Risks posed by invasive species to the provision of ecosystem services in Europe

The Iberian Peninsula is a primary entry point for non-native species (NNS) into Europe via maritime routes, and is a significant tourist destination. This positions the highly diverse Spanish National Parks at high risk from invasive species, necessitating proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies. We present a comprehensive analysis of the risks posed by NNS to the network of 15 continental and marine National Parks in Spain under climate change, aiming to align management strategies with international Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets. We identified 200 NNS across the network of National Parks, including 78 listed in national NNS regulations. Park managers helped identify 22 priority NNS, including the water hyacinth, American mink, Cape fig and wakame, among others. Over half of the 22 priority NNS (55%) were classified as having a “Major” impact on native biodiversity according to EICAT standards, with another 23% considered “Massive”. Distribution models suggest that rising minimum temperatures could enable NNS to expand in altitude within the parks, particularly in high-mountain parks. Species like the barbary sheep, water hyacinth and largemouth bass may particularly benefit from global warming. Our findings prioritize national parks most vulnerable to the double threat posed by climate change and invasive species, such as Islas Atlánticas, Doñana and Archipelago de Cabrera. We conclude that, in order to progress towards achieving GBF goals, it is essential to: (i) coordinate NNS management efforts across administrations (national and regional), (ii) integrate resources and expertise in a unified strategy against invasion across the network and (iii) enhance public awareness about the risks of introduction and impact of NNS.

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Uniting science and local ecological knowledge to address a recent invasion in a protected area

Padilha,

Teixeira,

Sousa

2024

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Non-native invasive species threaten freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES), which are critical for environmental health and possess noteworthy socioeconomic and cultural importance. This research specifically delves into the impact of the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in a protected area (Montesinho Natural Park, Portugal). It combines scientific inquiry with local ecological knowledge (LEK) to elucidate the implications of this non-native invasive species for biodiversity and ES across five river basins. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 132 residents from villages adjacent to these rivers, maintaining a balanced representation of both genders. Approximately 46% of the males and 25.5% of the females reported sightings of the signal crayfish, describing initial introductions around 8 and 5.8 years ago, respectively. The majority (78.6% of men and 80% of women) believed that the crayfish populations have since burgeoned. Respondents evaluated the crayfish's ES impact on a 0-5 scale, with 5 being the most significant. Both genders recognized the impacts on different ES, such as riverbank erosion (1.5), food sources for humans (2.5) and other species (3.8), water quality (3.3), pest regulation (3), habitat provision (3.9), and recreational and tourism activities (2.8). Both men (87.5%) and women (77.8%) identified fish, specifically brown trout (Salmo trutta), as the most affected taxonomic group by this non-native invasive species. Unanimously, participants concurred on the importance of integrating LEK with scientific research to improve invasive species management. The findings emphasize the urgent need for robust scientific study and targeted management actions considering the perceived detrimental negative impacts of signal crayfish. It suggests the crucial role of local communities in knowledge generation and response formulation, thus reinforcing our collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity and ES amidst invasive species threats.

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Risks posed by invasive species to the provision of ecosystem services in Europe

Cited by 6 publications

References 50 publications

Potential distribution, observed impacts, and invasion risk of two non-native snapping turtles, Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii

Potential distribution, observed impacts, and invasion risk of two non-native snapping turtles, Chelydra serpentina and Macrochelys temminckii

Climate change and non-native species in the Spanish Network of National Parks

Uniting science and local ecological knowledge to address a recent invasion in a protected area

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