Potential Invasive Species Research Articles

An object-oriented model of the invasion and eradication of Poa annua L. on King George Island, Antarctica

We implemented a custom object-oriented model to predict the spread of annual bluegrass population at Point Thomas Oasis and to evaluate potential eradication outcome at different eradication success rates. We modeled unobstructed population growth without eradication, sole elimination of plants and removal of plants together with soil within 10cm around each specimen. Both eradication scenarios considered removal efficiency of 50 – 100%. The population with no elimination campaign applied, was still in the exponential phase of growth after 45 simulated years and almost fulfilled the study area. The removal efficiency of 50% sufficed to control the species, maintaining the population number at a stable and low level. Once the removal action ceased, the population number increased dramatically. 100% elimination efficiency for 20 years did not guarantee eradication, as leaving even five or less seeds in the soil could initiate population reestablishment. Soil removal within 10cm around each plant speeded up the elimination. The predicted duration of eradication process to reach 30 or less seeds in the soil, was around 20 years. The removal of annual bluegrass is obstructed by the soil seed bank. The most important parameter driving eradication success is eradication efficiency. Low removal efficiency simulation indicates that poor management, even for a few years, may be amended if the eradication efficiency increases. Our model is transferable for other potential invasive species at Point Thomas Oasis by changing dispersal and germination parameters. Its transferability for other locations would require changing the modeled space.

A Proposed Coupling Framework of Biological Invasions: Quantifying the Management Prioritization in Mealybugs Invasion

ABSTRACTPrioritizing potential invasive alien species, introduction pathways, and likely places susceptible to biological invasions is collectively critical for developing the targeting of management strategies at pre‐border, border, and post‐border. A framework for prioritizing the invasion management that considered all these elements in combination is lacking, particularly in the context of potential coinvasion scenarios of multispecies. Here, for the first time, we have constructed a coupling framework of biological invasions to evaluate and prioritize multiple invasion risks of 35 invasive alien mealybugs (IAMs) that posed a significant threat to the agri‐horticultural crops in China. We found that the imported tropical fruits from free trade areas of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to entry ports of southern China were the primary introduction pathway for IAMs, vectored on various fruit commodities. There was also a high probability for cointroductions of potential multi‐IAMs with a single imported tropical fruit. The potential distribution of such IAMs with dissimilar net relatedness were mainly located in southern China. These distributions, however, are likely to expand to the higher latitudes of northern China under future climate and land use/land cover changes. Temperature and anthropogenic factors were both independently and collectively determining factors for the diversity and distribution patterns of imported IAMs under near‐current climate conditions. Our findings highlight that these multiple components of global change have and will continue to facilitate the introduction and establishment risks of IAMs in southern China, as well as the spread risk into northern China. Additionally, our findings, for the first time, demonstrated management prioritization across the continuous invasion stages of 35 IAMs in China, and provide additional insights into the development of targeting of their biosecurity and management decisions.

Climate-Smart Invasive Species Management for 21st Century Global Change Challenges.

Addressing the global challenges of climate change and biotic invasions requires understanding their interactions and implications for natural resource management. To facilitate and support invasive species management in a changing climate, we review how climate change and invasions interact to impact the planning, action, and outcomes of invasive species management. Climate change is facilitating the introduction of new potential invasive species and altering pathways of introduction and spread, with implications for which species natural resource managers need to assess, monitor, and target. Climate-driven shifts in invasive species phenology require more flexible management timelines. Climate change may reduce the efficacy and feasibility of current treatment methods and make native ecosystems more vulnerable to invasion. Additionally, disturbance caused by extreme climate events can compound the spread and impacts of biological invasions, making invasive species management a necessary part of extreme event preparation and response planning. As a solution to these challenges, we propose climate-smart invasive species management, which we define as the approaches that managers and decision-makers can take to address the interactive effects of climate change and invasions. Climate-smart invasive species management includes considering potential shifts in species ranges, abundances, and impacts to inform monitoring, treatment, and policies to prevent new invasive species. Climate-smart management may also involve adjusting the timing and type of treatment to maintain efficacy, promoting resilient ecosystems through climate-smart restoration, and considering the effects of climate change when setting management goals. Explicitly considering the interactions of climate change and biological invasions within organizational decision-making and policy can lead to more effective management and promote more resilient landscapes.

