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Biology
Special Issues
Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration
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Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2022) | Viewed by 34576

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Dario Capizzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Latium Region, Directorate for Natural Capital, Parks and Protected Areas, Rome, Italy
Interests: My field of research is within vertebrate ecology, with an interest in predator–prey relationships, the impact of human activities on vertebrate populations, and rodent ecology and management. I am in charge of restoration projects dealing with the management of invasive alien rodents, coordinating projects involving the eradication of invasive rats from small islands, and monitoring the impact of rodenticides on non-target species.
Dr. Sandro Bertolino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
Interests: vertebrates ecology; mammals ecology; invasion species; invasion process
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Tim Adriaens

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Interests: I am a conservation ecologist currently working on surveillance systems, species impacts, risk assessment, and risk management, with a passion for wildlife management and invasive species. I perform applied research on invasion management across taxonomic and environmental boundaries and strongly believe that fostering exchange between scientists, decision makers, and practitioners is essential for targeted conservation action on the ground

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biological invasions are globally recognized as a primary cause of biodiversity loss. Newly introduced species can profoundly alter ecosystem properties and affect native biodiversity. They can also carry infectious diseases threatening the health of native species, humans, animals, and plants.

Invasion biology contributes to a better understanding of invasion processes, invasion impacts, and the reasons for invasion success. This information is crucial in order to develop strategies on limiting the spread and the impact of alien species at the different phases of the invasion process. Risk management frameworks include strategies for the management of species or their impacts, such as pathway management, eradication, reproductive removal, containment, and suppression. At the ecosystem level, measures can also be taken to increase their resilience to novel invaders. Integrated prioritisation is key to cost-effective management and requires evidence-based risk assessment, horizon scanning, pathway analysis, and management feasibility assessment.

This Special Issue invites original research articles and reviews that cover all aspects of invasion biology, with an emphasis on studies improving our understanding of biological invasions in support of their prevention, mitigation, and management. Short communications of preliminary, but significant, results will also be considered. This Special Issue also welcomes system-oriented research on resilience and the restoration of ecosystem functions, findings, and discussions regarding monitoring and open data, as well as aspects of human dimensions of biological invasions.

Dr. Dario Capizzi
Prof. Dr. Sandro Bertolino
Dr. Tim Adriaens
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • invasion impact
  • screening procedures and prioritization methods
  • surveillance, monitoring, and open data
  • early warning and rapid response systems
  • risk assessment and management
  • effectiveness of management
  • restoration
  • modeling approaches for management
  • genetic approaches for management
  • novel management tools
  • human dimensions
  • resilience of ecosystems
  • holistic ecosystem management

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 2075 KiB  
Article
Phylogeography of the Atlantic Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus (Brachyura: Portunidae) in the Americas versus the Mediterranean Sea: Determining Origins and Genetic Connectivity of a Large-Scale Invasion
by Christoph D. Schubart, Temim Deli, Giorgio Mancinelli, Lucrezia Cilenti, Alberto Gil Fernández, Silvia Falco and Selina Berger
Biology 2023, 12(1), 35; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology12010035 - 24 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2495
Abstract
The American blue crab Callinectes sapidus is a particularly successful invader in estuarine ecosystems worldwide. Despite increasing awareness of its potential harm, the invasion history and underlying genetic diversity of this species within the Mediterranean Sea remain unknown. This study constitutes the first [...] Read more.
The American blue crab Callinectes sapidus is a particularly successful invader in estuarine ecosystems worldwide. Despite increasing awareness of its potential harm, the invasion history and underlying genetic diversity of this species within the Mediterranean Sea remain unknown. This study constitutes the first large-scale approach to study phylogeographic patterns of C. sapidus in Europe, facilitated by the first comparison of all currently available COI sequence data. For this investigation, 71 individuals of C. sapidus were newly analyzed and the entire COI gene was sequenced and used for a comparative phylogeographic analyses. For the first time, two separately used adjacent regions of this gene were combined in a single dataset. This allowed emphasizing the prevalence of three geographically defined lineages within the native range: (1) eastern North America, including the Gulf of Mexico, (2) the Caribbean, and (3) Brazil. New data from the Mediterranean reveal that non-native populations of C. sapidus are characterized by a conspicuously low genetic diversity (except for Turkey, where stocking took place), and that there is surprisingly low connectivity among established populations. The occurrence of strong genetic bottlenecks suggests few founder individuals. This confirms that, even under a scenario of restricted large-scale gene flow, a very limited number of invasive individuals is sufficient for a massive impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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31 pages, 31765 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Species Distribution Modeling Reveals the Pivotal Role of Human-Mediated Long-Distance Dispersal in Plant Invasion
by Christophe Botella, Pierre Bonnet, Cang Hui, Alexis Joly and David M. Richardson
Biology 2022, 11(9), 1293; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11091293 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2262
Abstract
Plant invasions generate massive ecological and economic costs worldwide. Predicting their spatial dynamics is crucial to the design of effective management strategies and the prevention of invasions. Earlier studies highlighted the crucial role of long-distance dispersal in explaining the speed of many invasions. [...] Read more.
