Thanks to a new study, researchers are beginning to understand what makes alien species and why some places are more susceptible to invaders than others.

For the study, a team of researchers in Australia and the United States compiled a database of 4,000 alien bird introductions. Using complex statistical analysis, scientists examined the importance of local environment factors, species traits and the size of the invasion in predicting the success of the alien birds.

Their survey showed the characteristics of the local environment were the most important factors in determining the success of the invasion. Researchers determined alien birds were more likely to establish a population if the new habitat already hosted alien species and was similar to their native range.

"Alien birds are more likely to establish populations in areas that already have more aliens of other sorts," lead researcher Tim Blackburn, a professor of invasion biology at University College London, wrote in The Conversation. "This is consistent with the 'invasional meltdown' hypothesis that previous invasions help facilitate future alien arrivals."

But while previous studies have suggested human degradation of the environment can make ecosystems more susceptible to invasive species, the latest data showed alien birds were more likely to invade less-degraded habitat.

Environmental disturbance -- like a big storm, for example -- diminished the odds of an invading bird species' success.

Researchers found alien bird species have greater success invading habitat that have some but not a lot of native birds living there. An insect-eating invader, for example, is likely to have more success invading habitat where a few insect-eating native species are taking advantage of a local insect population. But overall, native plant and animal diversity had only a small effect on the success of an invader.

Scientists hope their work -- published this week in the journal Nature -- can help conservationists identify and better protect habitats most susceptible to invasion.

"We know alien species are the main driver of recent extinctions in both animals and plants so there is a clear and urgent need for better biosecurity measures to prevent or mitigate the impact of future invasions and protect endangered native species," said David Redding, a research fellow at UCL. "With increased global trade, more species are being transported around the world either purposefully or as stowaways, which creates more opportunities for alien species to establish themselves in new habitats."

Related Links
Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Species of bush tomato a reminder that gender, sexuality are fluid
Washington (UPI) Jun 18, 2019
Scientists have finally given a unique bush tomato species, native to the remote Australian Outback, an official moniker. They named the plant Solanum plastisexum. The plant serves as a reminder, researchers claim, that gender and sexuality are frequently fluid in the plant and animal kingdom. The bush tomato species was first discovered by botanists in the 1970s, but it went unnamed due to the fluidity of its flower forms. At different times and during different surveys, the plants appe ... read more