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opencc-zeroJul 2022View details →

The impact of species phylogenetic relatedness on invasion varies distinctly along resource versus nonresource environmental gradients

Understanding why certain plant communities are vulnerable to alien invasive species is essential to predicting and controlling invasion in a changing environment. Darwin's naturalization hypothesis suggests that non-native species should be more successful in communities where their close relatives are absent. Empirical tests of this hypothesis, however, have produced mixed results. Using plot-level data from natural forests along elevational transects covering strong environmental gradients, we examined whether the invasion of the globally invasive species Ageratina adenophora can be explained by environmental filtering and/or competition from closely related species linked to environmental gradients. Abundant precipitation, warm temperatures, open canopies, and postfire environments facilitated A. adenophora invasion, whereas resident taxonomic richness suppressed its invasion. Importantly, we found that invader-resident relatedness had a strong negative effect on invader cover under resource scarcity conditions (e.g., low water availability), but not under nonresource environmental stress conditions (e.g., low temperature). Our findings help reconcile the varied applicability of Darwin's naturalization hypothesis to biological invasions in a changing world.

Fig. 4 in Forecasting the impact of an invasive macrophyte species in the littoral zone through aquatic insect species composition

Fig. 4. Comparison among Bray-Curtis dissimilarity indices of aquatic insect assemblages associated with white ginger lily banks and native vegetation profile in the littoral zone of a tropical reservoir in the Brazilian Savanna (Group 1, white ginger lily; Group 2, invaded forest; Group 3, native macrophyte; Group 4, riparian vegetation).

Fig. 2 in Forecasting the impact of an invasive macrophyte species in the littoral zone through aquatic insect species composition

Fig. 2. Comparison between ecological variables of aquatic insect assemblages associated with invasive white ginger lily bank and other native vegetation banks in the littoral zone of a tropical reservoir in the Brazilian Savanna (A, abundance; B, richness; C, Simpson diversity; IM, invasive macrophyte; IF, invaded forest; NM, native macrophyte; RV, riparian vegetation).

Fig. 1 in Forecasting the impact of an invasive macrophyte species in the littoral zone through aquatic insect species composition

Fig. 1. Location and characterization of vegetation profile banks of the Fazzari reservoir in the Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado Biome, Brazil).

Fig. 3 in Forecasting the impact of an invasive macrophyte species in the littoral zone through aquatic insect species composition

Fig. 3. Analyses of non-metric MDS of aquatic insect assemblages associated with white ginger lilY banks and native vegetation profiles in the littoral zone of a tropical reservoir in the Brazilian Savanna (●, white ginger lilY; ○, invaded forest; ∆, native macrohYte; ▲, riparian vegetation).

opencc-zeroNov 2022View details →

Data from: Quantifying and linking mechanism scenarios to invasive species impact

Plant species invasion represents one of the major drivers of biodiversity change globally, yet there is confusion about the nature of non-indigenous species (NIS) impact. This stems from differing notions of what constitutes invasive species impact and the scales at which it should be assessed. At local scales, the mechanisms of impact on local competitors can be classified into four scenarios: 1) minimal impact from NIS inhabiting unique niches; 2) neutral impact spread across the community and proportional to NIS abundance; 3) targeted impact on a small number of competitors with overlapping niches; and 4) pervasive impact that is disproportionate to NIS abundance and caused by modifications that filter out other species. I developed a statistical test to distinguish these four mechanism scenarios based on plant community rank-abundance curves and then created a scale-independent standardized impact score. Using an example long-term dataset, that has high native plant diversity and an abundance gradient of the invasive vine, Vincetoxicum rossicum, I show that impact resulted in either targeted or pervasive extirpations. Regardless of whether NIS impact is neutral, targeted, or pervasive, the net outcome will be the homogenization of ecosystems and reduced biodiversity at larger scales, perhaps reducing ecosystem resilience. The framework and statistical evaluation of impact presented in this paper provide researchers and managers with an objective approach to quantifying NIS impact and prioritizing species for further management actions.

publicAug 2022View details →

The impact of species phylogenetic relatedness on invasion varies distinctly along resource versus nonresource environmental gradients

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publicNov 2022View details →

Data from: Quantifying and linking mechanism scenarios to invasive species impact

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opencc-zeroMay 2020View details →

Community-level direct and indirect impacts of an invasive plant favour exotic over native species

