Functional niche differences between native and invasive tree species from the southern Brazilian mixed forest

Abstract

Biological invasion is a major threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem services. We examined the functional traits similarity between a set of native and nonnative invasive tree species from the Southern Brazilian subtropical mixed forest, part of an important global hotspot for biodiversity conservation. We hypothesized that invasive species occupy marginal niche spaces. We ordered the species using the Principal Component Analysis based on their wood density, leaf area, and specifi c leaf area. These are all important traits that summarize essential ecological strategies associated with resource acquisition and conservation. Functional overlaps between non-native and native species were analyzed through kernel density estimation of continuous traits data. While native and non-native invasive species were distributed along the same functional gradients, the position of non-native species in the functional space is species and traits specifi c. We concluded that within Brazilian subtropical mixed forests, the functional dissimilarity as a key factor in invasion success could not be generalized for all species and traits.

Diversity, species coexistence and functional composition patterns in subtropical Atlantic Forests invaded by non‐native trees

“…The reduced LA and SLA observed between native species, in areas with a higher presence of invasives, could have implications for ecosystem productivity and functionality, underscoring the importance of monitoring such interactions. H. dulcis and M. nigra , both notable in their abundance and frequency, exhibit LA and SLA values that are relatively high compared to native species of the region (Larsen et al., 2020). This observation indicates the potential of these species to influence the ecosystems of the examined areas.…”