Alien Species Research Articles

Big-brained alien birds tend to occur climatic niche shifts through enhanced behavioral innovation.

Identifying climatic niche shift and its influencing factors is of great significance in predicting the risk of alien species invasions accurately. Previous studies have attempted to identify the factors related to the niche shift of alien species in their invaded ranges, including changes in introduction history, selection of exact climate predictors, and anthropogenic factors. However, the effect of species-level traits on niche shift remains largely unexplored, especially those reflecting the species' adaptation ability to new environments. Based on the occurrence data of 117 successful alien bird invaders at a global scale, their native and invaded climatic niches were compared, and the potential influencing factors were identified. Our results show the niche overlap was low, with more than 75% of the non-native birds representing climatic niche shift (i.e. >10% niche expansion). In addition, 85% of the species showed a large proportion (mean ± SD, 39% ± 21%) of niche unfilling. Relative brain size (RBS) after accounting for body size had no direct effect on niche shift, but path analysis showed that RBS had an indirect effect on niche shift by acting on behavioral innovation primarily on technical innovation rather than consumer innovation. These findings suggested the incorporation of species' important behavioral adaptation traits may be promising to develop future prediction frameworks of biological invasion risk in response to the continued global change.

Alien vs. Native—Influence of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Introduction on the Native Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Population

Fallow deer is one of the most widespread alien mammals in Europe. We documented the response of the roe deer population shortly after the fallow deer was introduced to a hunting ground in central Poland. Mean roe density dropped from 17.6 ind./100 ha to 10.5 ind./100 ha after the alien species was introduced. In the reference area, where fallow deer was absent, the roe deer density did not change in the analogue study period. At both study sites, mean roe deer productivity before fallow deer introduction was similar (1.6 juv./female). However, in the first study area, the productivity dropped to 1.4, while in the reference study area, it slightly increased to 1.75. The presence of fallow deer influenced roe deer space use negatively, i.e., the number of pellet groups of roe deer decreased with an increase in the number of fallow deer feces. Overall, the introduction of the fallow deer was successful and the population grew quickly. Yet, the economic impact of its introduction was far from satisfactory. At the same time, its negative influence on the roe deer was apparent. This shows that the fallow deer is an alien species threatening local biodiversity.

Environmental thresholds for plant species richness of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) forests in Central Europe

The diversity of vascular plants in temperate floodplain forests varies between biogeographical regions of Europe. Our study aims to identify the key environmental drivers of plant species richness in forests dominated by black alder (Alnus glutinosa) in Central Europe with four regions: Pannonian lowland, Matricum as the southern part of the Western Carpathians, High Western Carpathians and Polish Plain. We analysed plant species richness and quantified 15 environmental characteristics (soil, climatic and landscape characteristics) in 140 vegetation plots (35 per region). We used model-based regression trees to test the influence of predictors on the richness of both native and alien species. The regression tree analysis identified eight significant variables controlling species richness in three regions and all bioregions together but found no significant predictor in Matricum. The analysis of the joint dataset indicates that native plant richness was controlled by the effects of catchment slope, soil reaction and precipitation of the warmest quarter. In contrast, the richness of alien species was influenced by the precipitation of the warmest quarter, soil phosphorous and temperature. The species richness of native plants in the High Western Carpathians was driven by soil reaction and the presence of artificial surfaces around the plots, while the richness trend in the Pannonain lowland was determined by annual temperature. Alien richness was affected by the proportion of agricultural areas in the High Western Carpathians, by the stream power index in the Polish Plain and by soil reaction in the Pannonian lowland. The explanatory power of the tree models ranged from 22 to 36%. Our results suggest that the predictability of the richness patterns is contingent upon the specific regions, which differ in the length of environmental gradients.