Plant invasions generate massive ecological and economic costs worldwide. Predicting their spatial dynamics is crucial to the design of effective management strategies and the prevention of invasions. Earlier studies highlighted the crucial role of long-distance dispersal in explaining the speed of many invasions. In addition, invasion speed depends highly on the duration of its lag phase, which may depend on the scaling of fecundity with age, especially for woody plants, even though empirical proof is still rare. Bayesian dynamic species distribution models enable the fitting of process-based models to partial and heterogeneous observations using a state-space modeling approach, thus offering a tool to test such hypotheses on past invasions over large spatial scales. We use such a model to explore the roles of long-distance dispersal and age-structured fecundity in the transient invasion dynamics of Plectranthus barbatus, a woody plant invader in South Africa. Our lattice-based model accounts for both short and human-mediated long-distance dispersal, as well as age-structured fecundity. We fitted our model on opportunistic occurrences, accounting for the spatio-temporal variations of the sampling effort and the variable detection rates across datasets. The Bayesian framework enables us to integrate a priori knowledge on demographic parameters and control identifiability issues. The model revealed a massive wave of spatial spread driven by human-mediated long-distance dispersal during the first decade and a subsequent drastic population growth, leading to a global equilibrium in the mid-1990s. Without long-distance dispersal, the maximum population would have been equivalent to 30% of the current equilibrium population. We further identified the reproductive maturity at three years old, which contributed to the lag phase before the final wave of population growth. Our results highlighted the importance of the early eradication of weedy horticultural alien plants around urban areas to hamper and delay the invasive spread. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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29 pages, 16035 KiB  
Article
Potential Distribution of Invasive Boxwood Blight Pathogen (Calonectriapseudonaviculata) as Predicted by Process-Based and Correlative Models
by Brittany S. Barker, Leonard Coop and Chuanxue Hong
Biology 2022, 11(6), 849; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11060849 - 01 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2543
Abstract
Boxwood blight caused by Cps is an emerging disease that has had devastating impacts on Buxus spp. in the horticultural sector, landscapes, and native ecosystems. In this study, we produced a process-based climatic suitability model in the CLIMEX program and combined outputs of [...] Read more.
Boxwood blight caused by Cps is an emerging disease that has had devastating impacts on Buxus spp. in the horticultural sector, landscapes, and native ecosystems. In this study, we produced a process-based climatic suitability model in the CLIMEX program and combined outputs of four different correlative modeling algorithms to generate an ensemble correlative model. All models were fit and validated using a presence record dataset comprised of Cps detections across its entire known invaded range. Evaluations of model performance provided validation of good model fit for all models. A consensus map of CLIMEX and ensemble correlative model predictions indicated that not-yet-invaded areas in eastern and southern Europe and in the southeastern, midwestern, and Pacific coast regions of North America are climatically suitable for Cps establishment. Most regions of the world where Buxus and its congeners are native are also at risk of establishment. These findings provide the first insights into Cps global invasion threat, suggesting that this invasive pathogen has the potential to significantly expand its range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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20 pages, 2370 KiB  
Article
Distribution Drivers of the Alien Butterfly Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli) in an Alpine Protected Area and Indications for an Effective Management
by Emanuel Rocchia, Massimiliano Luppi, Federica Paradiso, Silvia Ghidotti, Francesca Martelli, Cristiana Cerrato, Ramona Viterbi and Simona Bonelli
Biology 2022, 11(4), 563; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11040563 - 07 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2266
Abstract
Cacyreus marshalli is the only alien butterfly in Europe. It has recently spread in the Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP), where it could potentially compete with native geranium-consuming butterflies. Our study aimed to (1) assess the main drivers of its distribution, (2) evaluate [...] Read more.
