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

Abstract

There is substantial global concern over the potential impacts of plant invasions on native biodiversity in protected areas (PAs). Protected areas in tropical island countries that host rich biodiversity face an imminent risk from the potential spread of invasive alien plant species. Thus, the aim of this study was to gain a general understanding of the potential risks of multiple plant invasions in PAs located in the tropical island of Sri Lanka under projected climate change. We conducted a further analysis of a multi-species climate suitability assessment, based on a previous study using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling approach, and tested how species invasion may change in protected areas under climate change. We evaluated how the climate suitability of 14 nationally recognized invasive alien plant species (IAPS) will vary within PAs and outside PAs by 2050 under two climate change scenarios, representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5. Our findings suggest that there will be increased risks from multiple IAPS inside PAs and outside PAs in Sri Lanka in the future; however, the potential risk is comparatively less in PAs. We provide an overview of the species richness of selected threatened vertebrate groups, which can be potentially impacted by IAPS in PAs. The findings of this study highlight important implications for the strategic management of plant invasions in PAs in order to safeguard native biodiversity, with special reference to vertebrates.

Ecotourism Development and Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: Objectives, Conflicts and Resolutions

“…From the 748 species in the red list, 345 (46 percent) are nationally threatened and from the 233 (68 percent) endemic species are susceptible to changes in their habitat are at a high risk of extinction. Further, extreme climate events under climate change has created high risk of multiple invasion of invasive alien plant species in Bundala National Park, an International Ramsar Site and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Sri Lanka by propagules transported through the visitors and also due to weakening resistance of native species for the spread of invasive species [46]. Figure 1.…”

“…Harmful invasive species directly compete with endangered species and ecosystems resulted with degradations of habitats and substantial impacts on biodiversity losses in Sri Lanka. [46] has identified 14 invasive alien plant species that could make potential negative consequences such as eliminate vectors, create physical barriers and develop biotic interactions, and change native biodiversity and ecosystems in the protected areas. Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) of Sri Lanka invested and attempted to remove invasive species mainly Prosopis juliflora (Kalapu Andara) which forms a dense canopy and resemble typical forest canopy structure in the Udawalawa and Lunugamwehera national parks [54].…”

Vegetation and Glacier Trends in the Area of the Maritime Alps Natural Park (Italy): MaxEnt Application to Predict Habitat Development

“…Global climate change has an impact on indicator species and ecosystem dynamics [1] and significantly affects the services provided by ecosystems in any geographical area [2][3][4][5]. According to recent studies, global warming effects could be severe, and the temperature will continue to rise over the 21st century by minimum 0.3-1.7 • C to maximum 2.6-4.8 • C [6] with dramatic consequences for glacier reduction and vegetation distribution.…”