Problem Of Biological Invasions Research Articles

Traveling Wave of Biological Invasion: Effects of Swapping Migration

The problem of biological invasion is an issue of increasing significance in conservation ecology. Fisher equation is one of the traditional methods to describe biological invasion. In ecosystems, however, species usually live in patchy environments. In this study, a modified Fisher equation is derived, where the recently developed “swapping migration” is applied and the relation between invasion velocity and patch capacity is discussed.

About naturalization of Berberis aquifolium in the territory of Nature Reserves of the Southern Coast of the Crimea

At the present stage of development of the economies of different states, the problem of biological invasions is considered one of the top-priorities. A special place among the different areas of research of biological invasions is occupied by the study of the most aggressive and dangerous alien plants in Protected Areas, as they pose a threat to the conservation of ecosystems and their biodiversity. The paper provides information on the phytocenotic diversity of communities with Berberis aquifolium Purch in native - in North America, as well as data on the distribution and degree of naturalization of the species in Eurasia, Australia, and New Zealand. It is established that Mahonia in many regions has the status of an invasive species, it is found both in anthropogenic disturbed and in natural communities, inhabiting a wide range of ecotopes (forest parks, meadows, forests, coastal dunes, etc.). On the Southern Coast of the Crimea, communities with Berberis aquifolium Purch were identified in forest park stands, as well as in coniferous and mixed forests, which belong to the classes Erico-Pinetea, Quercetea pubescentis according to the Braun-Blanquet classification. Preliminary data on the invasion of the species in the natural communities of two Protected Areas (PAs) - "Yalta Mountain Forest" and "Cape Martyan" are presented. The species is most widespread at altitudes from 200 to 400 m above sea level in pine, oak-hornbeam-pine and oak-pine forests belonging to the class Erico-Pinetea . In the lower forest belt at an altitude of up to 200 m above sea level, it is found in the pubescent oak-hornbeam and ash-oak-dogwood communities with Juniperus excelsa , J. deltoides , and Pinus pallasianae , which are part of the class Quercetea pubescentis .

Weed invasive

Biological invasions are increasingly attracting the attention of ecologists, so it seems that this phenomenon is relatively new. However, the beginning of the study of biological invasions is publication of the book "The Ecology of Invasions by Animals and Plants" (1958), which is classified as classic works of invasions. Research of biological invasion is focused on the study of crucial biological and ecological characteristics which enable species invasiveness, as well as the characteristics of the recipient community. Despite the intensive study of this phenomenon, there are still differing views whether only introduced alien species or even native species can be considered as invasive species. While some researchers consider that native species cannot belong to the invasive category, others thought that a species that is native, when expend to adjacent habitats, may also be considered as invasive. Understanding biological invasions as if there no difference between native and introduced allochthonous species eliminates the dilemma that arises in the case of cryptogenic species (species that cannot be clearly classified into one of these two groups), whether it is native or introduced species, the success of the spreading depends on ecological adaptations. In addition, there is also disagreement about the stages of biological invasions. One point of view is, invasion processes take place through three phases (introduction, colonization and naturalization), while to other, the introduction is an elementary requirement for invasion, colonization is an integral part of the concept of naturalization, and naturalization which is referred in to previous point of view, is the phase that corresponds to the term "invasiveness". The time and route of introduction, as well as the mode and pathways of spreading for a large number of adventitious weed species have not been precisely established. Depending on whether weed species are introduce accidentally or intentionally, they are divided into boyletophytes (intentionally introduce) and aboyletophytes (accidentally introduce), while according to period of introduction they are divided into archeophytes (introduced in the Paleozoic to Neolithic period), paleophytes (introduced during the Old and Middle Ages until the discovery of America), neophytes (introduced after the discovery of America until to World War II), and neotophytes (introduced from the World War II until nowadays). Invasive processes are very complex, and it is not easy to predict and evaluate the behavior of introduced species in a new environment. Depending on the shape, structure and size of the reproductive organs, invasive weeds can be spread in several ways: autochthonous (selfpropagating), anemohoric (spreading through the wind), hydrohorn (spreading through water), zohornous (spreading by animals) and anthroporous (spreading by human). The success of invasive processes depends on the ecological characteristics of species, environmental resources and degree of ecosystem damage into which species has reached. According to success of survival in the new environment, allochthonous species can have status of the ephemeral (species which temporarily retained in the new environment and do not form stable populations), naturalized (species that are maintained in the new habitat but do not have an expansive character) and invasive (species that are adapted to the new habitat, spreading, forming indigenous part of flora and leave fertile offspring). The ecological-genetic potential of these species is the result of genetic diversity and their capacity for ecological adaptation; mutations, recombination, hybridization and introgression are the main processes responsible for genetic diversity. In the area of introduction, allochthonous species manifest numerous negative impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, human and domestic animal health, socioeconomic relationships and can jeopardize the survival of native species. Invasions are generally classified as negative occurrences, although in some circumstances they may also have a positive effect on the environment. For example, introduction of allochthonous species can enrich biodiversity, in case when number of introduced species far exceeds the number of extinct species. Despite the great scientific and technological progress, the problem of biological invasions cannot be completely resolved, but it is possible to limit these processes and reduce their negative consequences. The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) dedicate special attention to the risks of invasive plant species and recommends measures to prevent their introduction and spread, with special reference to organisms that cause damage in agriculture. Control of these species implies application of all available preventive and direct measures, integrated into a system of integral measures.