Cacyreus marshalli is the only alien butterfly in Europe. It has recently spread in the Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP), where it could potentially compete with native geranium-consuming butterflies. Our study aimed to (1) assess the main drivers of its distribution, (2) evaluate the potential species distribution in GPNP and (3) predict different scenarios to understand the impact of climate warming and the effect of possible mitigations. Considering different sampling designs (opportunistic and standardised) and different statistical approaches (MaxEnt and N-mixture models), we built up models predicting habitat suitability and egg abundance for the alien species, testing covariates as bioclimatic variables, food plant (Pelargonium spp.) distribution and land cover. A standardised approach resulted in more informative data collection due to the survey design adopted. Opportunistic data could be potentially informative but a major investment in citizen science projects would be needed. Both approaches showed that C. marshalli is associated with its host plant distribution and therefore confined in urban areas. Its expansion is controlled by cold temperatures which, even if the host plant is abundant, constrain the number of eggs. Rising temperatures could lead to an increase in the number of eggs laid, but the halving of Pelargonium spp. populations would mostly mitigate the trend, with a slight countertrend at high elevations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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12 pages, 1780 KiB  
Article
Invasion of African Clarias gariepinus Drives Genetic Erosion of the Indigenous C. batrachus in Bangladesh
by Imran Parvez, Rukaya Akter Rumi, Purnima Rani Ray, Mohammad Mahbubul Hassan, Shirin Sultana, Rubaiya Pervin, Suvit Suwanno and Siriporn Pradit
Biology 2022, 11(2), 252; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11020252 - 06 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5248
Abstract
The African catfish Clarias gariepinus has been introduced for aquaculture in Bangladesh due to the scarcity of indigenous C. batrachus fingerlings. However, the government of Bangladesh has banned the farming of C. gariepinus due to the carnivorous nature of this species. Recently C. [...] Read more.
The African catfish Clarias gariepinus has been introduced for aquaculture in Bangladesh due to the scarcity of indigenous C. batrachus fingerlings. However, the government of Bangladesh has banned the farming of C. gariepinus due to the carnivorous nature of this species. Recently C. gariepinus has been reported by fish farmers and consumers in Bangladesh, and unplanned hybridization between native and exotic species has been suspected. This study attempts to know the purity of C. batrachus by analyzing mitochondrial genes. Both directly sequenced and retrieved Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb) genes from C. gareipinus and C. batrachus were analyzed by MEGA software. The morphologically dissimilar C. batrachus showed the least genetic distance (0.295) from C. gariepinus, which provided evidence of hybridization between the two species. Maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees showed that C. batrachus from Bangladesh did not cluster with C. batrachus of other countries, instead C. batrachus clustered with the exotic C. gariepinus. The suspected hybrid formed sister taxa with the exotic C. gariepinus. The study corroborates the genetic deterioration of C. batrachus by unplanned hybridization with the invasive C. gariepinus. Unplanned hybridization has deleterious consequences; therefore, immediate action is necessary for aquaculture sustainability and biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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15 pages, 2389 KiB  
Article
Public Awareness and Perceptions of Invasive Alien Species in Small Towns
by Nolwethu Jubase, Ross T. Shackleton and John Measey
Biology 2021, 10(12), 1322; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10121322 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
Invasive alien species (IAS) are a growing threat globally and cause a variety of ecological, economic, and social impacts. People can introduce IAS and facilitate their spread, and can also implement, support, or oppose their management. Understanding local knowledge, awareness, and perceptions are [...] Read more.
Invasive alien species (IAS) are a growing threat globally and cause a variety of ecological, economic, and social impacts. People can introduce IAS and facilitate their spread, and can also implement, support, or oppose their management. Understanding local knowledge, awareness, and perceptions are therefore crucial if management and policy are to be effective. We administered questionnaires to members of the public in eight small towns along the Berg River Catchment in the biodiverse fynbos biome of South Africa. We aimed to assess: (1) awareness of IAS by the general public, (2) local perceptions of the impacts associated with IAS, (3) whether awareness of IAS is correlated with demographic covariates and IAS density, and (4) people’s willingness to detect, report, and support IAS management. Overall, 262 respondents participated in the survey. Most respondents (65%) did not know what IAS are, and 10% were unsure. Many respondents also perceived IAS as beneficial. Using a logistic regression, we found that IAS density, educational level, and gender influenced people’s knowledge and perceptions about IAS in the region. There were a small number (4%) of respondents currently detecting and reporting IAS, but many respondents were interested to learn more. We concluded that people living in small towns in the Western Cape of South Africa remain largely unaware of IAS and their impacts. It is crucial to increase awareness-raising initiatives, and build support and engagement in management of IAS in small towns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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8 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Risk Management Assessment Improves the Cost-Effectiveness of Invasive Species Prioritisation
by Peter A. Robertson, Aileen C. Mill, Tim Adriaens, Niall Moore, Sonia Vanderhoeven, Franz Essl and Olaf Booy
Biology 2021, 10(12), 1320; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10121320 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3136
Abstract
International agreements commit nations to control or eradicate invasive alien species. The scale of this challenge exceeds available resources and so it is essential to prioritise the management of invasive alien species. Species prioritisation for management typically involves a hierarchy of processes that [...] Read more.
