Invasive Species Risk Research Articles

Building Capacity of Conservation Area Stakeholders in Managing Invasive Species

One of the ecological challenges in managing conservation areas is the colonization and establishment of alien and/or native plant species, especially after forest disturbances. The capacity stakeholders to determine the invasiveness risk of these plant species groups and then management strategies to monitor changes in vegetation structure and species composition is critical. The community engagement program aims to improve the capacity of conservation area stakeholders to identify plant species, including invasive species, and assess the risk of invasive species. Focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted online and offline and targeted stakeholders of the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam–BKSDA) of Central Java Province. Three FGD sessions were held on the topics: (1) forest monitoring and invasion ecology, (2) plant species identification and invasive species monitoring techniques, and (3) vegetation and invasiveness risk analysis. During the discussion, target groups shared ideas and lessons learned related to managing invasive species in the field. The results showed a significant increase in the capacity of the target group (p=4.546e-09), as the average pre-test score was 56.25 ± 13.68 compared to the average post-test score of 75.70 ± 20.27. The target group understands the definition of an invasive (alien) species, the factors that determine the success of this species invasion, and the positive and negative contributions alien species to the newly established ecosystem. Some gaps that need to be addressed relate to methods and criteria for identifying species invasiveness in invasive species risk analysis. As a follow-up, a practical training on invasive (alien) species risk analysis was conducted at different occasion and funding sources.

Urban Greening and Pollen Allergy: Balancing Health and Environmental Sustainability.

Urban living requires a careful balance between human health and environmental sustainability when selecting urban vegetation. Public gardens and green roofs offer significant environmental benefits, including air filtration, exposure to health-associated microbiota, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. However, prioritizing allergy-friendly species is crucial to prevent the exacerbation of pollen allergies. This review highlights three primary criteria for selecting vegetation that supports these ecosystem services while minimizing allergy risks. Firstly, reducing the use of many wind-pollinated plants, such as birch trees and grasses, is crucial due to their high pollen production and cross-reactivity with other species, which can exacerbate allergies. In contrast, insect-pollinated plants are generally safer for allergy sufferers. Secondly, cultivating multispecies plant communities with minimal maintenance supports habitats for microbiota and invertebrates, further providing ecosystem services. Lastly, balancing plant gender ratios in urban spaces can help control pollen levels. Together these criteria provide a framework for urban planners to create green spaces that are both environmentally beneficial and allergy friendly. Although this review focuses on European data, the principles discussed have global relevance, reinforcing the need to integrate environmental sustainability with public health considerations in urban planning. Future studies should also investigate the health impacts of plant volatile emissions, explore heat-resistant plant varieties, and assess the ecological risks of invasive species to support sustainable, allergy-friendly urban environments.

Optimal region connection: Establishing effective ecological corridors for biodiversity conservation in Yunnan Province, China

Habitat fragmentation, caused by human activities, is recognized as a major threat to biodiversity. Previous studies have largely focused on identifying potential ecological corridors, with less attention given to the optimization of these connections. In this article, a new framework is introduced that integrates ArcGIS Pro’s optimal region connection tools with the InVEST habitat quality model, Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), and other ecological parameters. Ecological corridors in Yunnan Province, China, were identified and assessed using a minimum cumulative resistance model and a gravity model. Initially, 282 potential corridors spanning 6,310 km were identified. Following optimization, this number was reduced to 119 corridors, totaling 683 km in length. Over 87 % of these corridors were found to be less than 10 km in length, with most positioned strategically adjacent to key habitat cores. The likelihood of protecting and expanding habitat cores increased, while the risks of invasive species and unnecessary connectivity between croplands and natural habitats were minimized. Cost-effectiveness was enhanced, and connectivity between similar habitats was improved, linking all habitat cores within the region. This innovative methodology is presented as a comprehensive solution to mitigate the harmful impacts of habitat fragmentation and support sustainable biodiversity conservation.