ПОЛЕМОХОРЫ ТВЕРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ И ПРОБЛЕМА БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ИНВАЗИЙ

ПОЛЕМОХОРЫ ТВЕРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ И ПРОБЛЕМА БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ИНВАЗИЙ

Biological invasions in forest ecosystems: a global problem requiring international and multidisciplinary integration

The world’s forests are crucial biological resources that provide a variety of ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and provisioning of resources to society. But forests are particularly affected by biological invasions, with regions around the world experiencing invasions by species from virtually every kingdom. Many of these species have severely disrupted forest ecosystem processes, thereby interrupting the provisioning of ecosystem services that societies depend upon. The problem of biological invasion in forests has many facets, and a large diversity of scientific disciplines addresses these issues. To make progress in solving the problems forest invasions pose, developing interdisciplinary collaborations is crucial because the causes of invasions and many of the measures for prevention or management require expertise in biology, economics, and social sciences. The goal of this special issue is to compile a series of articles summarizing various biological, sociological, and policy subject areas associated with forest invasions from a global perspective. These papers were prepared by the task force, “Forests and Biological Invasions,” organized by the International Union of Forest Research Organizations. Publication of this special issue is intended to advance the integration of scientific knowledge and development of solutions to this very serious and growing problem.

The Afrotropical Miomantiscaffra Saussure 1871 and Miomantispaykullii Stal 1871: first records of alien mantid species in Portugal and Europe, with an updated checklist of Mantodea in Portugal (Insecta: Mantodea).

The recent growing interest on the Mantodea fauna of southern Europe and Portugal in particular, has enabled the discovery of two geographically separated populations of hitherto unknown species in Europe. Analysis of specimens shows that they belong to two Afrotropical mantids: Miomantis caffra Saussure, 1871 and Miomantis paykullii Stal, 1871, thus raising the number of known species in Europe to 39 and in Portugal to 11.While these are remarkable findings, they also represent the first alien mantis species recorded from this continent. As yet, these species appear to be confined to artificial humanised gardened areas but call for more attention to the problem of biological invasions and the need for better bio-security measures for the conservation of natural ecosystems.In the absence of recent revisionary work on the Mantodea of Portugal and given the need to provide an accessible identification tool, both a checklist and a key to species are provided for all species in the country.

