Calling time on alien plantscapes.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Global plantscapes are increasingly dominated by alien plant species, leading to homogenization and loss of regional distinctiveness.
• While invasive alien plants are well-studied, non-invasive alien species significantly contribute to biotic homogenization and incur an 'invasion debt'.
• Native species abundance is crucial for fostering public commitment to biodiversity conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ecological and cultural impacts of non-invasive alien plant species.
• To determine if the proliferation of non-invasive alien plants warrants governmental regulatory measures.
• To explore the relationship between alien plant abundance and biodiversity conservation commitment.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on alien plant species impacts.
• Analysis of ecological homogenization trends in urban and rural environments.
• Evaluation of the concept of 'invasion debt' related to non-invasive alien flora.

Main Results:

• Non-invasive alien plants significantly contribute to the homogenization of plant communities worldwide.
• The accumulation of non-invasive alien plants represents a growing ecological debt with potential long-term consequences.
• A decline in native species diversity negatively affects public engagement with conservation.

Conclusions:

• The increasing prevalence of non-invasive alien plants poses a threat to biodiversity and cultural identity.
• There is a need for policy interventions to manage and reduce the proportion of non-invasive alien plants.
• Strengthening native plant communities is vital for enhancing biodiversity conservation support.