Approach to Validate ISPM-15 Compliance for Commercial Treatment Certification of Dielectric Standard Heating of Bulk Solid Wood Packing Materials using Radio Frequency

Abstract To substantially reduce the risk of alien invasive species moving to new geographic areas, phytosanitary treatment of wood packaging materials (WPM) in compliance with the International Standard of Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM-15) is required by trading partners. Approved treatments include conventional heating, methyl bromide and sulfuryl fluoride fumigation, and dielectric heating (DH). The DH standard was officially adopted in 2013 but has not been practiced commercially due primarily to insufficient operational validation at commercial scale. In 2022, we converted our 50-kW radio frequency (RF) unit with a 1,200-board foot capacity from an oscillator electromagnetic field power generator to a solid-state power supply, which allows for selective power input adjustments during treatment; we also switched from a five-plate to a three-plate winged electrode system to improve heating uniformity. Each loading cycle can treat sufficient material to build ∼94 standard Grocery Manufacturers Association pallets. Our research team characterized the dielectric heating pattern and options for monitoring wood temperatures over a wide-ranging test matrix of WPM that varied by wood species, dimension, moisture content, and loading configuration. We found that this upgraded RF system markedly reduced treatment times and improved heating uniformity, allowing us to develop methods that can be used to verify compliance with ISPM-15 for improved technology transfer to industry. We also discuss the operational cost of RF treatment and make general cost comparisons to conventional heat treatment for WPM.

Engaging bait retailers as part of the live bait pathway: bait retailer characteristics and aquatic invasive species prevention

In the Great Plains region, the live bait industry relies on approved species of cultured and wild-harvested baitfish. The release of baitfish by anglers is prohibited in most locations, but angler compliance with these regulations can be low. Bait retailers can increase compliance with regulations by communicating with anglers about aquatic invasive species (AIS) risk and through their business practices. We conducted 66 telephone surveys with bait retailers in southeastern South Dakota from June to July 2023 to (1) characterize bait retailer practices that may influence AIS risk and (2) determine the extent and willingness of bait retailers to display educational materials to reduce AIS risk. Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were the most sold species (96% of respondents), and most bait came from wholesale retailers (74%). However, 24% of bait retailers also occasionally bought from local bait harvesters. Non-advertised species were observed at least once in shipments by 35% of bait retailers, but retailers only encountered species they did not intend to order in 1% of their inspections. Regular inspections for non-advertised species in baitfish shipments were conducted by 74% of retailers. Most inspections occurred at the time of receiving a baitfish shipment (36%) or daily (36%). Bait retailers were interested in displaying provided AIS educational materials (80%), including posters and pamphlets (59%), stickers (41%), bait bags (39%), and keychains/boat key floats (36%). Displaying educational materials at bait retail locations may increase angler knowledge of AIS and compliance with bait disposal regulations.

Assessment of the impact of native tree species reforestation in Rwanda. A case study of Ibanda makera natural forest

The study was conducted in Kirehe District, Mpanga Sector. The major objective of this study was to assess the impact of native tree species reforestation in Rwanda. A Case Study of Ibanda Makera Natural Forest. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design as its framework to guide the process of data collection. The target population was households living closer to the forest. The study adopted a purposive sampling approach to select four villages. Twenty (20) households were randomly selected from each village making a total sample size of 80 respondents. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS version 20, and regression using STATA version 17. A logistic regression model was mostly adopted for this study to determine the factors influencing native tree species in the study area. The result of the regression analysis indicated that age, gender, occupation, household size, price of fuel, tree product use, and distance to the forest influenced negatively native tree species. This study revealed that the most common social-economic benefits of native tree species reforestation are community benefits, soil protection, carbon sequestration, increased research activities, habitat restoration, climate resilience, job creation, water regulation, increased tourism demand, and infrastructure development. Additionally, native tree species require less maintenance, are more tolerant of local conditions, and require fewer pesticides and fertilizers to thrive. Native tree species often require less water and can be used to create natural buffers that reduce noise and air pollution. Finally, from an economic perspective, native plants can improve property values, reduce energy costs, and create a more desirable living environment. Native tree species may also reduce the risk of invasive species, which can be costly and difficult to remove. Policymakers and planners should consider the importance of incorporating native tree species into their plans to ensure a more sustainable and resilient of native tree species for both urban and rural natural environments.

Alien range size, habitat breadth, origin location, and domestication of alien species matter to their impact risks.