1. Indirect interactions mediated by shared enemies or mutualists (i.e., apparent competition) can influence whether invasive plants harm or benefit co-occurring species. However, studies to date have largely examined single pairwise interactions, limiting our understanding of the interplay among different types of interactions and whether indirect impacts systematically favour native or exotic species. Predicting indirect interaction strength has also proven challenging, and it remains unclear whether the strengths of different indirect interactions are correlated. 2. We conducted a field experiment in a grassland invaded by Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) to compare the strength of its indirect impacts, via both soil fungi or herbivores, on 21 native and exotic legume species growing in pots buried in the ground. Direct interactions of plants with soil fungi were controlled using nylon mesh pot windows of differing porosity (1 or 38 µm) to prevent or allow soil fungi hyphal growth. Arthropod herbivores were controlled through spraying pyrethrum pesticide. To assess indirect impacts, interactions were compared between plants adjacent to or 50 m away from an extensive Scotch broom invasion. We measured plant performance (survival, height, and biomass), arthropod and hare herbivory, and rhizobia nodulation. 3. Despite increasing arthropod herbivory of both native and exotic plant species, Scotch broom had a net positive impact on their survival and growth, through sheltering them from abiotic stress, and indirectly via beneficial soil fungi and release from hare browsing. Soil fungi also increased arthropod herbivory, decreased rhizobia nodulation, and disproportionately promoted the growth of exotic plants. Overall, exotic plants experienced stronger interactions, which favoured them with beneficial soil fungi and rhizobia but not hare browsing. Finally, indirect interaction strength was not correlated among indirect interactions mediated by different interaction partners. 4. Synthesis: We demonstrate that invaders affect their competitors through multiple interacting indirect pathways that were stronger than direct 'nurse plant' effects, emphasising the importance of a community-level approach to studying biological invasions. Exotic species experienced stronger positive and negative impacts than natives, but were facilitated overall, potentially contributing to exotic dominance in communities.

opencc-by-4.0Dec 2022View details →

Data from: Impact of the invasive alien topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) and its associated parasite Sphaerothecum destruens on native fish species

Two datasets belonging to the paper "Impact of the invasive alien topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) and its associated parasite Sphaerothecum destruens on native fish species" published in Biological Invasions (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-02114-6), is provided here. The first dataset consists of individual measured and weighed fish per sampled water body. In case a large number (>50) of the same species and length were encountered, a representative number was weighed and measured, and the remaining individuals were only counted. The second dataset consists of parameters related to morphology and water quality, and number of specimens found per fish species, of each sampled water body. Below, methodological information is provided on the study site, the sampling process, and the water sample analysis. For references, see the published paper in Biological Invasions. Study siteWe selected 54 water bodies (oxbow lakes, shallow lakes and ponds) in river floodplains of the IJssel, Meuse, Nederrijn and Waal River. These water bodies were selected using the following criteria: a) Potential presence of P. parva according to the Dutch National Database Flora and Fauna, b) No permanent hydrological connection with the main stream or a side channel, c) Similarity in habitat characteristics (e.g., depth and surface area, for habitat characteristics per sampling site), d) Suitability for sampling with a seine net. These criteria were set to reduce variance in the fish species composition created by habitat variables, as our aim was to detect effects caused by P. parva. The areas of sampled water bodies ranged from 100 to 80,000 m2. In total 54 sites located in the floodplains were visited and sampled using a seine net (21 m long, 2.4 m high, mesh size 4x4 to 10x10 mm). Fifteen sites could not be sampled sufficiently with this gear type due to high vegetation cover and/or water depth. Hence, 39 sites were included in the analyses of effect on fish assemblages and body condition. The coordinate system used here concerns Amersfoort RD (EPSG: 28992).  SamplingSampling of the fish populations was carried out from October to December 2015. The seine net was used while wading and provided adequate data on juvenile and small fishes in shallow habitats. The sampling area ranged from 0.04 to 82.35% of the surface area of water bodies and was used to calculate fish densities (number of fish m-2). All caught fishes were identified, weighed (accuracy 0.05 g) and their total lengths (TL, from tip of snout to longer caudal fin lobe, accuracy 1 mm) measured in the field. Young of the year (YOY) were distinguished, based on length. Each individual was assigned to being a YOY, based on known YOY thresholds in the Netherlands. Small fishes (<35 mm) were pooled for weighting. In case a large number (>50) of the same species and length were encountered, a representative number was weighed and measured, and the remaining individuals were only counted. Subsequently, the fishes were released. Habitat and soil parameters which included coverage percentage of aquatic vegetation, littoral vegetation, and substrate (mud, sand, gravel and rocks), and tree branches in the water were visually estimated. The water transparency (cm) was determined using a Secchi disk (measured vertically). Water temperature (°C), conductivity (μS cm-1) and salinity (PSU) were measured at the site with the use of a Model 30 meter (YSI incorporated). A water sample was taken and at the same day pH and alkalinity (eq l-1) were measured in the laboratory. Water samples in polyethylene bottles were stored in the freezer at a maximum storage time of 75 days until analysis. Metal ions were analysed using an ICP analyser (Thermo Electron corporation IRIS Intrepid ΙΙ XDL). Concentrations of nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), phosphate (PO43-), chloride (Cl-) and potassium (K+) were determined using an Auto Analyzer 3 system (Bran and Luebbe, Norderstedt Germany). Physico-chemical data is missing for site 39 due to loss of the sample. AbstractThe Asian cyprinid Pseudorasbora parva is considered to be a major threat to native fish communities and listed as an invasive alien species of European Union concern. Our study aims to gain evidence-based knowledge on the impact of both P. parva and it parasite Sphaerothecum destruens on native fish populations by analysing fish assemblages and body condition of individuals of native fish species in floodplain water bodies that were invaded and uninvaded by P. parva. We explored the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect S. destruens. Prevalence of S. destruens in native fish species was assessed. Fish samplings showed significantly negative correlations between the abundance of P. parva and the native Leucaspius delineatus, and Pungitius pungitius and three biodiversity indices of the fish assemblages (Simpson's diversity index, Shannon-Wiener index and evenness). Contrastingly, the abundances of the native Gasterosteus aculeatus and P. parva were positively related. In nearly all isolated water bodies with P. parva, this species is outnumbering native fish species. No effect of P. parva presence was found on body condition of native fish species. Sphaerothecum destruens was demonstrated to occur in both P. parva and G. aculeatus. Gasterosteus aculeatus is suggested to be an asymptomatic carrier that can aid the further spread of S. destruens,. Analysis of eDNA proved to be a promising method for early detection of S. destruens, here showing that S. destruens presence coincided with P. parva presence. The ongoing invasion of both P. parva and S. destruens is predicted to pose a significant risk to native fish communities.