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) intercepted at South Korean points of entry

AbstractSixty‐two species of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) were intercepted at South Korean points of entry on plants for planting imported from tropical and subtropical Asia from 1996 to 2023. Information on the number of interceptions, host plants, consignment origin and their years of interception is provided. Data on intercepted ant species were analysed to determine potential invasive species of ants that could cause damage not only to agricultural, forestry, and natural ecosystems but also to industry and that could endanger human health.

Genome assembly of redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) provides insights into its immune adaptation and hypoxia tolerance

BackgroundThe introduction of non-native species is a primary driver of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems. The redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) is a freshwater species that exhibits tolerance to hypoxic stresses, fluctuating temperatures, high ammonia concentration. These hardy physiological characteristics make C. quadricarinatus a popular aquaculture species and a potential invasive species that can negatively impact tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Investigating the genomic basis of environmental tolerances and immune adaptation in C. quadricarinatus will facilitate the development of management strategies of this potential invasive species.ResultsWe constructed a chromosome-level genome of C. quadricarinatus by integrating Nanopore and PacBio techniques. Comparative genomic analysis suggested that transposable elements and tandem repeats drove genome size evolution in decapod crustaceans. The expansion of nine immune-related gene families contributed to the disease resistance of C. quadricarinatus. Three hypoxia-related genes (KDM3A, KDM5A, HMOX2) were identified as being subjected to positive selection in C. quadricarinatus. Additionally, in vivo analysis revealed that upregulating KDM5A was crucial for hypoxic response in C. quadricarinatus. Knockdown of KDM5A impaired hypoxia tolerance in this species.ConclusionsOur results provide the genomic basis for hypoxic tolerance and immune adaptation in C. quadricarinatus, facilitating the management of this potential invasive species. Additionally, in vivo analysis in C. quadricarinatus suggests that the role of KDM5A in the hypoxic response of animals is complex.

Using eDNA to play whack-a-mole with invasive species in green yard waste.

As large cities begin to overrun their landfill capacities, they begin to look for alternative locations to handle the waste stream. Seeing an opportunity to bring in revenue, rural communities offer to handle municipal waste in their landfills. However, many rural communities are also places of agricultural production, which are vulnerable to attacks by invasive insect species, which could be present in green yard waste, the component of municipal waste most likely to contain agriculturally harmful insect species. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) to determine whether green yard waste could be a pathway for invasive insect species to enter and establish in the landfill-receiving agricultural community. We identified several target species that could be in green yard waste coming from Vancouver, BC, Canada, to Central Washington State, USA. We sampled green yard waste from 3 sites every 2 weeks from June to October in 2019 and 2020. DNA was extracted from the nearly 400 samples and subjected to amplification with COI barcoding primers followed by sequencing to identify target insects in the samples. Sequence analyses identified 3 species from the target list: 2 species that are pests of deciduous tree fruits and a generalist root-feeding crop pest. This eDNA technique was useful in identifying potential invasive species in green yard waste and may prove to be an important tool informing policy on the movement of biological material across borders and stemming the spread of invasive species.

Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) whartoni (Nematoda: Rictulariidae) encysted larvae in invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) from Florida, United States.

Species of Pterygodermatites are spirurid nematodes that have expanded their geographic distribution worldwide. They infect a variety of mammalian definitive hosts with few reports of potential paratenic infections in amphibian and reptile hosts. In this study, we report Pterygodermatites sp. larvae identified in free-ranging, invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis), from central Florida, United States. Encysted larvae were recovered from the skeletal muscle and/or the coelomic cavity of three frogs; molecular characterization of the small subunit (18S) ribosomal RNA and cytochrome oxidase I genes of the parasites matched reported sequences of Pterygodermatites (Mesopectines) whartoni (Tubangui, 1931). This is a parasite native to Southeastern Asia and to the best of the authors' knowledge, it is the first report of the species in the New World. The recovery of invasive Pterygodermatites from invasive Cuban treefrogs in North America highlights the growing concern regarding the potential impact non-native parasites and invasive species may have on native wildlife populations.

A review of the earthworm Amynthasmasatakae (Beddard, 1892) (Clitellata, Megascolecidae), with designation of two new synonyms.

