Biological invasions and natural colonisations are different – the need for invasion science

Wilson, John R.; García‐Díaz, Pablo; Cassey, Phillip; Richardson, David M.; Pyšek, Petr; Blackburn, Tim M.

doi:10.3897/neobiota.31.9185

Cited by 47 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…We agree with Wilson et al (2016) on the differences of mechanisms (including the degree [rate] at which they occur), as well as their implications, especially for management and policy. But absolutely nowhere have Wilson et al (2016) demonstrated that the two are subject to a different process.…”

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenasupporting

confidence: 73%

“…We agree with Wilson et al (2016) that scientific testing of hypotheses should determine whether colonisation and biological invasions are truly unique, or just the same overall process initiated by different mechanisms. Naturally there would be huge differences if the focus was at the level of mechanisms such as pathways (i.e.…”

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 54%

“…But absolutely nowhere have Wilson et al (2016) demonstrated that the two are subject to a different process. Specifically they give an example about an apparent difference between the creation of the stones at Stonehenge and the smooth pebbles on a rocky shore.…”

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Ultimately, yes, they have differences, no one denies that, but are they THAT different? In a reply, Wilson et al (2016) have focused on the differences to argue the point that they are distinct, concluding biological invasions and natural colonisations are very often different; sometimes this matters, sometimes it does not. Here we respond to their arguments, ultimately concluding that biological invasions and natural colonisations are very often similar; sometimes this matters, sometimes it does not.…”

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 99%

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When similarities matter more than differences: a reply to Wilson et al.

Hoffmann¹,

Courchamp²

2016

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In our recent Discussion paper, we presented our view that the only real distinction between biological invasions and natural colonisations is the human element. We agree that invasion science is a very important science, not only to better understand the role that human mediation plays for colonisation, but also for many other science fields. We agree with all invasion researchers that the human influence can result in spectacular differences, including in rates of species movement, rates of successful colonisation, the particular species being moved, the biogeography of dispersal pathways and rates of any resulting ecological disturbance and biodiversity loss. Our deep point is that that species dispersed by human-mediation or natural colonisation are all subject to the same basic laws and rules of ecology, identical to many other phenomenon that occur naturally and can be greatly influenced by people. The human dimension is merely a mechanistic distinction, albeit important because it exposes insights about the colonisation process that cannot be seen by the study of natural colonisations alone. We provide 10 hypotheses that can be scientifically tested to determine whether biological invasions and natural colonisations are two separate processes or the same process being influenced by different mechanisms.

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Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenasupporting

confidence: 73%

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 54%

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Humans Have a Huge Influence On Many Phenomenamentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

When similarities matter more than differences: a reply to Wilson et al.

Hoffmann¹,

Courchamp²

2016

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“…The pathways for IASs arriving at islands are a subset of those for IASs in general, where long-distance transportation by marine vessel and aircraft naturally dominates (Hulme 2009). This makes the dispersal of IASs to islands different in rate and type from both continents and natural colonizations (Wilson et al 2016). Due to delays in reporting, new IASs on islands can take over a decade to enter records (Seebens et al 2017), and an invasion debt is created by biological lag effects for IASs that have already arrived but are not yet established or expanded on islands (Essl et al 2011).…”

Section: Indicatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Invasive alien species on islands: impacts, distribution, interactions and management

et al. 2017

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SUMMARYInvasive alien species (IASs) on islands have broad impacts across biodiversity, agriculture, economy, health and culture, which tend to be stronger than on continents. Across small-island developing states (SIDSs), although only a small number of IASs are widely distributed, many more, including those with greatest impact, are found on only a small number of islands. Patterns of island invasion are not consistent across SIDS geographic regions, with differences attributable to correlated patterns in island biogeography and human development. We identify 15 of the most globally prevalent IASs on islands. IAS impacts on islands are exacerbated through interactions with a number of other global change threats, including over-exploitation, agricultural intensification, urban development and climate change. Biosecurity is critical in preventing IAS invasion of islands. Eradication of IASs on islands is possible at early stages of invasion, but otherwise is largely restricted to invasive mammals, or otherwise control is the only option. Future directions in IAS management and research on islands must consider IASs within a broader portfolio of threats to species, ecosystems and people's livelihoods on islands. We advocate for stronger collaborations among island countries and territories faced with the same IASs in similar socio-ecological environments.

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A four‐component classification of uncertainties in biological invasions: implications for management

et al. 2019

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Although uncertainty is an integral part of any science, it raises doubts in public perception about scientific evidence, is exploited by denialists, and therefore potentially hinders the implementation of management actions. As a relatively young field of study, invasion science contains many uncertainties. This may explain why, despite international policies aimed at mitigating biological invasions, the implementation of national‐ and regional‐scale measures to prevent or control alien species has done little to slow the increase in extent of invasions and the magnitude of impacts. Uncertainty is therefore a critical aspect of invasion science that should be addressed to enable the field to progress further. To improve how uncertainties in invasion science are captured and characterized, we propose a framework, which is also applicable to other applied research fields such as climate and conservation science, divided into four components: the need (1) to clearly circumscribe the phenomenon, (2) to measure and provide evidence for the phenomenon (i.e., confirmation), (3) to understand the mechanisms that cause the phenomenon, and (4) to understand the mechanisms through which the phenomenon results in consequences. We link these issues to three major types of uncertainty: linguistic, psychological, and epistemic. The application of this framework shows that the four components tend to be characterized by different types of uncertainty in invasion science. We explain how these uncertainties can be detrimental to the implementation of management measures and propose ways to reduce them. Since biological invasions are increasingly tightly embedded in complex socio‐ecological systems, many problems associated with these uncertainties have convoluted solutions. They demand the consensus of many stakeholders to define and frame the dimensions of the phenomenon, and to decide on appropriate actions. While many of the uncertainties cannot be eliminated completely, we believe that using this framework to explicitly identify and communicate them will help to improve collaboration between researchers and managers, increase scientific, political, and public support for invasion research, and provide a stronger foundation for sustainable management strategies.

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Biological invasions and natural colonisations are different – the need for invasion science

Cited by 47 publications

References 49 publications

When similarities matter more than differences: a reply to Wilson et al.

When similarities matter more than differences: a reply to Wilson et al.

Invasive alien species on islands: impacts, distribution, interactions and management

A four‐component classification of uncertainties in biological invasions: implications for management

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