Invasive alien species are a major driver of biodiversity loss. Currently, the process of biological invasions is experiencing a constant acceleration, foreshadowing a future increase in the threat posed by invasive alien species to global biodiversity. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the impact risks of invasive alien species and related factors. Here, we constructed a dataset of negative environmental impact events to evaluate the impact risks of alien species. We collected information on 1071 established alien terrestrial vertebrates and then gathered negative environmental impacts for 108 of those species. Generalized linear mixed-effects model and phylogenetic generalized least-squares regression model were used to examine the characteristic (including life-history traits, characteristics related to distribution, and introduction event characteristics) correlates of species' impact risks at the global scale for 108 established alien terrestrial vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians). Our results showed that a total of 3158 negative environmental impacts were reported for 108 harmful species across 71 countries worldwide. Factors associated with impact risks varied slightly among taxa, but alien range size, habitat breadth, origin location, and domestication were significantly correlated with impact risks. Our study aims to identify the characteristics of alien species with high-impact risks to facilitate urgent assessment of alien species and to protect the local ecological environment and biodiversity.

Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC. invasion in protected areas of India under climate change

Globally invasive alien plants pose a serious threat to biodiversity and are invading protected areas. However, information regarding the potential risk of invasive alien species in protected areas is very limited in India. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the potential risks of P. juliflora invasions under projected climate change. We used P. juliflora climate suitability maps based on our previous study using the MaxEnt species distribution model and investigated how P. juliflora invasion may change inside and outside the protected areas by 2050 under two climate change scenarios, representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5. The findings of the study suggest that the overall area of P. juliflora suitability in the protected areas will increase by 2050. Further, we found that several protected areas containing relatively high vertebrate diversity are located in climatically suitable areas for P. juliflora. The study findings encourage management efforts to manage the spread of P. juliflora invasion in the selected protected areas of India to protect and conserve the threatened vertebrates' habitats.

Risk of Asian hornet invasion in Mexico: a proposal for invasive species risk assessment from a spatial perspective

Biological invasions need to be assessed as spatial processes, incorporating information on introduction sites, environmental suitability, dispersal parameters and negative impacts. The above allows us to develop risk maps, which are an important tool to determine the probability and consequences of an invasion in each area. In this study, we developed species niche-based distribution models for Vespa mandarinia and V. velutina, exotic species recently discovered in North America, being V. velutina a recognized invasive alien species that has caused enormous economic impacts in Europe. Species niche-based distribution models were used as a base map to determine the risk of establishment in conjunction with information related to the introduction, economic and biodiversity risk. The models developed in this study show environmental suitability for the establishment of these species in tropical and subtropical locations of North America. In Mexico, more than 50% of the ports are at high risk especially those located in the Gulf of Mexico. The biodiversity impact risk map for V. mandarinia shows that 57 protected areas are in regions with some risk of invasion and the V. velutina analysis shows 49 protected areas at potential risk. By implementing comprehensive surveillance and monitoring programs, integrating early detection and rapid response strategy and leveraging geographic information systems, Mexico can take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of invasive species. These efforts will be crucial in protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and safeguarding the country’s economy from the negative consequences associated with invasive species.

Reproducible WiSDM: a workflow for reproducible invasive alien species risk maps under climate change scenarios using standardized open data

IntroductionSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are often used to produce risk maps to guide conservation management and decision-making with regard to invasive alien species (IAS). However, gathering and harmonizing the required species occurrence and other spatial data, as well as identifying and coding a robust modeling framework for reproducible SDMs, requires expertise in both ecological data science and statistics.MethodsWe developed WiSDM, a semi-automated workflow to democratize the creation of open, reproducible, transparent, invasive alien species risk maps. To facilitate the production of IAS risk maps using WiSDM, we harmonized and openly published climate and land cover data to a 1 km2 resolution with coverage for Europe. Our workflow mitigates spatial sampling bias, identifies highly correlated predictors, creates ensemble models to predict risk, and quantifies spatial autocorrelation. In addition, we present a novel application for assessing the transferability of the model by quantifying and visualizing the confidence of its predictions. All modeling steps, parameters, evaluation statistics, and other outputs are also automatically generated and are saved in a R markdown notebook file.ResultsOur workflow requires minimal input from the user to generate reproducible maps at 1 km2 resolution for standard Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) greenhouse gas emission representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios. The confidence associated with the predicted risk for each 1km2 pixel is also mapped, enabling the intuitive visualization and understanding of how the confidence of the model varies across space and RCP scenarios.DiscussionOur workflow can readily be applied by end users with a basic knowledge of R, does not require expertise in species distribution modeling, and only requires an understanding of the ecological theory underlying species distributions. The risk maps generated by our repeatable workflow can be used to support IAS risk assessment and surveillance.

