On linking mechanism to invasive species impact

Background/Question/Methods

Species invasion represents one of the major drivers of biodiversity change globally, yet there is widespread confusion and controversy about the nature of non-indigenous species (NIS) impact. This confusion stems from differing notions and understanding of what constitutes invasive species ‘impact’ and the scales at which it should be assessed. At local scales the mechanisms of NIS impact on potential competitors can be classified into four scenarios: 1) minimal impact from NIS inhabiting unique niche space; 2) neutral impact spread across the community and proportional to NIS abundance; 3) targeted impact on a small number of competitors with overlapping niches; and 4) pervasive impact that is disproportionate to NIS abundance and ostensibly caused by ecosystem modification that filters out other species.

Results/Conclusions

I develop a statistical test to distinguish these four mechanisms based on changes to community rank-abundance curves. Using an example dataset, I show that in long-term plots that had high native plant diversity and where the dominant invasive vine, Vincetoxicum rossicum, increased, impact resulted in either targeted extirpations or widespread biodiversity loss. Regardless of whether NIS impact is neutral, targeted or pervasive, the net outcome will be the homogenization of ecosystems and reduced biodiversity at larger scales, perhaps reducing ecosystem resilience.