Analysis of potential niche shifts in alien pairs of mantis species (Insecta, Mantodea) with comments on the current taxonomic and ecological knowledge

Due to the pet and goods trade, several animals are now present in regions outside of their traditional native ranges. A peculiar situation has arisen in mantises, insects that are becoming more popular as pets: two genera (Hierodula and Tenodera) have begun to spread around the world, with two Hierodula species overlapping in Europe and two Tenodera species doing the same in North America. Such an event can lead to possible competition with both local taxa and alien congeneric sister species; the latter may reduce the impact of one of the invaders. Additionally, the situation allows the comparisons of niche shifts in displaced mantises, allowing us to understand whether such animals respect general patterns shown in terrestrial ectothermic invasive species. To do this, I adapted scripts from previous publications for analyzing niche overlap (Schoener’s D), niche expansion (E), and unfilling (U) through the centroid shift, overlap, unfilling, and expansion (COUE) scheme using presence records from GBIF and iNaturalist Research-Grade observations and bioclimatic variables available in BIOCLIM, selected according to variance inflation factor (VIF) values. I also evaluated the overlap between the sister species in the non-native range with D. Overall, there was relatively high niche expansion and unfilling patterns shared among the taxa, although species tended to have low abiotic overlap between native and alien ranges, and a relatively high niche overlap was present among congeneric species in the shared non-native area. However, such analyses may be biased due to chosen variables, taxonomic uncertainty, and lack of information on mantises’ ecology; particularly, the situation regarding H. tenuidentata/transcaucasica should be monitored and clarified, given the higher potential invasion risk of these species compared to other mantises and the uncertainties regarding which populations have reached Europe. Additionally, the biology of alien mantises should be studied in more detail in both native and non-native environments given the current critical lack of information.

The Study of Distribution for the Plants of Alien Species on Specific Islands Monitored by Ministry of Environment, South Korea

This study was conducted to provide information on alien species to the specific islands monitored by Ministry of Environment in South Korea, based on the National Survey of Natural Environment of Islands from 2006 to 2020. In the study area, a total 54 taxa, consisting of 17 family, 45 genera, 53 species, one variety, were found. Among them, two species classified as Ecosystem-disturbing species, <i>Humulus japonicus</i> (<i>H. japonicus</i>) Siebold & Zucc. and <i>Ambrosia artemisiifolia</i> (<i>A. artemisiifolia</i>) Linnaeus were found. Alien plants were identified on 127 islands (49.4%), <i>H. japonicus</i> were found on 27 and A. artemisiifolia on six specific islands. The spatial status of alien flora on the specific islands monitored by Ministry of Environment in our data can be basic ecological information for the conservation and management of plant species diversity on the islands.

Comparison of the Climate Change Tolerance of Native and Non-Native Species Used or Potentially Used as Ornamentals in Mediterranean Areas

As a consequence of climate change, temperature and rainfall regimes are being modified, threatening the survival of the current gardening concept in many areas of the world. This situation highlights the need to investigate the potential of other species, especially in more sensitive areas such as the Mediterranean Basin. The aim of this research is to study the resilience of adapted species to promote sustainable gardening. To achieve this, seven species belonging to three families (Amaranthaceae, Lamiaceae and Asteraceae) used or potentially used as ornamentals were selected to compare their tolerance at the germinative stage to different levels of temperature (10 °C to 35 °C) and water stress created by PEG 6000 (−0.10 MPa to −2.5 MPa). Germination percentage, mean germination time, base temperature, thermal time, base water potential and hydrotime were calculated. The results showed a good response to high temperature and low osmotic potential in most of the species, and germination even increased under certain stress levels. Salsola oppositifolia presented by far the best results in terms of germination under high-water-stress conditions and the second best at high temperatures. The extraordinary response of Celosia argentea, an alien species, highlighted the risk of it becoming an invasive species.

Environmental DNA for the surveillance of biosecurity threats in Mediterranean lagoons

Invasive species that outcompete endemic ones and toxic harmful algae that cause algal blooms threaten marine resources like fisheries, aquaculture, and even tourism. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding can help as a method for early alert. In this study, we have analyzed communities inhabiting six lagoons within the Gulf of Lion (northwest Mediterranean Sea) with spatial protection as RAMSAR and Natura 2000 sites. Employing the COI gene as the only metabarcode, we found 15 genera that have caused recognized algal bloom outbreaks in the studied lagoons since 2000. In addition, seven alien invasive species that can pose risks to the rich marine resources of the zone and lagoons were also found. The results found from eDNA are consistent with events of toxic algae blooms before and after the sampling moment and with reported occurrences of the invasive species in nearby Mediterranean areas. Multivariate multiple analysis showed the importance of anthropic pressure in the abundance of these nuisance species. Mitigation actions and routine eDNA metabarcoding in zones of special interest like these fragile French Mediterranean lagoons are recommended for early alert of nuisance species in order to plan timely management actions.