International agreements commit nations to control or eradicate invasive alien species. The scale of this challenge exceeds available resources and so it is essential to prioritise the management of invasive alien species. Species prioritisation for management typically involves a hierarchy of processes that consider the likelihood and scale of impact (risk assessment) and the feasibility, costs and effectiveness of management (risk management). Risk assessment processes are widely used, risk management less so, but are a crucial component of resource decision making. To assess the cost-effectiveness of prioritisation, we considered 26 high-risk species considered for eradication from Great Britain (GB) with pre-existing risk assessment and risk management outputs. We extracted scores to reflect the overall risk to GB posed by the species, together with the estimated cost and the overall feasibility of eradication. We used these to consider the relative reduction in risk per unit cost when managing prioritised species based on different criteria. We showed that the cost-effectiveness of prioritisation within our sample using risk assessment scores alone, performed no better than a random ranking of the species. In contrast, prioritisation including management feasibility produced nearly two orders of magnitude improvement compared to random. We conclude that basing management actions on priorities based solely on risk assessment without considering management feasibility risks the inefficient use of limited resources. In this study, the cost-effectiveness of species prioritisation for action was greatly increased by the inclusion of risk management assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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16 pages, 2484 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity in Invasive Populations of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.
by Ekaterina Sergeevna Osipova, Anna Yurievna Stepanova, Dmitry Viktorovich Tereshonok, Evgeny Aleksandrovich Gladkov and Olga Nikolaevna Vysotskaya
Biology 2021, 10(11), 1094; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10111094 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1998
Abstract
In our study, two aggressive-invasive species, Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. from Russia and Ukraine, were investigated. The success in naturalization of both species is associated with human activities, since they have been used in agriculture and floriculture and both have [...] Read more.
In our study, two aggressive-invasive species, Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. from Russia and Ukraine, were investigated. The success in naturalization of both species is associated with human activities, since they have been used in agriculture and floriculture and both have qualities such as environmental tolerance, high fertility and phenotypic plasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of genetic diversity of both species. For Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., genetic diversity was compared in invasive and native populations. For Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., the genetic diversity was compared in variety, feral and invasive populations. A genetic diversity was formulated using RAPD, ISSR and REMAP. For Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., the average genetic diversity within the invasive population was similar (0.432), but slightly less (0.502) than within the native Caucasian population. This may suggest the successful naturalization of invaders and almost complete reconstruction of their genetic diversity. For Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., the genetic diversity for the invasive population was the highest, with an average of 0.294, while for variety, it was the lowest, with an average of 0.194. The feral population had an intermediate place with an average of 0.248, which could suggest an increase of diversity in the process of naturalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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16 pages, 3476 KiB  
Article
Population Ecology and Genetic Diversity of the Invasive Alien Species Procambarus clarkii in Lake Trasimeno (Italy)
by Ambrosius Josef Martin Dörr, Melissa Scoparo, Irene Cardinali, Gianandrea La Porta, Barbara Caldaroni, Gabriele Magara, Matteo Pallottini, Roberta Selvaggi, Beniamino Cenci-Goga, Enzo Goretti, David Cappelletti, Hovirag Lancioni and Antonia Concetta Elia
Biology 2021, 10(10), 1059; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10101059 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
The deliberate or accidental introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) causes negative ecological and economic impacts altering ecosystem processes, imperiling native species and causing damage to human endeavors. A monthly monitoring program was performed in Lake Trasimeno (Central Italy) from July 2018 to [...] Read more.
