Distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Biogeographical barriers formed by natural forces over billions of years have been substantially disrupted by human activity, particularly in recent centuries. In response to these anthropogenic changes, global homogenization of biota is observed at an ever‐increasing rate, causing environmental and economic losses as well as emerging health risks. Identifying factors underlying alien species richness is essential for prevention of future introductions and subsequent spread. In this study, we examined the effects of environmental and human‐related factors on distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). We compiled a set of maps showing the level of invasion of six categories of alien animal species in each of 628 grid cells (ca. 12.0 × 11.1 km) covering the Czech Republic. Relationships between alien species richness and 12 variables characterizing climatic conditions, topography, land cover, and human population size were calculated using the generalized least squares method. Species richness of all alien species, of invertebrates, and of terrestrial species showed the strongest positive relationship with mean annual temperature, while the number of black and grey (proposed prominent invaders) and aquatic species was most closely related to the presence of large rivers. Alien vertebrates showed a strong negative relationship with annual precipitation. The highest alien animal species richness was found in and near large population centers and in agricultural landscapes in warm and dry lowlands. The gateways for alien aquatic species are rather large rivers over sport fishing and aquaculture import. Compiled maps create a powerful visual communication tool, useful in development of programs to prevent future introductions.

Round goby versus marbled crayfish: alien invasive predators and competitors

“…As many other factors are responsible for invader success in natural conditions (Gebauer et al, 2018), the present study provides a baseline for ongoing study of particular scenarios and factors that influence the success and spread of alien aquatic organisms. Our results are in accordance with the known predatory capability of round goby and broaden it from the point of interactions with crayfish representative.…”

The Invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus as a Potential Threat to Native Crayfish Populations

“…Neogobius melanostomus significantly changes composition of the macrozoobenthic communities in the invaded freshwater ecosystems [ 25 , 69 ]. Tributaries of major rivers serve as refuges for native aquatic biota and as sources of genetic diversity for the main streams [ 23 ] that are currently heavily affected by biological invasions [ 70 ].…”

Distribution patterns and drivers of nonendemic and endemic glires species in China

“…To determine the spatial distribution of species richness, previous studies have tested limited hypotheses (Barreto et al, 2019 ; Sun et al, 2020 ) and multiple hypotheses (Ding et al, 2019 ; Gebauer et al, 2018 ; Pandey et al, 2020 ). The interpretation of species richness patterns by a single variable or hypothesis is limited, as combined complex phenomena determine the distribution pattern of species richness.…”