opencc-by-4.0Feb 2022View details →

The distribution and impact of an invasive plant species (Senecio inaequidens) on a dune building engineer (Calamagrostis arenaria)

These data sets are used to run the analyses in the paper 'The distribution and impact of an invasive plant species (Senecio inaequidens) on a dune building engineer (Calamagrostis arenaria)' by Van De Walle et al., 2022, Neobiota (in progress). The presence/absence data (PA) of Senecio inaequidens in European coastal dunes can be found in 'Senecio_PA.xlsx', in the tab 'senecio_PA', together with the country and location where the occurrences were mapped. All coordinates of the samples are available in the tab 'coordinates samples'. 'Marram_growth_experiment.xlsx' contains the data gathered during the growth experiment. The origin of the sand is subdivided in 3 columns: 'Location' represents the location along the Belgian coast where sand was gathered, 'senecio' represents whether sand was gathered from underneath a senecio plant or not  and 'biota' represents whether biota could affect marram grass growth (biota = 0 thus means that the sand was sterilized).   Abstract Disturbance is thought to enhance the probability of invasive species establishment, a prerequisite for naturalization. Coastal dunes are characterized by disturbance in the form of sand dynamics. We studied the effect of this disturbance on the establishment and spread of an invasive plant species (Senecio inaequidens) in European coastal dunes. Local sand dynamics dictate the spatial configuration of marram grass (Calamagrostis arenaria). Therefore, marram grass configuration was used as a reliable proxy for disturbance. As marram grass plays a crucial role in natural dune formation, we evaluated the possible effects S. inaequidens could have on this process, if it would be able to naturalize in European coastal dunes.  We expected the highest probability of S. inaequidens establishment at intermediate marram grass cover because too low cover would increase sand burial, whereas high cover would increase competition. However, our results indicate that S. inaequidens is quite capable of handling higher levels of sand burial. Thus, probability of S. inaequidens establishment was high under low marram cover but slightly lowered when marram cover was high, hinting at the importance of competition. We expected a negative impact of Senecio-altered soils on marram grass growth mediated by soil biota. However, marram grass grew better in sand gathered underneath Senecio plants due to abiotic soil modifications. This enhanced growth may be caused by Senecio leaf litter elevating nutrient concentrations in an otherwise nutrient-poor substrate. If  such increased plant growth is a general phenomenon, further expansion of S. inaequidens could accelerate natural succession in European coastal dunes.

opencc-by-4.0Nov 2021View details →

IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment, database for Chapter 4. Impact Evidence Database

This is a database described in the data management report for chapter 4 of IPBES thematic assessment on invasive alien species and their control. Data were gathered on direct observations of impacts from published literature, including grey literature, in order to form a database on the evidence to which invasive alien species impact, negatively and positively, nature, nature's contributions to people and good quality of life for Chapter 4 of IPBES thematic assessment of invasive alien species and their control. The criteria for inclusion were a published direct evidence of an impact on native species, a change in ecosystem properties, nature's contributions to people and the extent to which humans were affected through changes in their constituents of well-being.   Updates to version 3: 1) Assessor “EAM” has been replaced by “Ester Mostert”, 2) There were 50 Unique IDs that were paired. These are now differentiated by adding an a and b to the end of these to make them truly unique, 3) Removed 40 duplicates 4) RowID were re-numbered to reflect the unique number of rows

opencc-zeroAug 2021View details →

Role of species richness and human-impacts in resisting invasive species in tropical forests