Predicted shifts in suitable habitat of interacting benthic species in a warmer and invaded Canadian Arctic

Climate change and related expanding shipping activity are predicted to increase the risk of aquatic invasive species arriving in the Arctic. The goal of this study was to predict the distribution of an interconnected set of native and non-native primary producers and primary and secondary consumers in this changing context. Groups of species were selected to represent a benthic coastal Arctic food web in Hudson Bay, including kelps and eelgrass as primary producers (Alaria esculenta, Agarum clathratum, Saccharina latissima, Laminaria solidungula, and Zostera marina), amphipods as primary consumers (Gammarus oceanicus and G. setosus), and fish as secondary consumers (sculpins Gymnacanthus tricuspis, Myoxocephalus scorpius, M. scorpioides, and M. quadricornis). Ensemble models were used to predict the distribution of these native and several analogue non-native species (species known to be invasive elsewhere that can be considered analogues to Hudson Bay species): Dumontia contorta, Undaria pinnatifida, Sargassum muticum, and Codium fragile (primary producers); Gammarus tigrinus (primary consumer); and Artediellus atlanticus and A. uncinatus (secondary consumers). Predicted habitat suitability of trophic groups and analogue non-native species were overlaid under current and future climate change scenarios to assess areas of change through time. The predicted direction of potential distribution shifts varies by species identity (species composition) but not trophic group. Overall trophic relationships and roles in the ecosystem are likely to be maintained over time because while some species are predicted to decrease their potential ranges (e.g., M. quadricornis), others in the same trophic groups are predicted to increase (e.g., M. scorpius). Overlap (or lack thereof) between native and analogue non-native species pairs are expected to vary through time enabling novel interactions (e.g., competition) in space and time. This approach will help to identify current and future high-risk areas for trophic level changes and interactions with invasive species in response to global warming.

Safeguarding Tomato Cultivation: Challenges and Integrated Pest Management Strategies in North India

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), crucial for global nutritional security, faces pests and diseases, leading to excessive use of chemical pesticides by farmers due to climate variability and cropping patterns.Integrated pest management (IPM) practices can help reduce over-reliance on pesticides and align with Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) standards. Understanding the distribution, prevalence, and factors influencing insect pest severity is crucial for developing tailored management strategies. IPM is becoming an emerging sustainable approach to pest management, utilizing viable strategies such as biological control, cultural practices, host plant resistance, and mechanical/physical control measures; however, challenges like limited farmer knowledge and resources hinder widespread adoption. Climate change and extreme weather events are causing significant impacts on crop production and agricultural pests, particularly in small-scale farms. These changes can expand insect range, increase overwintering survival, and increase the risk of invasive species and diseases. Implementing IPM in small-scale production requires adapting to different scales, identifying potential approaches, and addressing knowledge gaps. Integrated approaches, intercropping, cover cropping, and legume crop rotation are essential for developing agroecosystems and minimizing damage. Opportunities lie in digital technologies, precision agriculture, biotechnological innovations, and climate-resilient strategies. Strengthened farmer training, public-private collaborations, and informed decisionmaking are essential for IPM’s success.

Monetary impacts should be considered in biological invasion risk assessments

Abstract Biological invasions pose a significant threat to biodiversity, planetary health and socio‐economies worldwide. Prioritizing invasive species for management is crucial, given the limited economic resources available. While global invasive species risk scoring systems exist, they currently do not incorporate fully quantitative impact metrics. However, the emergence of monetary costs as a standardized measure of invasive species impact across contexts provides an opportunity to compare species in risk assessments. Synthesis and applications: The economic impact of invasive species should now be considered in impact and risk assessments worldwide, given the growing availability and synthesis of cost data. This will allow for more informed decision‐making regarding the allocation of resources for invasive species management.

Potential Global Invasion Risk of Scale Insect Pests Based on a Self-Organizing Map.