Effects of native species richness on reproduction of invasive Bidens pilosa vary with nutrient supply

BackgroundBoth increasing native species diversity and reducing nutrient availability can increase the ability of native plant communities to resist alien plant invasions. Furthermore, native species diversity and nutrient availability may interact to influence alien plant invasions. So far, however, little is known about the interactive effect of species diversity and nutrient availability on reproduction of alien invasive plants. We constructed native plant communities with one, four or eight species under low and high nutrient supply and then let them be invaded by the invasive alien plant Bidens pilosa.ResultsAt both high and low nutrient supply, increasing native species richness significantly increased aboveground biomass of the native plant community and decreased aboveground biomass and biomass proportion of the invader B. pilosa. Reproductive biomass of B. pilosa decreased significantly with increasing native species richness under high nutrient supply, but this effect was not observed under low nutrient supply. Net biodiversity effect on seed mass of B. pilosa decreased significantly with increasing native species diversity under high nutrient supply, but not under low nutrient supply. This was mainly because the selection effect became dominant with increasing species richness under high nutrient supply.ConclusionsOur study suggest that native species richness and nutrient supply can interact to influence reproduction of invasive alien plant species and that measures to help maintain a high level of native species richness and to reduce nutrient supply could be useful for efficient invasive plant control.

Assisted recovery of mediterranean native fish species by removal of two established invasive alien species, Pterois miles and Diadema setosum

The introduction of alien species is probably one of the most important factors affecting native biodiversity in various regions of the world. The Mediterranean is considered the most affected sea in the world. Although many efforts to control several invasive alien species (IAS) have been carried out in the Mediterranean, complete success has not been obtained so far. In the eastern Mediterranean (Levantine Sea), the island of Cyprus is among the first places where marine species migrating across the Suez Canal are reported and known to have been established. To test whether native species are able to recover in the absence of IAS, removal experiments of two established IAS, the common lionfish Pterois miles and the long-spined sea urchin Diadema setosum, were carried out at two submerged rocky reefs in Cyprus where human activities are limited.A baseline period of three months was dedicated to characterizing the fish communities by visual censuses, followed by a middle period of four months of monthly removals which ended with the second and final characterization period of three months of the fish communities. The removals of D. setosum were very effective suggesting that the recolonization rate of the species is considerably low. The removals of lionfish seem to help the populations remain small, although recolonization rates are higher than D. setosum. Moreover, our results suggest that the removal of these two species helps native fish recover while conversely affecting other alien fish in a negative manner. Despite the amount of enough data, it is possible to preliminarily estimate the rate of removals. Monitoring of the two IAS along with the native flora and fauna is suggested in these two sites to identify seasonality and trends.

China and ancient cuisine: consumption of wild animals, western stereotypes and zoonoses

The purpose of this research is to highlight the characteristics of China's ancient cuisine, discuss the stigmas proffered by the Western media through image readings and, in the end, highlight the Western cultural horizon, with the demarcation of animal rights and concern about the emergence of zoonosis. The justification and problematic revolves around discussing the stigmas created about Chinese eating habits, the fakenews about their cuisine and the consumption of domestic and exotic animals. The methodology employed was descriptive and explanatory, as well as qualitative and bibliographical. The results obtained, through the analysis of a postcard and a virtual game about Chinese cuisine, show that there is a naturalization of stereotypes of the Chinese, something that is strongly linked to the scientific racism of the 19th century. We concluded that, although there are few outlets for these animals in China, where the number of consumers is small, it should be kept in mind that continuous contact with these species can lead to the emergence and spread of zoonoses.

How do debates surrounding animal welfare intersect with efforts to control 'Invasive alien species'?

