Five potential consequences of climate change for invasive species

Hellmann, J. J., Byers, J. E., Bierwagen, B. G., & Dukes, J. S. (2008). Five potential consequences of climate change for invasive species. Conservation biology, 22(3), 534-543. PDF.

Summary

Climate change is expected to alter biodiversity and ecosystem processes, including the extent of invasive species and the magnitude of their impacts. While quantifying these changes is difficult, Hellman and colleagues suggest that identifying new invasives and changes in current invasive impacts is both achievable and valuable. To identify new invasives and trends in climate change influenced invasive species impacts, the authors examined invasive species response to climate change through the framework of invasion pathways. They identify five groups of climate change impacts on invasive species: altered trade routes (transport), increased invasive competitive ability (establishment), expanded climatic constraints (spread), increased invasive abundance (impact), and changes in management efficacy, which might require new strategies such as shifting from mechanical to chemical control.

Take home points

  • Climate change impacts on invasives must be investigated separately from natives because they require different management strategies.

  • An increased focus on changes in invader impact through abundance would be more useful than just looking at potential range shifts.

  • Current management strategies will need to be evaluated because they may not be as effective under future climate scenarios.

Management implications

  • Increased monitoring and greater interagency coordination will improve Early Detection and Rapid Response strategies.

  • Undertake risk assessments over broader geographic areas to understand invasive impacts across climatic gradients.

  • Reevaluate alternative invasive control mechanisms (mechanical, chemical, biocontrol) as strategies may need to be shifted with climate change. 

Keywords

Novel Introduction Pathways; Range Expansion; Competitiveness; Review; Risk Assessment