Alternative stable ecological states observed after a biological invasion

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Invasion Biology

Background:

• Abiotic stressors significantly influence ecosystem changes and community resilience worldwide.
• Understanding the impact of abiotic drivers on community dynamics is crucial, especially with intensifying global changes.
• The role of local abiotic factors in shaping biological invasions remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze long-term dung beetle community data using regime shift theory.
• To investigate how climatic changes affect community structure in the presence of an invasive species.
• To characterize the stability and resilience of ecological states under varying climatic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 26 years of weekly dung beetle abundance data.
• Application of regime shift theory to understand community responses.
• Development of a climatic index combining minimum temperature and relative humidity.

Main Results:

• The invasive tunneler Digitonthophagus gazella initially dominated but decreased over time.
• Climate factors (climatic index) drove ecological transitions, revealing alternative stable states.
• Two stable states (dweller or tunneler dominance) existed at mid/low climatic driver values; single tunneler dominance at high values.

Conclusions:

• Climatic changes can induce regime shifts in ecological communities, influencing invasion success.
• Community resilience varies with climatic conditions, affecting invasion persistence or ecosystem recovery.
• This framework aids in understanding climate-driven community responses and managing exotic species impacts.