Preventing species invasion: A role for integrative taxonomy?

Abstract

Integrative taxonomy, a multi-disciplinary approach adding modern techniques to traditional morphology-based methods (e.g. molecular and morphological criteria), can play an important role in bioinvasion research to identify introduced taxa, discover pathways of introduction and inform authorities to control and prevent future introductions. The present study is the first on introduced populations of Callosciurus, Asiatic tree squirrels, known as potentially invasive species in Europe (Italy, Belgium and France). We combined molecular (mitochondrial DNA markers: CoxI, D-loop) and morphometric analysis on skulls, comparing them to the widest morphological and molecular datasets ever assembled for Callosciurus. Squirrels collected in Italy and Belgium share the same haplotypes and skull characteristics, but are conspicuously different from the French population in Antibes. Genetic data revealed close similarity between French squirrels and Pallas's squirrels, Callosciurus erythraeus, from Taiwan, China. Italian and Belgian squirrels formed an independent taxonomic lineage in genetic analyses, whose taxonomic rank needs further investigation. The morphological and morphometric characteristics of these 2 populations are, however, similar to known specimens assigned to Callosciurus erythraeus. These results may indicate a common origin for the populations found in Belgium and Italy. In contrast, French specimens suggest an independent introduction event of squirrels originating from Asia.

Integrating climate and land‐use change scenarios in modelling the future spread of invasive squirrels in Italy

“…Yet, uncertainty remains about the relationship between invasiveness and native niche/range size for Callosciurus squirrels, as these come from a geographical hot‐spot of tree squirrels’ diversity (Koprowski & Nandini, ), thus their native niche may underrepresent their actual potential due to high interspecific competition (e.g., Guisan et al, ). Moreover, the specific status C. erythraeus is also uncertain, as molecular evidence suggests it may rather represent a species complex (Mazzamuto et al, ), that is the native range may be significantly smaller. Despite being the most widely distributed species in the native range (over 44 degrees in latitude: Thorington et al, ), the Siberian chipmunk seems to have a very limited spread potential in Italy.…”

Italian odonates in the Pandora's box: A comprehensive DNA barcoding inventory shows taxonomic warnings at the Holarctic scale

“…PCRs were conducted as in Mazzamuto et al. (2016), and sequencing was performed bidirectionally at Eurofins Genomics. Standard M13F and M13R oligos were used for sequencing the amplicons obtained with the ODOF1_tl/ODOR1_tl primer pair.…”

Italian Odonates in the Pandora’s Box: A Comprehensive DNA Barcoding Inventory Shows Taxonomic Warnings at the Holarctic Scale

“…In both cases, PCR amplification conditions were as follows: 94°C for 5 min, 35 cycles at 94°C for 60 s, 50°C for 90 s and 72°C for 60 s, and a final extension at 72°C for 7 min. PCRs were conducted as in Mazzamuto et al (2016) and sequencing was performed bidirectionally at Eurofins Genomics (Milan, Italy). Standard M13F and M13R oligos were used for sequencing the amplicons obtained with the ODOF1_tl/ODOR1_tl primer pair.…”