Invisible invaders: A new warning flag for molecularly detected alien species (MODAS) in databases and information...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Molecular Ecology

Background:

• Invasive alien species (IAS) pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Traditional monitoring methods often fail to detect IAS in challenging environments or cryptic life stages.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) and molecular tools offer sensitive detection but are excluded by current regulations requiring morphological verification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a framework for integrating molecularly detected alien species (MODAS) into IAS monitoring.
• To establish metadata requirements for the MODAS designation.
• To enhance early detection and rapid response strategies for invasive species management.

Main Methods:

• Defining "molecularly detected alien species" (MODAS) as a distinct category.
• Specifying essential metadata for MODAS, including sampling, molecular data, taxonomic assignment, and reference databases.
• Proposing the integration of MODAS flags into existing IAS databases and information systems.

Main Results:

• A standardized framework for flagging alien species detected solely through molecular data is presented.
• Defined metadata requirements ensure data quality and taxonomic confidence for MODAS.
• The proposed framework facilitates prioritized validation and rapid response actions.

Conclusions:

• Integrating MODAS flags provides a precautionary and complementary approach to IAS monitoring.
• This framework improves surveillance coverage, particularly in understudied or vulnerable ecosystems.
• Tracking MODAS aids in refining IAS surveillance strategies and promotes international coordination.