Correct and timely identification of an invasive species during quarantine or at an early stage of invasion before establishment or spread is critical for preventing biological invasions. However, taxonomic confusion of potential invasive earthworm species caused by incorrect taxonomic treatment or reckless taxonomic work has made it difficult to properly recognize potential invasion threats. Through analyzing publicly available DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, we confirmed the validity of the specific status of Amynthasmasatakae (Beddard, 1892), a peregrine earthworm species in East Asia with the potential to spread to other regions of the world, and designated two new synonyms of A.masatakae: Amynthastralfamadore Blakemore, 2012 syn. nov. and Amynthasscaberulus Sun and Jiang, 2021 syn. nov. Additionally, the name A.triastriatususualis Dong, Jiang, Yuan, Zhao and Qiu, 2020 is nomenclaturally unavailable since it was published in an electronic journal without ZooBank registration and an explicit statement establishing a new nominal taxon. Specimens described under this unavailable name actually belong to A.masatakae. Inadequate literature review and erroneous species identities associated with sequences in GenBank have caused even more problems in the already confusing earthworm taxonomy.

Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017: A new threat to Iberian inland waters.

An eco-monitoring programme to assess faunal biodiversity in the main rivers of the northern Iberian Peninsula (Spain) reveals the first occurrence of the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Iberian inland waters. Iberian specimens have been identified by combining morphological and genetic traits. We discuss the most plausible pathways and introduction vectors, its potential invasiveness and subsequent impacts on host localities. Our preliminary results raise concern about the potential threat of P. virginalis to native fauna and ecosystem dynamics, as P. virginalis was found in an area of great cultural and ecological importance with relevant populations of endangered species. Due to the invasive history of the marbled crayfish, eradication of these individuals is urgent. This study confirms the importance of early warning systems for exotic species, keeping the population, forest guards and field technicians informed about potential invasive species to execute a rapid and effective response.

LAND SNAILS AND SLUGS (MOLLUSCA: GASTROPODA) IN THE INTERNATIONAL LOADING AND UNLOADING AREAS OF PANAMA

This study aims to identify the species of land snails and slugs that may invade Panama through the loading and unloading sites of national and international merchandise in Panama City and Colon, along with their probable places of origin. The investigation also considers the ecological, economic, and health impacts of these potential invasive species. Between September 2008 and September 2009, sampling was conducted at the main seaports and airports of Panama City and Colon, including their containers, warehouses, and surrounding natural habitats. The study utilized GPS for accurate location marking, and sampling occurred twice a week. Specimens were collected, with live material fixed in 70% alcohol, and slugs dissected for identification through sexual organs. Taxonomic identification involved conchological characteristics and expert consultation, with the data analyzed for species abundance correlation with precipitation and humidity. A total of 2379 individuals were collected, identifying seven species across nine genera and four taxonomic families, with the Subulinidae family being the most abundant. Notably, Praticolella griseola, an agricultural pest, and Hapiella w. f. decolorata were new records for Panama. The study found species richness and abundance correlated with rainfall but not relative humidity. The research highlighted the quarantine importance of several species due to their roles as pests and vectors of diseases like Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costarricensis. Panama hosts a moderate ecological diversity of gastropods, with certain species posing significant risks to agriculture, public health, and native ecosystems. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing surveillance and management of non-native mollusk introductions, particularly in a global trade hub like Panama. Identifying and understanding the distribution of invasive gastropods are crucial for developing effective control measures and mitigating their impact on the environment and human health.

Identifying a potentially invasive population in the native range of a species: The enlightenment from the phylogeography of the yellow spotted stink bug, Erthesina fullo (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The yellow spotted stink bug (YSSB), Erthesina fullo (Thunberg, 1783) is an important Asian pest that has recently successfully invaded Europe and an excellent material for research on the initial stage of biological invasion. Here, we reported the native evolutionary history, recent invasion history, and potential invasion threats of YSSB for the first time based on population genetic methods [using double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) data and mitochondrial COI and CYTB] and ecological niche modelling. The results showed that four lineages (east, west, southwest, and Hainan Island) were established in the native range with a strong east–west differentiation phylogeographical structure, and the violent climate fluctuation might cause population divergence during the Middle and Upper Pleistocene. In addition, land bridges and monsoon promote dispersal and directional genetic exchanging between island populations and neighboring continental populations. The east lineage (EA) was identified as the source of invasion in Albania. EA had the widest geographical distribution among all other lineages, with a star-like haplotype network with the main haplotype as the core. It also had a rapid population expansion history, indicating that the source lineage might have stronger diffusion ability and adaptability. Our findings provided a significant biological basis for fine tracking of invasive source at the lineage or population level and promote early invasion warning of potential invasive species on a much subtler lineage level.