In the present study, a global presence/absence dataset including 2486 scale insect species in 157 countries was extracted to assess the establishment risk of potential invasive species based on a self-organizing map (SOM). According to the similarities in species assemblages, a risk list of scale insects for each country was generated. Meanwhile, all countries in the dataset were divided into five clusters, each of which has high similarities of species assemblages. For those countries in the same neuron of the SOM output, they may pose the greatest threats to each other as the sources of potential invasive scale insect species, and therefore, require more attention from quarantine departments. In addition, normalized ζi values were used to measure the uncertainty of the SOM output. In total, 9 out of 63 neurons obtained high uncertainty with very low species counts, indicating that more investigation of scale insects should be undertaken in some parts of Africa, Asia and Northern Europe.

Risk Assessment Model System for Aquatic Animal Introduction Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

The spread of invasive species (IS) has the potential to upset ecosystem balances. In extreme cases, this can hinder economical utilization of both aquatic (fisheries) and terrestrial (agricultural) systems. As a result, many countries regard risk assessment of IS as an important process for solving the problem of biological invasion. Yet, some IS are purposefully introduced for what is seen as their potential economic benefits. Thus, conducting IS risk assessments and then formulating policies based on scientific information will allow protocols to be developed that can reduce problems associated with IS incursions, whether occurring purposefully or not. However, the risk assessment methods currently adopted by most countries use qualitative or semiquantitative methodologies. Currently, there is a mismatch between qualitative and quantitative assessments. Moreover, most assessment systems are for terrestrial animals. What is needed is an assessment system for aquatic animals; however, those currently available are relatively rudimentary. To fill this gap, we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to build a risk assessment model system for aquatic IS. Our AHP has four primary indexes, twelve secondary indexes, and sixty tertiary indexes. We used this AHP to conduct quantitative risk assessments on five aquatic animals that are typically introduced in China, which have distinct biological characteristics, specific introduction purposes, and can represent different types of aquatic animals. The assessment results show that the risk grade for Pterygoplichthys pardalis is high; the risk grade for Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Crassostrea gigas, and Trachemys scripta elegans is medium; and the grade risk for Ambystoma mexicanum is low. Risk assessment of the introduction of aquatic animals using our AHP is effective, and it provides support for the introduction and healthy breeding of aquatic animals. Thus, the AHP model can provide a basis for decision-making risk management concerning the introduction of species.

Variations in the Biological and Ecological Attributes of Insects Due to Climate Change: A Review

Climate change is causing a shift in long-term weather patterns and altering parameters such as temperature, atmospheric CO 2 , and precipitation patterns. It is likely to be an indirect effect of greenhouse gases and their enhancement in the atmosphere largely induced by human activities. As poikilothermic animals, insects are highly dependent on environmental conditions, particularly temperature, which affects various aspects of their life. Climate change have a direct impact on insect pests by affecting their population dynamics, diurnal activity, growth rate and diapause. It may lead to a range expansion, increased overwintering survival, more generations per year, elevated risk of invasive insect species and insect-borne plant diseases, and changes in their interactions with host plants and natural predators. Indirectly, changes in climate can modify host plants and competitors, further complicating the effect on insect biology and phenology. Impact of elevated CO 2 levels on their host plants can affect growth rates, fecundity, and population densities of insects. Altered precipitation patterns, such as droughts and floods, affect insect survival and diapause. Further, there is significant implications of climate change on different aspects of insect ecology, including insect distribution, behavior, and communication. The climate changes are predicted to alter the geographic ranges and migration behavior of insect species, creating new ecological niches and removing low-temperature barriers. These changes can threaten food security and increase the latitudinal and altitudinal range of crop pests. It also affects natural enemies, which can decrease the plant defense system against insect pests. Additionally, climate change can affect pheromonal communication, including production to behavioral response, in insects that rely on long-range chemical signals for communication. The review paper highlights the potential impacts of climate change on insect biological, phenological and ecological aspects.

Closely related aliens lead to greater extinction risk

Alien species are considered a major driver of extinction risk. Preventing high-impact aliens from being introduced is more necessary than ever to mitigate the current biodiversity crisis. Invasive species risk assessments look at the characteristics of potential invaders but rarely consider how different they are from the native residents that they might threaten. Therefore, we tested whether the impacts of an alien species on a native species can be predicted using the pairwise phylogenetic distance (PPD) between them. Specifically, we analysed whether the PPD of 1407 pairs of native–invasive alien plants is related to the extinction risk of the native plants. We showed that natives threatened by close alien relatives have a significantly higher extinction risk, especially on oceanic islands. This finding argues for consideration of PPD, or at least the presence of congeneric or confamilial native species, in risk assessment of potential impacts of newly introduced alien species and priorization of management of already naturalized alien species.

