Biological Invasion Data Gaps in China: Examples of Distribution, Inventories, and Impact

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Global increase in invasive alien species (IAS) impacts necessitates evidence-based management strategies.
• Information systems are crucial for assessing and managing biological invasions, but are often hampered by a lack of accessible baseline data.
• Despite growing public awareness in China, critical data requirements for IAS management remain unrecognized, leading to data deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline key data demands for effective biological invasion management.
• To highlight current deficiencies in high-quality IAS data within China.
• To critically assess data gaps concerning IAS distribution, inventory, and impact.

Main Methods:

• Review of data requirements for biological invasion management.
• Assessment of existing IAS data quality in China.
• Development of a conceptual framework for data needs in invasion management.

Main Results:

• Significant gaps exist in high-quality IAS data in China, affecting distribution, inventory, and impact assessment.
• A conceptual framework detailing data requirements across the invasion management process was proposed.
• Indicators for assessing data quality (relevance, resolution, reliability) were identified.

Conclusions:

• Addressing data gaps in IAS distribution, inventory, and impact is critical for effective invasion management in China.
• The proposed framework and quality indicators can guide efforts to improve IAS data collection and utilization.
• Enhanced data accessibility and quality are essential for evidence-based decision-making in biological invasion control.