How would you define “invasive alien species”? Have you met any of theseindividuals? Do you understand their life experiences? There is an immenselyintertwined linkage between ecology and language. Namely, “how humans treateach other and the natural world is influenced by our thoughts, concepts, ideas,ideologies and world-views” (Stibbe 2021, 2). Which are actively shaped andperpetuated by language. So what do we mean when we use the phrase “invasivealien species”? Languages and discourses have been exploited to perpetuateinequalities, hidden in our everyday communication “of unlimited economicgrowth as the main goal of society” (Stibbe 2021, 3). Theorised by critical discourseanalyst Teun Van Dijk (2006, 139), ideologies are often “mapped onto discourse”,typically “expressed in terms of their own underlying structures”, such as thefrequent use of “us” and “the others”. This paper is guided by the perspective ofcritical animal and media studies, which insists the vitalness of revelation of hownonhuman animals are communicated. It explores the phenomena of “invasivespecies management” from three areas: (i) discourse-adaptation which helps tojustify this on-going act; (ii) the main beneficiaries of such conduct; and (iii) ethicalconcerns for such human intervention. The aim is to investigate the justifiedcruelty that is majorly overlooked, and purposely hidden by mainstreaminformation sources, searching for a fuller picture of the reality of “invasive speciesmanagement”.

Placing animals in the Plantationocene: The plantation after/lives of nutria in Eastern Germany

Nutria ( Myocastor coypus), also known as coypu or ‘river rats’, are big semi-aquatic rodents that originate from South America and were shipped to Europe for fur production in the late 1800s. Today, the animals live in wild populations in many places around the globe. One of these places is the Eastern German city of Halle is where they have been able to establish themselves in large populations along the river Saale. This article situates the history and presence of nutria in Eastern Germany in the Plantationocene. The Plantationocene concept regards the plantation as a structuring feature of our present. In the plantation, humans and nonhumans are separated, hierarchically ordered and exploited along different power axes, so that standardised, scalable production becomes possible. In this sense, we argue that the nutria farms of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) followed plantation logics that resembled that of ‘actual’ plantations and that exploited their forced animal labour for fur production. With German reunification, however, nutria lost their economic value and, in many cases, were simply released to save on ‘disposal costs’. Outside the nutria farms, they developed plantation afterlives, where similar logics continued to exert violence on their bodies, such as in their recent classification as ‘invasive alien species’, but were also challenged in a number of ways. Taking cue from recent discussions on the Plantationocene, this article can be considered as an intervention and invitation to move beyond the plantation in the literal sense of the term, so as to study how the Plantationocene works across different species, spaces and times, while being attentive to its limitations.

Curbing the major and growing threats from invasive alien species is urgent and achievable.

Although invasive alien species have long been recognized as a major threat to nature and people, until now there has been no comprehensive global review of the status, trends, drivers, impacts, management and governance challenges of biological invasions. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Thematic Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control (hereafter 'IPBES invasive alien species assessment') drew on more than 13,000 scientific publications and reports in 15 languages as well as Indigenous and local knowledge on all taxa, ecosystems and regions across the globe. Therefore, it provides unequivocal evidence of the major and growing threat of invasive alien species alongside ambitious but realistic approaches to manage biological invasions. The extent of the threat and impacts has been recognized by the 143 member states of IPBES who approved the summary for policymakers of this assessment. Here, the authors of the IPBES assessment outline the main findings of the IPBES invasive alien species assessment and highlight the urgency to act now.

The dynamics of the taxonomic composition of the alien fraction of the urban flora in the Kyiv urban area, Ukraine

Abstract This article presents the results of an investigation into the recent taxonomic composition of the alien fraction of the urban flora in the Kyiv urban area (KUA). Its main dynamic tendencies over the last 20 years have been highlighted, along with the most probable phytoinvasive threats. The obtained linear regression equation allowed forecasting for the growth in the abundance of alien plant species against the background of the enlargement of the Kyiv urban area (r=0.53) and its human population numbers (r=0.87). The alien fraction of the urban flora of the KUA contains 717 taxa of vascular plants (668 species, 41 subspecies, 6 varieties, 1 form and 1 nothoform). In the past 20 years, the number of species of the urban flora of the KUA has increased by at least 166 alien taxa, some of which are representatives of new genera, families, and orders for our flora. This enrichment of the taxonomic structure of the alien fraction in the urban flora of the KUA has caused changes in the ratio of life forms, ecotypes, invasiveness of species, and other features. We specified probable invasive threats, conditioned by the formation of the group of new woody species, hydrophytes capable of rapidly accumulating their phytomass, some genera complexes involving alien and local species, which are inclined to hybridization.