Risk of plant invasions and management planning in the Tibetan Plateau, China

AbstractAimsMountain environments have high biodiversity and face an accelerating plant invasion risk. Given the enormous ecological and economic value of these ecosystems, there is an urgent need to detect and rapidly respond to invasive species risk. Here, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) in China was selected to examine distribution patterns of invasive alien plants (IAPs) and propose management strategies.LocationThe Tibetan Plateau in China.MethodsBased on native and non‐native occurrences of 123 IAPs alongside environmental variables, we assembled species distribution models and the MIGCLIM model to simulate suitable growth and dispersal areas under current climatic conditions. All IAPs were classified based on the predicted suitable area size, occurrence number and harm level to propose various management strategies.ResultsThere was a significant separation between the climate niches of most IAPs and the climatic conditions of the TP, meaning the areas suitable for most IAPs were limited to low latitudes and elevations. These areas also have further dispersal risks and risks for new IAPs being introduced. Among 123 IAPs, 23 species had above‐average occurrences and suitable distribution areas; in the remaining 100 occurrences and distributions, at least one IAP was less than the average.Main ConclusionsSuitable areas for IAPs in the TP are currently limited to low‐elevation regions, which are also at a higher risk of further expansion. Management measures should focus on potential high‐risk areas and diffusion pathways where IAPs can spread further. Efforts should prevent species that have not been established but have large potential suitable areas from being introduced, eradicate established IAPs with limited suitable areas, and control established IAPs. These results can provide a reference for developing more efficient and cost‐effective management strategies.

Invasive Species Policy Must Embrace a Changing Climate

AbstractWith increasing impacts of climate change observed across ecosystems, there is an urgent need to consider climate change in all future environmental policy. But existing policy and management might be slow to respond to this challenge, leading to missed opportunities to incorporate climate change into practice. Furthermore, invasive species threats continue to rise and interact with climate change—exacerbating negative impacts. Enabling natural resource managers and individuals to be proactive about climate-driven invasive species threats creates a win–win for conservation. Recommendations include expanding opportunities for information sharing across borders, supporting proactive screening and regulation of high-risk species on the horizon, and incentivizing individual actions that reduce ecological impacts. In addition, invasive species risk should be considered when crafting climate mitigation and adaptation policy to reduce compounding stressors on ecosystems. As we develop much-needed tools to reduce harm, policy and management must consider the combined threats of invasions and climate change.

Integrating Different Scales into Species Distribution Models: A Case for Evaluating the Risk of Plant Invasion in Chinese Protected Areas under Climate Change

Species distribution models (SDMs) based on fine-scale environmental data may reduce the uncertainty in predicting species distributions. However, many scientists have also projected the robust potential distributions of species using environmental data of different scales and found that the potential distributions modeled using SDMs are scale dependent. This may be due to the impact of the scale effect on species richness (as well as on multi-species distributions). To eliminate the impact of the scale effect, we aim to develop an improved method to integrate different scales into species distribution models. We use protected areas as the study regions and propose the hypothesis that there is a spatial element to the threat of invasive species for protected areas under climate change. We use Maxent to compute the current and future invasion ability and invasion inequality of invasive species for protected areas based on the potential distributions of species across different scales to evaluate the risk of invasive species. We find that an increase in the number of present records could reduce the accuracy of SDMs. There is a significant linear relationship between the fine-scale and coarse-scale risk of invasive species of alien plants in protected areas, and an appropriate scale should thus be selected to assess species risk based on this linear relationship of invasive risk. There is a significant relationship between the potential of IAPS to invade protected areas and the invasion inequality of IAPS in protected areas across all scales, and 5.0 arcminutes is the most appreciate scale to evaluate the risk of IAPS for protected areas under climate change based on principal component analysis. We provide new insights into the use of species distribution models coupled with different spatial scales to analyze the regional risks associated with species and to assess regional biodiversity.