Consequences of Multispecies Introductions on Island Ecosystems

Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 50(1), P. 169 - 190

Published: July 24, 2019

The rate of non-native species introductions continues to increase, with directionality from continents islands. It is no longer single but entire networks coevolved and newly interacting continental that are establishing on consequences multispecies the population dynamics interactions native introduced will depend form trophic limitation island ecosystems. Freed biotic constraints in their range, islands experience top-down limitation, instead becoming limited by disrupting bottom-up processes dominate resource-limited This framing ecological evolutionary relationships among one another ecosystem has important for conservation. Whereas focus conservation restoring apex must be removing animal plant restore limitation.

Language: Английский

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Leveraging a natural murine meiotic drive to suppress invasive populations

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 119(46)

Published: Nov. 8, 2022

Invasive rodents are a major cause of environmental damage and biodiversity loss, particularly on islands. Unlike insects, genetic biocontrol strategies including population-suppressing gene drives with biased inheritance have not been developed in mice. Here, we demonstrate drive strategy (tCRISPR) that leverages super-Mendelian transmission the t haplotype to spread inactivating mutations haplosufficient female fertility (Prl). Using spatially explicit individual-based silico modeling, show tCRISPR can eradicate island populations under range realistic field-based parameter values. We also engineer transgenic mice that, crucially, exhibit modified Prl at levels our modeling predicts would be sufficient for eradication. This is an example feasible system invasive alien rodent population control.

Language: Английский

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Biogeographic origins and drivers of alien plant invasions in the Canary Islands

Journal of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 50(3), P. 576 - 590

Published: Jan. 13, 2023

Abstract Aim Understanding the historical and contemporaneous drivers of invasion success in island systems can decisively contribute to identifying sources pathways that are more likely give rise new invaders. Based on a floristic‐driven approach, we aimed at determining origins invasive alien flora Canary Islands shedding light mechanisms shaping their distribution within archipelago. Location Islands. Taxon Vascular plants. Methods An updated checklist was assembled along with complementary information related native biogeographical regions, stage invasiveness dates naturalization. Statistical models were employed describe differences number species over space time. We also used multivariate techniques evaluate competing hypotheses driving floristic composition Results provided list 149 plant certain degree invasiveness. The greatest originated from Neotropics followed by Cape Region, tropical Africa Mediterranean Basin. observed slow but steady increase numbers until 1950s, stronger thereafter. In order explain dissimilarity among islands, climatic matching hypothesis fully supported, geographic isolation contemporary human‐mediated connectivity receiving less null support respectively. Main Conclusions showed Neotropical region is main source invasions Islands, outnumbering those other regions Mediterranean‐type bioclimate. assembly archipelago appears be driven primarily climate, distance playing role. This study calls for archipelago‐dependent assessments underlying insular systems.

Language: Английский

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Original plant diversity and ecosystems of a small, remote oceanic island (Corvo, Azores): Implications for biodiversity conservation

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291, P. 110512 - 110512

Published: Feb. 22, 2024

Remote islands harbour many endemic species and unique ecosystems. They are also some of the world's most human-impacted systems. It is essential to understand how island ecosystems behaved prior major anthropogenic disruption as a basis for their conservation. This research aims reconstruct original, pre-colonial biodiversity remote oceanic scale past extinctions, vegetation changes knowledge gaps. We studied fossil remains from North Atlantic Corvo (Azores), including pollen, charcoal, plant macrofossils, diatoms geochemistry wetland sediments central crater island, Caldeirão. A comprehensive list current vascular was compiled, along with translation table comparing fossilized pollen framework identifying extinctions misclassifications. Pollen macrofossils provide evidence eight local island's flora show that four listed 'introduced' native. Up 23 % taxa represent extinct/misclassified species. Corvo's environment dynamic, shifting glacial-era open various Holocene forest communities, then almost completely deforested by fires, erosion grazing following Portuguese colonisation. Historical human impacts explain high ecological turnover, several unrecorded present-day abundance types like Sphagnum blanket mire. use case study on inventories can address Wallacean Hookerian gaps islands. Accurate baselines allow stakeholders make informed conservation decisions using limited financial resources, particularly where profound occurred before research.

Language: Английский

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Human‐induced globalization of insular herpetofaunas

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 29(8), P. 1328 - 1349

Published: May 6, 2020

Abstract Aim The aim was to document the impact of globalization human activity on biodiversity and biogeographical patterns reptilian amphibian faunas across islands worldwide. Location Islands Time period From 15th century present time. Major taxa studied Reptiles amphibians. Methods We compiled lists species that occurred before those occur currently. For each group, we calculated differences in richness compositional similarities among islands, between two periods. Regression models were used: (a) associate observed with spatial geographical, climatic, biotic factors; (b) quantify changes relative importance non‐human factors explaining similarity. Results reptile increased consistently Hotspots increase detected Caribbean Indian Ocean. composition assemblages substantially homogenized; this particularly true for amphibians within Sea reptiles Ocean Pacific Oceans. Our results showed change similarity are driven by natural factors. driving role mean annual temperature is consistent, current both groups increasingly being shaped global gradient. Main conclusions eroding regionalized character insular herpetofaunas leading emergence global‐scale gradients taxonomic richness. Projections increasing rates biological invasions, extinctions climate suggest these likely be aggravated even further coming decades.

Language: Английский

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