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.

Cassiopea andromeda (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) in the subtropical eastern Atlantic

Abstract This study provides the first records of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda (Forskål, 1775) in the eastern Atlantic supported by molecular analysis. Specimens were observed, recorded, and sampled in an inland aquaculture facility in September 2023 in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands). This new record officially demonstrates the geographical expansion of C. andromeda, and the introduction of a new potential invasive species in the Macaronesia oceanic island system.

Effect of Convergence Plant Selection of Wildflower Mixtures in China on the Plant Invasion

The rapid development of urbanization and urban land-use intensification have substantially reduced biodiversity and ecosystem services. Wildflower mixtures can improve regional biodiversity and habitat heterogeneity by establishing flower-rich habitats and providing multiple ecosystem services, which were considered one of the most favorable landscape ecological restoration technologies approaches. How to design wildflower mixtures to achieve optimal eco-efficiency is currently unclear. In China, wildflower mixture is one of landscape architecture’s most popular methods for establishing herbaceous vegetation. Currently, there is a notable lack of systematic research regarding species selection, and concerns have been raised about the design approach that introduces convergent species, which may potentially become invasive. This research integrated a wildflower mixture design database currently published in China and discovered community composition and construction methods. Based on this, we compared the species composition of wildflower mixtures in China and assessed the potential invasive species. Additionally, we attempted to explore the distribution over time and space, their potential invasion risk, and the main factors influencing species selection through modeling approaches. The results highlighted that species selection of mixture converged with different spatiotemporal attributes and design intentions, despite designed wildflower mixtures in China having gradually increased in recent years. A large number of species from North America and Europe have been causing an increase in potential invasion annually. Furthermore, the research confirmed that the convergence contributes to the homogenization of urban landscape vegetation communities, which leads to biological invasion from the design level, and revealed the possibility that ineffective ecological restoration techniques may cause adverse environmental impacts.

Potential invasive species detection of Demospongiae using environmental DNA in Sabang and Lhokseumawe Ports

Sabang and Lhokseumawe Ports are located in the province of Aceh and constitute part of the northern Malacca Strait, sharing direct borders with neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and India. Strategic geographical location significantly influences the oceanographic conditions and biodiversity of the area. As marine organisms, sponges play a crucial role in the ecosystem, yet research on their identification in the Sabang and Lhokseumawe regions is limited. The analysis of community structure and identification of species can be conducted using various approaches, including environmental DNA (e-DNA) analysis. This study aimed to assess water quality and identify the presence of potentially invasive Demospongiae using DNA Metabarcoding in Sabang and Lhokseumawe Ports. The measurement results of the water conditions indicate that the waters around Sabang and Lhokseumawe ports generally exhibit values that support sponge life. e-DNA analysis successfully detected the presence of the Demospongiae class, with 260 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) in Sabang waters and 148 OTUs in Lhokseumawe waters. One commonly found genus, Cliona sp., has the potential to become invasive in both locations, posing a risk of bioerosion to corals under specific conditions.

English

Abstract Comprehensive surveys are critical to conserve and monitor crayfish communities, imperiled species, and detect crayfish invasions. The Missouri portion of the North Fork White River drainage (MONFWR) was never comprehensively surveyed, but adjacent drainage surveys suggested it could harbor species of conservation concern (SOCC). We surveyed the MONFWR to determine crayfish species richness, distributions of potential SOCC, and potential invasive species. We included recent sampling of the Arkansas portion of the drainage for a more holistic assessment of the entire drainage. We examined potential changes in crayfish communities after three decades at 22 previously sampled MONFWR locations. We also collected the first habitat association data for the endemic, Faxonius longidigitus. We detected eight taxa; none that were not known from the drainage. Faxonius neglectus chaenodactylus and Cambarus hubbsi were SOCC; F. n. chaenodactylus was common and abundant in the MONFWR; C. hubbsi was detected at only one site in Arkansas. Faxonius neglectus neglectus and Faxonius virilis were each detected only once and are likely introduced. Intermittent streams harbored diversity and abundance rivaling perennial segments. We observed no notable temporal differences between 22 historical and current samples. Faxonius longidigitus, detected at few sites in low numbers, was associated with deeper waters and larger substrates.