Ecological–Coenotic features and Current Distribution Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et A. Gray (Cucurbitaceae) in Ukraine

Abstract The information on the spontaneous spread (1152 localities) of the invasive species Echinocystis lobata is summarized. It was found that this alien species is timed to coastal water biotopes, floodplain meadows, mesophytic forests, wetlands, as well as disturbed ecotopes. The syntaxonomic scheme of vegetation with the participation of E. lobata includes 13 classes, 7 orders, 8 alliances, and 8 associations. It is predicted that under the conditions of a temperature increase of 3 °C, there will likely be changes in the carbonate content (Ca), water regime (Hd) of the soil, thermal regime (Tm), and climate humidity (Om), which will cause a reduction in the secondary range of the species in Ukraine, and the changed acid regime of the soil will cause (Rc) its disappearance in some localities. The obtained data can be used to carry out preventive measures regarding the emergence and further distribution of E. lobata in new habitats with different degrees of anthropogenic transformation.

Distribution widening of a ground-nesting social bee across Europe favored by climate change and urban setting

Climate change and/or land use change were repeatedly reported as important for both range expansion of alien bee species and range shrinking for native bee species. However, environmental changes may also positively affect native species that may expand across contiguous areas to their native ones. Here, we focused on Halictus scabiosae (Rossi, 1790) (Hymenoptera: Halictidae), a ground-nesting, primitively eusocial wild bee that has its primary distribution in Western-Southern Europe but that was recently recorded in Eastern-Central Europe. In particular, we studied the range expansion patterns of H. scabiosae, and we hypothesized that previously unsuitable areas may be currently colonized because of environmental changes. In the last 5 years, H. scabiosae moved its densest record areas to North-Eastern Europe, but its ecological niche remained almost unchanged from 1970 to date, suggesting that this bee species is following its preferred conditions (high temperature, high temperature seasonality, and low precipitation seasonality). Potential distribution models revealed high suitability in still unoccupied North-Eastern areas, with urbanization increasingly important as potential stepping stones towards the expansion. The relevant role of urbanization is confirmed by the increase in the number of urban records through time and by the fact that cities with greater population density and greater fragmentation are more likely associated with this species’ occurrence. Halictus scabiosae is thus expanding its range because climate change is producing—and urban environment is offering—suitable conditions in areas previously inadequate for its establishment.

Can allelopathic potentialities of Mediterranean plant species reduce the spread of invasive plant species, Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima?

Beyond ecological and health impacts, invasive alien plant species can generate indirect and direct costs, notably through reduced agricultural yields, restoration, and management of the invaded environment. Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima are invasive plant species that cause particularly significant damage to the railway network in the Mediterranean area. The allelopathic properties of Mediterranean plant species could be used as nature-based solutions to slow down the spread of such invasive plant species along railway borders. In this context, a mesocosm experiment was set-up: (i) to test the potential allelopathic effects of Cistus ladanifer, Cistus albidus, and Cotinus coggygria leaf aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of A. dealbata and A. altissima; (ii) to evaluate whether these effects depend on the extract dose; and finally, (iii) to estimate whether these effects are modified by soil amendment. Leaf aqueous extracts of the three native plant species showed negative effects on both seed germination and seedling growth of the two invasive species. Our results show that the presence of allelochemicals induces a delay in seed germination (e.g., A. dealbata germination lasted up to 269% longer in the presence of high-dose leaf aqueous extracts of C. coggygria), which can lead to a decrease in individual recruitment. They also highlight a decrease in seedling growth (e.g., high-dose C. coggygria leaf aqueous extracts induced a 26% decrease in A. dealbata radicle growth), which can alter the competitiveness of invasive species for resource access. Our results also highlight that compost addition limits the inhibitory effect of native Mediterranean plants on the germination of invasive alien plants, suggesting that soil organic matter content can counteract allelopathic effects on invasive alien plants. Thus, our findings revealed that the allelopathic potential of certain Mediterranean plant species could be a useful tool to manage invasive plant species.