Applied conservation services of the evolutionary theory

Having quantitative data to use in a reliable model in conservation can be extremely limiting because of the usual scarcity of such information. The body of theory accumulated so far in evolutionary ecology, and particularly in the evolution of life-history traits, can also come in the aid of conservation practitioners and provide them with some help in the absence of quantitative data. Although some attempts have been made already to bridge the gap between evolution and applied conservation, this interface remains to be properly delineated. Here we present a diverse number of examples of the applicability of evolutionary knowledge to the effective solution of diverse applied conservation problems. We first deal with the opposed strategies of animal and plant species inhabiting survival versus reproduction habitats, and the most adequate management approaches in both cases, with special emphasis in assessing the risks of supplementing food and nest boxes for conservation purposes. Secondly, we deal with invasion biology and suggest that a better understanding of the problem of biological invasions, and a better management of it, is gained if the focus is moved from invasive species characteristics to the properties of the invaded community from an evolutionary perspective. Finally, we show how the management of complex predator–prey interactions can benefit from the application of knowledge on life-history evolution and discuss the particularities of culling programs applied either to short-lived or long-lived species in order to be effective.

Tribute to Horst R. Thieme on the occasion of his 60th birthday

It is a great pleasure to congratulate Horst on his 60th birthday and to dedicate this volume to him in honor of his many contributions to the field of mathematical biology.<br> Horst Thieme has been, over a period of thirty years, one of the most productive scientists in Mathematical Biology, with numerous works on subjects centered on population biology and transmission and control of infectious disease. He has provided a number of rigorous mathematical tools for the study of structured populations, the problem of biological invasion, and the limiting behavior of epidemic and other population models. Horst Thieme's work can be characterized by deep insight into the underlying structure of biological phenomena and mechanisms, great skills in entering these insights into feasible models, and by rigorous mathematics validating or sometimes rejecting modeling approaches. <br><br> For more information please click the “Full Text” above.

Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species

David Pimentel. Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species 2002 CRC Press Boca Raton, FL 384 0-8493-0836-4 $139.95 In this book, the editor assembled experts from seven countries to cover the topic of an emerging global problem—biological invasion. With increased world trade and worldwide travel by people, biological organisms are introduced into new countries and regions at a higher rate than ever before. These introductions occur either intentionally or accidentally. In their new environments, biological organisms can become invasive because of lack of natural constraints that often exist in their origin range. The non-native invasive species disrupt agriculture and forestry, alter ecosystems, transmit diseases, and interfere with fishing, shipping, and other commerce activities. The economic and environmental damage from alien plants, animals, and microbes in the United States, British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Brazil, account for more than $300 billion per year in damages and control costs. The problem of biological invasion has been recognized for some time, but only recently has it received high attention from government agencies and researchers. This book assembles detailed information on components …

Plant evolution in disturbed habitats: An introduction

In this era with a loss of biodiversity to an unprecedented extent, one would expect that disturbance, responsible for considerable habitat destruction and fragmentation, causes the extinction of taxa and prevents evolutionary processes. Many recent studies address the spatiallyand ecologically-disturbed landscape infrastructure, which has many negative effects on the evolutionary and ecological perspectives of many species. In several reported cases, population complexes are broken up, ultimately resulting in the breakdown of the metapopulation. This causes losses of genetic variation through drift and inbreeding, which are not compensated for by gene flow. In combination with reduced reproductive success this genetic erosion clearly lowers the population viability of such taxa. This process ultimately may lead to regional or total extinction (ELLSTRAND & ELAM 1993, YOUNG et al. 1996). Human activities do not only destruct habitats, but they lead together with climate change to the spread of species far beyond their natural ranges. Alien species may threaten the indigenous flora, completely change the character of the place they invade, cause diseases and be pest organisms. The problem of biological invasions is growing in severity as global trade and travel accelerate. Habitat disturbance increases, and global climatic change is to be expected. Habitat disturbances and biological invasions create contact zones between conand heterospecific populations which were isolated by distance and/or by the environment. Natural hybridization might be the outcome. This has been viewed as deleterious for biodiversity. Numerous examples have been cited where rarer species are considered "threatened" by consequences of hybridizations with a more common, related taxon, as for instance outbreeding depression and genetic assimilation. On the other hand, hybridization is undoubtedly part of the evolutionary history of plants which is especially documented by molecular markers. It becomes more and more obvious that hybrid zones are focal points of genetic interactions between plant species, and may provide the raw material for adaptive evolution in rapidly changing environments (ARNOLD 1997, RiESEBERG & CARNEY 1998). Many years ago, the principle of hybridization of the habitat was introduced to describe situations where, due to human influence, two ecologicallyand spatially-separated habitats