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Invasive non‐native species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula region
Author(s) -
Hughes Kevin A.,
Pescott Oliver L.,
Peyton Jodey,
Adriaens Tim,
CottierCook Elizabeth J.,
Key Gillian,
Rabitsch Wolfgang,
Tricarico Elena,
Barnes David K. A.,
Baxter Naomi,
Belchier Mark,
Blake Denise,
Convey Peter,
Dawson Wayne,
Frohlich Danielle,
Gardiner Lauren M.,
GonzálezMoreno Pablo,
James Ross,
Malumphy Christopher,
Martin Stephanie,
Martinou Angeliki F.,
Minchin Dan,
Monaco Andrea,
Moore Niall,
Morley Simon A.,
Ross Katherine,
Shanklin Jonathan,
Turvey Katharine,
Vaughan David,
Vaux Alexander G. C.,
Werenkraut Victoria,
Winfield Ian J.,
Roy Helen E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
global change biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.146
H-Index - 255
eISSN - 1365-2486
pISSN - 1354-1013
DOI - 10.1111/gcb.14938
Subject(s) - biodiversity , shetland , peninsula , ecology , invasive species , invertebrate , geography , introduced species , ecosystem , biosecurity , terrestrial ecosystem , global biodiversity , biology , forestry
The Antarctic is considered to be a pristine environment relative to other regions of the Earth, but it is increasingly vulnerable to invasions by marine, freshwater and terrestrial non‐native species. The Antarctic Peninsula region (APR), which encompasses the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands, is by far the most invaded part of the Antarctica continent. The risk of introduction of invasive non‐native species to the APR is likely to increase with predicted increases in the intensity, diversity and distribution of human activities. Parties that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty have called for regional assessments of non‐native species risk. In response, taxonomic and Antarctic experts undertook a horizon scanning exercise using expert opinion and consensus approaches to identify the species that are likely to present the highest risk to biodiversity and ecosystems within the APR over the next 10 years. One hundred and three species, currently absent in the APR, were identified as relevant for review, with 13 species identified as presenting a high risk of invading the APR. Marine invertebrates dominated the list of highest risk species, with flowering plants and terrestrial invertebrates also represented; however, vertebrate species were thought unlikely to establish in the APR within the 10 year timeframe. We recommend (a) the further development and application of biosecurity measures by all stakeholders active in the APR, including surveillance for species such as those identified during this horizon scanning exercise, and (b) use of this methodology across the other regions of Antarctica. Without the application of appropriate biosecurity measures, rates of introductions and invasions within the APR are likely to increase, resulting in negative consequences for the biodiversity of the whole continent, as introduced species establish and spread further due to climate change and increasing human activity.