What is it about?

We address the impact of biological invasions on native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. It specifically focuses on the Orinoquía region in Colombia, where invasive species studies are scarce. The article investigates how the bioclimatic niche of invasive species changes in the Orinoquía compared to their native distribution and examines the functional richness of invasive plants.

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Why is it important?

The study reveals that many invasive species show differences in their invaded bioclimatic niche compared to their native range, with some species having a high capacity to colonize new environments. The study identifies ecosystems and biomes with potential susceptibility to invasive plant species colonization. These regions should be monitored to prevent further invasion due to the potential negative impacts on native ecosystems.

Perspectives

We highlight four key perspectives: Invasive Species Management: The study underscores the need for proactive monitoring and management strategies to prevent the colonization and expansion of invasive plant species, as their eradication can be challenging and costly once established. Ecosystem Vulnerability: Identifying ecosystems and biomes susceptible to invasive species colonization can guide conservation efforts to prioritize monitoring and prevention in these areas. Sustainable Agriculture: Understanding the potential impacts of invasive species in agricultural ecosystems highlights the importance of sustainable land management practices to minimize their spread. Biodiversity Conservation: The study's findings underscore the importance of preserving native biodiversity and ecosystem functioning by addressing the threats posed by invasive species.

PhD Nicolas Urbina-Cardona
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Predicting the Risk of Exotic Plant Invasions in the Orinoco Region: Importance of Distribution Models, Climatic Niche and Functional Richness, Frontiers in Environmental Science, May 2022, Frontiers,
DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.687723.
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