Does global change increase the success of biological invaders?

Dukes, J. S., & Mooney, H. A. (1999). Does global change increase the success of biological invaders?. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 14(4), 135-139. PDF.

Summary

Dukes & Mooney (1999) is one of the first discussions of potential interactions between invasive species and global change. Rising atmospheric CO2 acts as a resource for photosynthesis and affects interactions between plants, which is likely to favor some species over others. When this paper was written, there were insufficient data, but subsequent studies have overwhelmingly showed a clear advantage for invasive plants with higher CO2. Additionally, warming could shift the ranges of invasive species. Many 'weedy' species are already widespread and poised to take advantage of newly favorable climate conditions. But, Dukes & Mooney also highlight the complexity of understanding interactions, with multiple global changes (climate change, increasing CO2, Nitrogen deposition, and disturbance) each potentially influencing the prevalence of invasive species, which in turn have a variety of impacts on native species and ecosystem processes. Therefore, when this study was published, more studies were needed to better understand how the different aspects of climate change could enhance or suppress invasive species.

Take home points

  • With rising CO2, expect invasive plants are expected to become more prevalent, though local-scale responses (e.g. individual plants, populations) will depend on availability of water, nutrient and other resources.

  • Range shifts are likely, but some species might already have arrived. Look to neighbors in slightly warmer climates to identify emerging problem species.

Management implications

Managers who monitor invasive species are well-positioned to contribute to our understanding of invasive responses to global change by sharing long-term observations/monitoring data.  Managed lands may also provide unique opportunities to develop experimental studies in collaboration with researchers. By combining manager’s observations with experimental data, researchers can develop and improve models that will in turn support more effective management under the new conditions produced by climate change. 

Keywords

Range Expansion; Competitiveness; Review; Invasive Plant; Risk Assessment