Invasive Plants Distribution Modeling: A Tool for Tropical Biodiversity Conservation With Special Reference to Sri Lanka

Abstract

The potential threats and habitat preferences of noxious plants in tropical countries are poorly known. Species distribution modeling (SDM) is a robust tool that can be used in conservation planning for early detection of invasion risks. However, the use of SDM for the strategic management of increasing risks of such plant invasions in Sri Lanka has not been undertaken due to several underlying reasons including the long-lasting data gap, technical, technological, and financial issues. In addition, the literature relevant to SDM applications in the country is substantially poor, scattered, and unpublished. Therefore, in this article, we explore SDM applications relevant to invasive plants in Sri Lanka with implications similar to other countries in the tropics. We examine the challenges and potentials for utilization of SDM technology in conservation planning in Sri Lanka and discuss data gap as a major obstacle. We also identify the potential SDM interventions relevant to invasive plants control and management in Sri Lanka and recommend conservation planners to prioritize them and apply for the strategic management of invasive plants in Sri Lanka. Finally, we suggest some recommendations to make an enabling environment in relevant institutions for the utilization of SDM technology in ecosystem management planning in Sri Lanka.

Neglected and Underutilized Fruit Species in Sri Lanka: Prioritisation and Understanding the Potential Distribution under Climate Change

“…However, limited studies have been undertaken globally to identify the potential ranges of NUFS under climate change [8]. Though there are uncertainties, SDM is widely acknowledged as the best applicable technique for predicting the potential distribution of species [85]. Hitherto, no comprehensive study has been carried out, although there is very good potential to utilize SDM for the strategic management of NUFS in Sri Lanka.…”

“…Results of this analysis encourage developing climate change adaptation strategies to reduce the vulnerability of NUFS to climate change and sustain their cultivation in growing areas. We suggest developing species-specific strategies to improve the resilience of NUFS to climate change as species response to climate change can differ [85]. Local scientists and policymakers will have to be vigilant about the future climate change impacts and evaluate the genetic resources in genebanks and in the wild for the introduction of improved climate-resistant NUFS varieties.…”

Potential Risks of Plant Invasions in Protected Areas of Sri Lanka under Climate Change with Special Reference to Threatened Vertebrates

“…Even though species distribution models are frequently used and vital tools, there are some common limitations, and due to the level of uncertainty associated with modeling techniques, the general circulation models (GCMs) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) used may result in serious implications for model performance [7,14,81]. We have discussed the general limitations of MaxEnt models and the approaches used to overcome them by Kariyawasam et al [29], with particular attention paid to the uncertainty associated with the model building, spatial scales, and selection of data.…”

“…The Earth's temperature has increased substantially (approximately 0.6 • C) over the last 10 decades [5]. According to predictions, the temperature of South Asia will increase in the next few decades, and thus, many countries in this region, especially small islands, are at the frontline of a climate crisis [6,7]. Many developing island nations in tropical regions are highly vulnerable to climate change and its associated impacts (i.e., impacts from IAS), due to their small size and fragile ecosystems [8][9][10][11].…”

Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. bulbosum (Poaceae): A New Alien Record for the Flora of Turkey

“…Plant invasions have negative impacts across several sectors such as agriculture, tourism, forestry, fishery, human health, water, and irrigation (Kariyawasam, 2019). The invasive alien species (IAS) are recognized as a serious threat to the environment, economy, and social well-being of the world (McNeely et al, 2001;Lamke and Brown, 2012) and pose a serious threat to biodiversity and natural resources (McDougall et al, 2018).…”