The spread of non-native species
Phillip J Haubrock1,2, Ali Serhan Tarkan3,4, Irene Martín-Forés5,6
1Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, Dorset, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK.
Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Human activities are driving global species redistribution, leading to widespread biological invasions. This review synthesizes ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic factors influencing the spread of non-native species across diverse ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Global species redistribution is a hallmark of the Anthropocene.
- Biological invasions significantly alter biodiversity, ecosystem functions, and species interactions worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize the ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic mechanisms driving the spread of non-native species.
- To examine the dynamics of non-native species spread across various taxa and realms.
- To evaluate key phenomena influencing invasion spread and outline prediction methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing existing research on non-native species spread.
- Cross-system and cross-scale analysis of ecological, evolutionary, and anthropogenic factors.
- Evaluation of phenomena such as invasion fronts, Allee effects, and biotic interactions.
Main Results:
- Dispersal, recruitment, and establishment interact across spatial and temporal scales to facilitate spread.
- Environmental change, landscape properties, and biotic interactions modulate invasion dynamics.
- Spread can be measured and predicted using diverse tools from diffusion models to AI.
Conclusions:
- Understanding non-native species spread is crucial for effective policy and management.
- A comprehensive synthesis advances theoretical and practical knowledge of biological invasions.
- Interdisciplinary approaches are essential for addressing the global challenge of species invasions.
Keywords:
Allee effectsbiological invasionsdiffusiondispersalinvasion frontinvasivenessnon‐native speciesMore Related Videos
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