diet following the introduction and establishment of non-native species, such as Limnothrissa miodon and, more recently, the crayfish, C. quadricarinatus.

Effects of variable-density thinning on non-native understory plants in coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest

Old-growth forests serve as critical habitat for many sensitive species, but management practices have diminished their prevalence, and former regions of old-growth are now dominated by second-growth stands lacking the structural heterogeneity, diversity, and species richness that these older forests possess.In western Washington state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, the Olympic Habitat Development Study was designed to address this issue and hasten the development of specific old-growth features in second-growth stands using variable-density thinning. One concern with such methods, however, is the potential to introduce non-native plants, which can have negative ecological and economic impacts. Here, we examine how variable-density thinning influences desirable forest characteristics, such as increased plant species diversity, versus the less desirable effects of non-native plant species introduction. We test two hypotheses regarding plant invasions. First, thinning would promote establishment of non-native, shade-intolerant species, but their abundance would gradually decline over time. Second, thinning disturbance and increased heterogeneity of canopy cover would initially promote understory richness of all species, although richness would decline over time with canopy closure and increased cover of shrubs and regenerating trees. We found that the number and cover of non-native species initially increased after thinning, peaking at 16 species present in variable-density thinned treatments in year three. By year 17, 11 species remained throughout the seven 6.5 ha treatment plots sampled, and cover was negligible. As predicted, species richness increased following thinning, however, native species richness remained elevated through year 17, contrary to our hypothesis. Furthermore, native species diversity also increased following thinning and remained higher in thinned treatments than controls through year 17. Our results show that variable-density thinning in temperate coniferous forests can enhance native, but not exotic, plant richness and diversity in the long term.

Does aquaculture aggravate exotic fish invasions in the rivers of southern China?

Human-induced fish introduction in aquaculture always be considered the most important driver of biological invasions in freshwater ecosystems, yet most introduced species fail to establish though having great economic benefits. Explaining the varying success of introduced fish species is a central question both in invasion biology and aquaculture management. Southern China is a good region to test the invasion hypotheses where lots of non-native fish species were cultured and invaded. In this study, we used four human activities related to aquaculture to test their effects on the establishment of non-native fish species in the rivers of southern China. Our results showed that: open-water aquaculture significantly increased the establishment probabilities of non-native species relative to standardised aquaculture in ponds; the establishment and spread of non-native fish species in rivers had no significant correlation to their production and distribution in standardised aquaculture; non-native fish species with low economic value were more prone to escape and establishment in natural rivers, and had higher establishment probabilities in rivers due to the lower fishing pressure. These results indicate that standardised aquaculture and cultivated species with high economic value do not always result in biological invasions. To mitigate the invasion of exotic species caused by aquaculture, stricter management practices and more optimized economic assessments should be implemented for the introduction and cultivation of non-native fish species.

Pollination and nectar larceny by birds and bees in novel forests of the Hawaiian Islands

The extinction of native species and introduction of non-native species may lead to the disruption of biotic interactions. Pollination is a critical ecosystem process that often requires mutualisms between animals and plants. Non-native animals may interact with native flowering plants, with the potential to pollinate or steal nectar (larceny) from flowers without pollination. In the Hawaiian Islands, many native plants have lost their original pollinators. Birds and insects are known to visit native plant flowers, but it is unclear whether they pollinate or steal nectar, whether native and non-native species differ in their interactions with flowers, and what influences visitation to flowers. On Oʻahu, we deployed camera traps and conducted in-person observations on four at-risk species of Hawaiian lobelioids (Campanulaceae). We observed birds, mammals, and insects visiting flowers, with a native bird and native bee visiting most frequently. Regardless of native versus non-native status, bees made contact with reproductive structures during most visits (90.5% of visits), while birds stole nectar during most visits (99.3% of visits). Bee and bird visitation increased with the number of flowers on focal plants. Bird visitation also increased with canopy cover and the number of nearby conspecific flowers and decreased with the number of nearby heterospecific flowers. Our results indicate that bees may pollinate plants that were historically bird-pollinated, while native and non-native birds have neutral or negative impacts on these plants. Broadly, we contribute to an understanding of how native plant pollination can be altered in changing ecosystems.

An assessment of regulation, education practices and socio-economic perceptions of non-native aquatic species in the Balkans

Alongside climate change, the introduction of non-native species (NNS) is widely recognized as one of the main threats to aquatic biodiversity and human wellbeing. Non-native species and biodiversity are generally low priority issues on the political agendas of many countries, particularly in European countries outside the European Union (EU). The objectives and tasks of this study were to address the policy regulation, education level, education practices, and socioeconomic perceptions of NNS in the Balkans. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Turkey (Balkan EU candidate and potential candidate members), in Croatia and Greece (Balkan EU Member States) and Italy (non-Balkan EU Member State). The EU Alien Regulation (1143/2014) concerning NNS is implemented in EU Member States and Montenegro, whereas Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey have not reported specific policy regulations for NNS. Permanent monitoring programmes specifically designed for NNS have not yet been established in the EU Member States. Most countries tackle the issue of NNS through educational activities as part of specific projects. Education level is indicative of the implementation of NNS policy regulation, and efforts are needed for the proper development of relative study programmes. Public awareness and educational preparedness concerning NNS in the Balkans were identified as poor. Strong programmes for management and education should be developed to increase public awareness to prevent further biodiversity losses in the Balkan region.

Trade and Deforestation Predict Rat Lungworm Disease, an Invasive-Driven Zoonosis, at Global and Regional Scales.

The introduction of non-native species and deforestation are both important drivers of environmental change that can also facilitate the geographic spread of zoonotic pathogens and increase disease risk in humans. With ongoing trends in globalization and land-use conversions, introduced species and deforestation are ever more likely to pose threats to human health. Here, we used rat lungworm disease, an emerging zoonotic disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis and maintained by invasive rats and snails, to explore how these two forms of environmental change can impact zoonotic disease risk. We used logistic regressions to examine the role of global trade in the introduction of A. cantonensis at a country level and used model estimates to predict the probability of introduction as a function of trade. We then used hurdle-based regression models to examine the association between deforestation and rat lungworm disease in two regions where A. cantonensis is already established: Hawaii and Thailand. At the global scale, we found the trade of horticultural products to be an important driver in the spread of A. cantonensis and that the majority of countries at high risk of future A. cantonensis introduction are islands. At country scales, we found deforestation to increase the per-capita risk of A. cantonensis exposure in Hawaii and Thailand. Our study provides a preliminary view of the associations between species introductions, deforestation, and risk of A. cantonensis exposure in people. Better understanding how these two widespread and overlapping forms of environmental change affect human health can inform international biosecurity protocols, invasive species management, and land-use policies.