A synthesis of biological invasion hypotheses associated with the introduction–naturalisation–invasion continuum

Abstract

With the advent of the Anthropocene, biological invasions have reached an unprecedented level, and the number of species introductions is still increasing in an everchanging world. Despite major advances in invasion science, significant debate and lack of clarity remain surrounding the determinants of success of introduced species, the magnitude and dimensions of their impact, and the mechanisms sustaining successful invasions. Empirical studies show divergent impacts of alien populations on ecosystems and contrasting effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the dynamics of alien populations, which hinders the creation of a unified theory of biological invasions. Compounding these issues is the plethora of hypotheses that aim to explain invasion success, which can be unclear and contradictory. We propose a synthesis that categorizes hypotheses along a timeline of invasion. We sorted invasion hypotheses along the invasion timeline, and considered population, community and ecosystem levels. This temporal sorting of invasion concepts shows that each is relevant at a specific stage of

Recent advances in availability and synthesis of the economic costs of biological invasions

“…Although challenging, correlating data from different sources is recommended (Hobern et al 2019;König et al 2019). Linking the InvaCost database with pre-existing biodiversity databases (e.g., on traits, niche, and genetic datasets) has the potential to provide invasion science with better tools to quantify the links between ecological mechanisms and invasion impacts, and establish relationships between costs, ecosystems composition, and invasion dynamics Ricciardi et al 2021;Daly et al 2023). Integrating information on costs to a broader spectrum of biological groups (not solely invasive) and invaded socio-ecosystems can provide insights on (i) how invasive species impact non-native environments, (ii) areas where more resources might be needed (financial, technological, or research), and (iii) cost efficiency of current and alternative management options.…”

Standardising field‐based assessment of invasion degree: A case study in two habitats of Reunion Island

“…Our understanding to define, characterise and identify species along the introduction-naturalisation-invasion continuum has increased considerably (Catford et al, 2012;Daly et al, 2023;Richardson & Pyšek, 2006). Such understanding is needed to improve the management of invasive species, especially in areas rich in biodiversity (Foxcroft et al, 2017;Pejchar et al, 2020).…”

Distribution of functionally distinct native and non‐indigenous species within marine urban habitats

“…Trait‐based approaches can provide valuable insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes associated with biological invasions (Daly et al, 2023; Pearson, Ortega, Eren, & Hierro, 2018; Van Kleunen, Dawson, et al, 2010; Villéger et al, 2014). Variations in functional traits have long been recognized as major determinants of multiple stages of biological invasion processes (Catford et al, 2019; Elton, 1958; MacArthur & Levins, 1967; Van Kleunen, Dawson, et al, 2010).…”

“…Variations in functional traits have long been recognized as major determinants of multiple stages of biological invasion processes (Catford et al, 2019; Elton, 1958; MacArthur & Levins, 1967; Van Kleunen, Dawson, et al, 2010). Subsequent investigations have questioned what makes non‐indigenous species (NIS) invasive (invasiveness) and/or what makes communities susceptible to establishment, spread and potential impacts (invasibility), either supporting or opposing diverse hypotheses (Brown & Barney, 2021; Daly et al, 2023).…”