First detection of a potentially invasive species using a multi-threat early detection trap network

In this study we implemented an early detection and rapid response trapping network in the entry and distribution areas of plant material for 20 species on the island of Mallorca (the Balearic Islands, Westernmost Mediterranean Archipelago). Through this system we have detected the European hornet Vespa crabro, an exotic species, which despite not being included among the 20 target species. The European hornet is naturally present in Eurasia and absent in the Balearic and Canary Islands (Spain). It was detected in a port in the north of the island and based on the precautionary principle, the biosecurity administration in the control of species decided to classify it as potential invasive species and proceeded to search for the nest.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the razor-backed musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus, testudines: emydidae) in Korea

Sternotherus carinatus has been considered as a potential invasive species in Korea. However, the mitochondrial genome information of S. carinatus which can be used to control its effect on ecosystem is lacking. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of S. carinatus in Korea was sequenced and characterized. The mitochondrial genome consists of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes) and a noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial genome sequences showed that S. carinatus from Korea is separated from other turtles which are the invasive species in Korea. Sequence divergence calculations indicated near-zero divergence between S. carinatus populations in Korea, the USA, and China, suggesting limited genetic differentiation. In the context of the broader issue of invasive species disrupting ecosystems, this research contributes to the identification of mitochondrial genomes for various freshwater turtle species, emphasizing the need for extended data collection to discern genetic mixing trends between native and non-native species. This study is a significant step toward managing S. carinatus as a potential invasive species in Korea.

Horizon scanning for potentially invasive non-native marine species to inform trans-boundary conservation management – Example of the northern Gulf of Mexico

Prevention of non-native species introductions and establishment is essential to avoid adverse impacts of invasive species in marine environments. To identify potential new invasive species and inform non-native species management options for the northern Gulf of Mexico (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas), 138 marine species were risk screened for current and future climate conditions using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit. Species were risk-ranked as low, medium, high, and very high risk based on separate (calibrated) thresholds for fishes, tunicates, and invertebrates. In the basic screening, 15 fishes, two tunicates, and 26 invertebrates were classified as high or very high risk under current climate conditions. Whereas, under future climate conditions, 16 fishes, three tunicates, and 33 invertebrates were classified as high or very high risk. Very high risk species included: California scorpionfish Scorpaena guttata, red scorpionfish Scorpaena scrofa, purple whelk Rapana venosa, and Santo Domingo false mussel Mytilopsis sallei under both current and future climates, with weedy scorpionfish Rhinopias frondosa, Papuan scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis papuensis, daggertooth pike conger Muraenesox cinereus, yellowfin scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis neglecta, tassled scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis oxycephalus, brush-clawed shore crab Hemigrapsus takanoi, honeycomb oyster Hyotissa hyotis, carinate rock shell Indothais lacera, and Asian green mussel Perna viridis under climate change conditions only. This study provides evidence to inform trans-boundary management plans across the five Gulf of Mexico states to prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to new species arrivals.

Diversity of insect pests of common bean and pigeon pea in the Republic of Congo revealed by DNA barcoding

In Central Africa, the development of leguminous crops is accompanied by a proliferation of pests, such as seed-beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). Integrated biological control against insect pests requires a preliminary phase of early detection and monitoring of potential invasive species, which is often limited by the availability of diagnostic morphological characteristics. DNA barcoding represents a powerful molecular tool for identifying specimens, and the mitochondrial sequences produced can provide information concerning the origins of introduced species. In this study, we characterized the diversity of insect pests present in farmer storage sites and plots of common bean and pigeon pea, by using DNA barcoding of specimens sampled in the five main agricultural regions of the Republic of Congo. The cosmopolitan seed-beetle species Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say, 1831) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) was recognized as the major pest sampled on common bean. The sub-Saharan species Specularius erythraeus (Pic, 1908) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) was the main species found in pigeon pea plots, sometimes co-occurring with the cosmopolitan species Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). A fourth bruchine, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman, 1833), and two moth species were also recognized: a species of the genus Mussidia Ragonot, 1888 (Pyralidae) and the cosmopolitan pest of stored food, Cadra cautella (Walker, 1863) (Pyralidae). These results differ from species lists compiled in the 1980s, thus providing updated knowledge concerning the pest species present in this region and fundamental information for choosing appropriate methods of control.