Climate change and invasive species: double jeopardy

Mainka, S. A., & Howard, G. W. (2010). Climate change and invasive species: double jeopardy. Integrative Zoology, 5(2), 102-111. PDF.

Summary

Climate change and invasive species are two key drivers of biodiversity losses worldwide. Researchers largely consider these drivers on their own; however, interactions between the two may result in magnified impacts on native communities. More specifically, impacts of invaders may be amplified due to increased warming (i.e., more suitable habitat for warm-adapted species and/or accelerated life histories), more frequent disturbances (i.e., creates empty niches), and changing ocean circulation (i.e., increases opportunities for accidental introductions). In spite of these threats, studies that investigate the interacting effects of invasive species and climate change remain rare. Furthermore, the combined risks are rarely considered in management plans or policy decisions. Therefore, the authors recommend continued research on this interaction to better understand its ecological implications, and incorporation of measures that protect against unintended facilitation of invasive species in future management plans (e.g., secondary invasions from eradication programs) or policy decisions (e.g., invasions from biofuel production).

Take home points

  • Climate change and invasive species are leading causes for biodiversity losses worldwide. Synergies between these two drivers will likely compound invader’s impacts in the future.

  • More research is needed to understand the link between climate change and heightened invasiveness. 

  • Future management plans and policy decisions should include incorporate measures that protect against the impacts produced by this synergy. 

Management implications

  • Implement monitoring programs that assess the combined effects of climate change and invasive species on native communities.

  • Include measures that limit the impact of these drivers and their interactive effects into future management plans and policy decisions. For example, eradication and control can create empty niches which facilitate secondary invasions; therefore, consider including preventative measures (e.g., native plant or EDRR for other invasive) into management plants. Additionally, biofuels may offer a cleaner energy alternative to fossil fuels, but species used as biofuels are often weedy. We

Keywords

Shifting Seasons; Impact Study; Review; Invasive Invertebrate; Aquatic Habitat;