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Ain't no mountain high enough: plant invasions reaching new elevations
Author(s) -
Pauchard Aníbal,
Kueffer Christoph,
Dietz Hansjörg,
Daehler Curtis C,
Alexander Jake,
Edwards Peter J,
Arévalo José Ramón,
Cavieres Lohengrin A,
Guisan Antoine,
Haider Sylvia,
Jakobs Gabi,
McDougall Keith,
Millar Constance I,
Naylor Bridgett J,
Parks Catherine G,
Rew Lisa J,
Seipel Tim
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
frontiers in ecology and the environment
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.918
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1540-9309
pISSN - 1540-9295
DOI - 10.1890/080072
Subject(s) - biodiversity , invasive species , propagule pressure , ecosystem , ecology , native plant , habitat , introduced species , abiotic component , geography , climate change , resistance (ecology) , disturbance (geology) , biology , biological dispersal , population , paleontology , demography , sociology
Most studies of invasive species have been in highly modified, lowland environments, with comparatively little attention directed to less disturbed, high‐elevation environments. However, increasing evidence indicates that plant invasions do occur in these environments, which often have high conservation value and provide important ecosystem services. Over a thousand non‐native species have become established in natural areas at high elevations worldwide, and although many of these are not invasive, some may pose a considerable threat to native mountain ecosystems. Here, we discuss four main drivers that shape plant invasions into high‐elevation habitats: (1) the (pre‐)adaptation of non‐native species to abiotic conditions, (2) natural and anthropogenic disturbances, (3) biotic resistance of the established communities, and (4) propagule pressure. We propose a comprehensive research agenda for tackling the problem of plant invasions into mountain ecosystems, including documentation of mountain invasion patterns at multiple scales, experimental studies, and an assessment of the impacts of non‐native species in these systems. The threat posed to high‐elevation biodiversity by invasive plant species is likely to increase because of globalization and climate change. However, the higher mountains harbor ecosystems where invasion by non‐native species has scarcely begun, and where science and management have the opportunity to respond in time.