Going up the Andes: patterns and drivers of non-native plant invasions across latitudinal and elevational gradients

Fuentes-Lillo, Eduardo; Lembrechts, Jonas J.; Barros, Agustina; Aschero, Valeria; BUSTAMANTE-ARAYA, RAMIRO OSCIEL; CAVIERES-GONZALEZ, LOHENGRIN ALEXIS; Clavel, Jan; Herrera, Ileana; Jimenez, Alejandra; Tecco, Paula; Hulme, Philip E.; Nunez, Martin A.; Rozzi, R; GARCIA-LOVERA, RAFAEL ALFREDO; Simberloff, Daniel; et. al.

Abstract

The Andes mountain range in South America has a high level of endemism and is a major source of ecosystem services. The Andes is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances that have allowed the establishment of non-native plants, mainly in the lower elevation areas. However, synergies between climate change and anthropogenic pressure are promoting the spread of non-native plants to higher elevation areas. In this article, we evaluate and identify the main non-native plants invading Andean ecosystems, and assess their taxonomic families, growth forms and distribution patterns. Based on a systematic literature review, we identified the importance of climatic and anthropogenic factors as drivers of non-native species establishment in Andean ecosystems and the main impacts of non-native plants in the Andes. We then identified research gaps across each biogeographic region in the Andes. Finally, we highlight key elements to better tackle the problem of non-native plant invasions in Andean ecosystems, including the need for a systematic monitoring of invasion patterns and spread (e.g. MIREN protocol) and a common policy agenda across international borders for the prevention and management of non-native plants in this highly vulnerable region.

Más información

Título según WOS: ID WOS:001051016500001 Not found in local WOS DB
Título de la Revista: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
Volumen: 32
Editorial: Springer
Fecha de publicación: 2023
Página de inicio: 4199
Página final: 4219
DOI:

10.1007/S10531-023-02697-6

Notas: ISI