Tropical Shrimp Biofloc Aquaculture within Greenhouses in the Mediterranean: Preconditions, Perspectives, and a Prototype Description

Biofloc technology (BFT) offers an innovative eco-friendly approach that is particularly applicable in shrimp farming. Penaeus vannamei is the most important seafood species in terms of global economic value. Nevertheless, its increasing global demand highlights the necessity for sustainable production of P. vannamei shrimps outside their native range, assuring the avoidance of genetic pollution risk. Towards this direction, the present study focuses on the feasibility of tropical shrimp species aquaculture in indoor systems evaluating BFT application in temperate zones. The achievability of P. vannamei cultivation inside greenhouses in temperate latitudes is thoroughly examined and a representative experimental biofloc setup for P. vannamei within a greenhouse in Northern Greece is demonstrated. Nevertheless, there are two major limitations, related to economy and ecology, namely the energy demand for high seawater temperature and the fact that most reared shrimps are non-indigenous species setting risk for genetic pollution, respectively. To overcome the former, energy-saving measures such as tank and greenhouse insulation in combination with a microclimate chamber construction were implemented to optimize water temperature at minimal cost. Concerning the latter, there is clear evidence that P. vannamei populations cannot be established in the Mediterranean, setting aside any environmental risk. Overall, based on the developed and tested pilot prototype, employment of optimal management practices, innovative manufacturing and clean energy alternatives, and the utilization of ecosystem services could reduce the environmental impact and maximize the profitability of biofloc operations. These actions could probably permit sustainable and economically viable farming of P. vannamei employing BFT within greenhouses in the Mediterranean.

The anthropocene biogeography of alien birds on islands: Drivers of their functional and phylogenetic diversities.

A branch of island biogeography has emerged to explain alien species diversity in the light of the biogeographic and anthropogenic context, yet overlooking the functional and phylogenetic facets. Evaluating alien and native birds of 407 oceanic islands worldwide, we built structural equation models to assess the direct and indirect influence of biotic, geographic, and anthropogenic contexts on alien functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). We found that alien taxonomic richness was the main predictor of both diversities. Anthropogenic factors, including colonization pressure, associated with classic biogeographical variables also strongly influenced alien FD and PD. Specifically, habitat modification and human connectivity markedly drove alien FD, especially when controlled by taxonomic richness, whereas the human population size, gross domestic product, and native PD were crucial at explaining alien PD. Our findings suggest that humans not only shape taxonomic richness but also other facets of alien diversity in a complex way.

Review of current and potential applications of mesenchymal stem cells in exotic animal species.

The discovery that a population of cells derived from adult tissues had regenerative properties and could be expanded and utilized therapeutically led to an abundance of research into the safety and efficacy of these cells for a variety of disease processes. Derived from tissues of mesenchymal origin, these cells were called mesenchymal stem cells or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs were subsequently found to have a variety of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties both in vitro and in vivo. These cells have been extensively studied and demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and other pathologic conditions. Multiple veterinary clinical trials have been performed for diseases such as osteoarthritis, soft tissue, and tendon injuries in addition to other inflammatory and infectious conditions. Exotic animal species can pose additional challenges to the treatment of common medical conditions such as osteoarthritis due to varying metabolism and tolerance to medications as well as potential difficulty to medicate or utilize other common forms of therapy such as physical therapy, laser, massage, and acupuncture. Current knowledge of MSC use in exotic species is limited, but there is a large potential for benefit to a variety of species utilizing this novel therapeutic tool. This review includes a brief overview of mechanisms and known applications of this therapy as well as current and potential applications of MSCs in exotic animal species.