Are Terrestrial Biological Invasions Different in the Tropics?

Chong, KY; Corlett, RT; Nunez, MA; Chiu, JH; Courchamp, F; Dawson, W; Kuebbing, S; Liebhold, AM; Padmanaba, M; Souza, L; Andersen, KM; Fei, S; Lee, BPY-H; Lum, S; Luskin, MS; Ngo, KM; Wardle, DA

Abstract

Most biological invasion literature—including syntheses and meta-analyses and the resulting theory—is reported from temperate regions, drawing only minimally from the tropics except for some island systems. The lack of attention to invasions in the tropics results from and reinforces the assumption that tropical ecosystems, and especially the continental tropics, are more resistant to invasions. We have critically assessed biological invasions in the tropics and compared them with temperate regions, finding relatively weak evidence that tropical and temperate regions differ in their invasibility and in the traits that determine invader success and impacts. Propagule pressure and the traits that promote adaptation to disturbances (e.g., high fecundity or fast growth rates) are generally favorable to invasions in both tropical and temperate regions. We emphasize the urgent need for greater investment and regional cooperation in the study, prevention, and management of biological invasions in the tropics.

Citation

Chong, K., Corlett, R., Nunez, M., Chiu, J., Courchamp, F., Dawson, W., Kuebbing, S., Liebhold, A., Padmanaba, M., Souza, L., Andersen, K., Fei, S., Lee, B.-H., Lum, S., Luskin, M., Ngo, K., & Wardle, D. (2021). Are Terrestrial Biological Invasions Different in the Tropics?. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 52, 291-314. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-012021-095454

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Aug 23, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Sep 21, 2021
• Journal: Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics
• Print ISSN: 1543-592X
• Publisher: Annual Reviews
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 52
• Pages: 291-314
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-012021-095454
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1233116