The biotic resistance hypothesis suggests that biodiversity rich areas should be resistant to biological invasions. Globally, conservationists use this hypothesis to protect diverse ecosystems. However, supporting data are often contradictory, possibly due to several confounding factors. Complexity in inferences increase in the tropics, which are sparsely studied. We hypothesize that human impacts, forest type and climate would modulate the relationship between native and invasive plant richness. To understand these interacting and varying effects of native richness and human disturbance on plant invasions, we sampled 354 grids of 25 km2 with equal representation of protected areas and multi-use areas to record abundance of native and non-native plants from 34 protected areas across five forest types in tropical India. We used linear mixed effect models to investigate occurrence and abundance of invasive plants with respect to varying native richness, human impacts, forest types and climate. Human use of forests increased richness and abundance of invasive plants across all forest types. After accounting for human-use, native species richness of tropical wet forests had a negative relationship with invasive plants richness and abundance, while the relationship reversed with increasing aridity and temperature. Human infrastructure facilitated invasions within protected areas. Synthesis. The biotic resistance hypothesis explained a lower number of invasions within protected tropical wet forests but not within dry forests. Human-free protected areas had lower richness and abundance of invasive plants across all systems, especially in wet tropical forests. Our results support the contextual importance of the biotic resistance hypothesis, while stressing the importance of protected areas, insulated from human impacts, to preserve the integrity of vulnerable natural systems.

opencc-by-4.0Feb 2023View details →

Data from: How science communications can help build societal perceptions of invasive alien species and their impacts on the environment

In this study, we investigated the reported beneficial aspects of the invasive alien plant species (IAPS) and argued that, over time and space, the detrimental impacts of the IAS might endanger sustainable livelihoods. The data set contains the following files: Data_S1.xlsx: The file contains details of 154 literature reports. From each paper, we extracted IAPS names (both as reported and standardized), taxonomic information (family and taxon rank), year, country, the scale of observation, and reported beneficial impacts. The beneficial impacts were further categorized into 13 use categories at TDWG (Taxonomic Databases Working Group) Level-1 states (in binary format - 1 indicates the IAPS use and 0 indicates not in use for the individual category). The Metadata_S1.pdf file contains detailed information on preparing literature records for data extraction, the data extraction process, and data organization.

opencc-zeroSep 2023View details →

Herbivory and elevated levels of CO2 and nutrients separately, rather than synergistically, impacted biomass production and allocation in invasive and native plant species

Large parts of the Earth are experiencing environmental change caused by alien plant invasions, rising atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), and nutrient enrichments. Elevated CO2 and nutrient concentrations can separately favour growth of invasive plants over that of natives but how herbivory may modulate the magnitude and direction of net responses by the two groups of plants to simultaneous CO2 and nutrient enrichments remains unknown. In line with the enemy release hypothesis, invasive plant species should reallocate metabolites from costly anti-herbivore defences into greater growth following escape from intense herbivory in the native range. Therefore, invasive plants should have greater growth than natives under simultaneous CO2 and nutrient enrichments in the absence of herbivory. To test this prediction, we grew nine congeneric pairs of invasive and native plant species that naturally co-occurred in grasslands in China under two levels each of nutrient enrichment (low-nutrient vs. high-nutrient), herbivory (with herbivory vs. without herbivory) and under ambient (412 ± 0.6 ppm) and elevated (790.1 ± 6.2 ppm) levels of CO2 concentrations in open-top chambers in a common garden. Elevated CO2 and nutrient enrichment separately increased total plant biomass, while herbivory reduced it regardless of the plant invasive status. High-nutrient treatment caused the plants to allocate a significantly lower proportion of total biomass to roots, while herbivory induced an opposite pattern. Herbivory suppressed total biomass production more strongly in native plants than invasive plants. The plants exhibited significant interspecific and intergeneric variation in their responses to the various treatment combinations. Overall, these results suggest that elevated CO2 and nutrients and herbivory may separately, rather than synergistically, impact productivity of the invasive and co-occurring native plant species in our study system. Moreover, interspecific variation in resource-use strategies was more important than invasive status in determining plant responses to the various treatment combinations.

publicMay 2020View details →

Community-level direct and indirect impacts of an invasive plant favour exotic over native species

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publicAug 2023View details →

Plant and microbial impacts of an invasive species vary across an environmental gradient

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publicAug 2021View details →

Role of species richness and human-impacts in resisting invasive species in tropical forests

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