Classifying the introduction pathways of alien species: are we moving in the right direction?

Faulkner, Katelyn T.; Hulme, Philip E.; Pagad, Shyama; Wilson, John R.; Robertson, Mark P.

doi:10.3897/neobiota.62.53543

Cited by 39 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…We argue that some of the CBD Pathway Classification framework subcategories or, rather, their descriptions, are not sufficiently distinct so their delimitation and interpretation, in some cases, overlap (see also Faulkner et al 2020). Detailed descriptions are published in the guidance document (Harrower et al 2017).…”

Section: The Way Forward: Suggestions To Amend the Cbd Pathway Classimentioning

confidence: 97%

Applying the Convention on Biological Diversity Pathway Classification to alien species in Europe

Pergl¹,

Brundu²,

Harrower³

et al. 2020

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The number of alien species arriving within new regions has increased at unprecedented rates. Managing the pathways through which alien species arrive and spread is important to reduce the threat of biological invasions. Harmonising information on pathways across individual sectors and user groups is therefore critical to underpin policy and action. The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) has been developed to easily facilitate open access to data of alien species in Europe. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Pathway Classification framework has become a global standard for the classification of pathways. We followed a structured approach to assign pathway information within EASIN for a subset of alien species in Europe, which covered 4169 species, spanning taxonomic groups and environments. We document constraints and challenges associated with implementing the CBD Pathway Classification framework and propose potential amendments to increase clarity. This study is unique in the scope of taxonomic coverage and also in the inclusion of primary (independent introductions to Europe) and secondary (means of dispersal for species expansion within Europe, after their initial introduction) modes of introduction. In addition, we summarise the patterns of introduction pathways within this subset of alien species within the context of Europe. Based on the analyses, we confirm that the CBD Pathway Classification framework offers a robust, hierarchical system suitable for the classification of alien species introduction and spread across a wide range of taxonomic groups and environments. However, simple modifications could improve interpretation of the pathway categories ensuring consistent application across databases and information systems at local, national, regional, continental and global scales. Improving consistency would also help in the development of pathway action plans, as required by EU legislation.

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Section: The Way Forward: Suggestions To Amend the Cbd Pathway Classimentioning

confidence: 97%

Applying the Convention on Biological Diversity Pathway Classification to alien species in Europe

Pergl¹,

Brundu²,

Harrower³

et al. 2020

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“…As such measures can be slow to institute, a proactive approach is likely to be important in ensuring that biosecurity keeps pace with evolving vectors and pathways. Attempts to standardise pathway classification and reporting of pathway importance (CBD 2014) is promising for managing changes in pathways, but not without its challenges (Faulkner et al 2020). It is notable that not only will managers have to contend with new introductions, but many species that have been introduced or are naturalised could become invasive under future conditions.…”

Section: What Does This Mean For Management?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Double trouble: the implications of climate change for biological invasions

Robinson¹,

Martin²,

Loureiro³

et al. 2020

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The implications of climate change for biological invasions are multifaceted and vary along the invasion process. Changes in vectors and pathways are likely to manifest in changes in transport routes and destinations, together with altered transit times and traffic volume. Ultimately, changes in the nature of why, how, and where biota are transported and introduced will pose biosecurity challenges. These challenges will require increased human and institutional capacity, as well as proactive responses such as improved early detection, adaptation of present protocols and innovative legal instruments. Invasion success and spread are expected to be moderated by the physiological response of alien and native biota to environmental changes and the ensuing changes in biotic interactions. These in turn will likely affect management actions aimed at eradicating, containing, and mitigating invasions, necessitating an adaptive approach to management that is sensitive to potentially unanticipated outcomes.

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“…For example, several adaptations to the Unified Framework have been proposed based on experiences of implementing it in Europe (Groom et al 2019), Hawaii (Brock and Daehler 2020), and South Africa (Wilson et al 2018). Similarly, Pergl et al (2020) and Faulkner et al (2020) provide proposals to refine the CBD pathway classification scheme based on applying it in different contexts, and Volery et al (2020) document changes made to EICAT after stakeholder consultation. All three frameworks have, to different extents, been incorporated in developing biodiversity data standards, and this will provide a more formalised process for revising them.…”

Section: Framework Are Temporary Concepts Are Permanent But Where mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For example, introduction pathways have changed over time (Faulkner et al 2016;Hulme 2009), and the importance of different pathways varies across the world. Faulkner et al (2020) highlight one such case, where the trade in traditional medicines is a potentially important introduction pathway in Africa, but is not considered explicitly in the current (arguably Eurocentric) Pathway Classification. Similarly, the Unified Framework originated from combing zoological and botanical frameworks, and there are several practical issues applying both it and the Pathway Classification to fungi and microbes (Paap et al 2020).…”

Section: Framework Are Temporary Concepts Are Permanent But Where mentioning

confidence: 99%

Is invasion science moving towards agreed standards? The influence of selected frameworks

Wilson¹,

Datta²,

Hirsch³

et al. 2020

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The need to understand and manage biological invasions has driven the development of frameworks to circumscribe, classify, and elucidate aspects of the phenomenon. But how influential have these frameworks really been? To test this, we evaluated the impact of a pathway classification framework, a framework focussing on the introduction-naturalisation-invasion continuum, and two papers that outline an impact classification framework. We analysed how these framework papers are cited and by whom, conducted a survey to determine why people have cited the frameworks, and explored the degree to which the frameworks are implemented. The four papers outlining these frameworks are amongst the most-cited in their respective journals, are highly regarded in the field, and are already seen as citation classics (although citations are overwhelmingly within the field of invasion science). The number of citations to the frameworks has increased over time, and, while a significant proportion of these are self-citations (20–40%), this rate is decreasing. The frameworks were cited by studies conducted and authored by researchers from across the world. However, relative to a previous citation analysis of invasion science as a whole, the frameworks are particularly used in Europe and South Africa and less so in North America. There is an increasing number of examples of uptake into invasion policy and management (e.g., the pathway classification framework has been adapted and adopted into EU legislation and CBD targets, and the impact classification framework has been adopted by the IUCN). However, we found that few of the citing papers (6–8%) specifically implemented or interrogated the frameworks; roughly half of all citations might be viewed as frivolous (“citation fluff”); there were several clear cases of erroneous citation; and some survey respondents felt that they have not been rigorously tested yet. Although our analyses suggest that invasion science is moving towards a more systematic and standardised approach to recording invasions and their impacts, it appears that the proposed standards are still not applied consistently. For this to be achieved, we argue that frameworks in invasion science need to be revised or adapted to particular contexts in response to the needs and experiences of users (e.g., so they are relevant to pathologists, plant ecologists, and practitioners), the standards should be easier to apply in practice (e.g., through the development of guidelines for management), and there should be incentives for their usage (e.g., recognition for completing an EICAT assessment).

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Classifying the introduction pathways of alien species: are we moving in the right direction?

Cited by 39 publications

References 32 publications

Applying the Convention on Biological Diversity Pathway Classification to alien species in Europe

Applying the Convention on Biological Diversity Pathway Classification to alien species in Europe

Double trouble: the implications of climate change for biological invasions

Is invasion science moving towards agreed standards? The influence of selected frameworks

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