The deliberate or accidental introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) causes negative ecological and economic impacts altering ecosystem processes, imperiling native species and causing damage to human endeavors. A monthly monitoring program was performed in Lake Trasimeno (Central Italy) from July 2018 to July 2019 in order to provide an upgrade of the population ecology of Procambarus clarkii and to assess the genetic diversity by analyzing the relationships among mitochondrial DNA diversity. Our results confirmed that P. clarkii is well acclimatized in the lake, revealing a stable population structure favored by the resources and conditions typical of this ecosystem, which seem to be optimal for the maintenance of the species. Four distinct mitochondrial haplotypes were detected, but one of them was clearly overrepresented (76%), suggesting that a single predominant introduction event may have occurred in this area, likely followed by secondary events. The identification of the typical genetic variants provides a better understanding of the evolutionary scenarios of P. clarkii in this biotope and it can be helpful in management plans concerning the expanding populations of this invasive alien species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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14 pages, 1572 KiB  
Article
Phylogeographic and SNPs Analyses of Bemisia tabaci B Mitotype Populations Reveal Only Two of Eight Haplotypes Are Invasive
by Jorge R. Paredes-Montero, Q. M. Imranul Haq, Amr A. Mohamed and Judith K. Brown
Biology 2021, 10(10), 1048; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10101048 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2709
Abstract
The Bemisia tabaci cryptic species contains 39 known mitotypes of which the B and Q are best recognized for having established outside their extant endemic range. In the 1980s, previously uncharacterized haplotype(s) of the B mitotype rapidly established in tropical and subtropical locales [...] Read more.
The Bemisia tabaci cryptic species contains 39 known mitotypes of which the B and Q are best recognized for having established outside their extant endemic range. In the 1980s, previously uncharacterized haplotype(s) of the B mitotype rapidly established in tropical and subtropical locales distant from their presumed center of origin, leading to displacement of several native mitotypes and extreme damage to crops and other vegetation particularly in irrigated agroecosystems. To trace the natural and evolutionary history of the invasive B haplotypes, a phylo-biogeographic study was undertaken. Patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and signatures potentially indicative of geographic isolation were investigated using a globally representative mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) sequence database. Eight haplotype groups within the North Africa-Middle East (NAFME) region were differentiated, NAFME 1–8. The NAFME 1–3 haplotypes were members of the same population that is associated with warm desert climate niches of the Arabian Peninsula and east coastal Africa-Ethiopia. The NAFME 4 and 5 haplotypes are endemic to warm and cold semi-arid niches delimited by the Irano-Turanian floristic region, itself harboring extensive biodiversity. Haplotypes 6 and 7 co-occurred in the Middle East along eastern Mediterranean Sea landmasses, while NAFME 8 was found to be endemic to Cyprus, Turkey, and desert micro-niches throughout Egypt and Israel. Contrary to claims that collectively, the B mitotype is invasive, NAFME 6 and 8 are the only haplotypes to have established in geographical locations outside of their zone of endemism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1389 KiB  
Review
Exotic Pet Trade as a Cause of Biological Invasions: The Case of Tree Squirrels of the Genus Callosciurus
by Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto, Lucas A. Wauters and John L. Koprowski
Biology 2021, 10(10), 1046; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10101046 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3911
Abstract
The trade of non-native pets, especially of non-domesticated and exotic animals, and their subsequent release and establishment of populations is one of the major pathways of introduction for invasive alien reptiles, amphibia, birds and mammals. Here, we use a group of arboreal mammals, [...] Read more.
The trade of non-native pets, especially of non-domesticated and exotic animals, and their subsequent release and establishment of populations is one of the major pathways of introduction for invasive alien reptiles, amphibia, birds and mammals. Here, we use a group of arboreal mammals, tree squirrels of the genus Callosciurus, as a well-documented case study, reviewing the pathways of introduction, the current areas of non-native distribution, the rate of establishment success and the challenge and legal importance of species identification. We further illustrate the importance of early detection and effective monitoring methods and plans. Next, we document how they interfere with native species, their risk of acting as vectors for emerging infectious diseases and their potential role in maintaining parasitic infections that can affect human health. We conclude by reviewing the current management, or the lack of it, and highlight the diverse biological, social, political and economic reasons that make control/eradication of these charismatic species difficult or even impractical in most countries. However, reviewing the only two successful eradications of the IAS, we highlight the need to acknowledge the public opinion and the importance of communication, transparency and the engagement of a diversity of stakeholders to create a consensus about the actions to undertake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Invasions: From Prevention and Management to Ecosystem Restoration)
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