Abstract

Background and aims: The main goal of Protected Wild Areas (in spanish ASP) is to protect biodiversity. Limiting the entry of exotic species is an essential priority. The objective of this study was to register exotic plants species within Chile's ASP and to describe floristic patterns which determine species presence and distribution. M&M: Information was collected across 35 ASP, and total number of flora species and the proportion of exotic plants were reported. Richness was obtained and an invasibility index calculated on each ASP. Species composition analysis and floristic patterns determination were carried out through statistical analyses of ordering, similarity and regression. Results: A total of 355 exotic plant species were recorded across the studied ASP. The Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo had the greatest species richness, while the highest proportion and invasibility occurred in the Monumento Natural Cerro Nielol. The distance to the nearest city, precipitation and temperature were the environmental variables with the highest incidence on the different assemblages of exotic species that exhibit ASP. Discussion: Exotic plants richness within ASP was high, in relation to the total adventitious flora that Chile presents. The evidence shown suggests a low proportion of exotic plants shared among the ASP distributed in the different bioclimates considered. These types of studies constitute the basis for the preparation of risk lists and the design of management programs for exotic plant species.