Global Invasions Network

A report by Sarah Perkins and Ali Dunn The Parasites and Invasions Thematic Topic addressed the importance of enemy release in the context of parasites and pathogens, asking whether invaders really are bigger and better; what is the impact of introduced parasites; and how parasites modify native -invader interactions. Mark Torchin, Helen Roy and Joe [...]

The invasive aquatic plant Sagittaria platyphylla (delta arrowhead; Alismataceae) dominating a wetland along the River Murray, Australia. This is a good example of a site with low alien species richness but high alien species cover. Photo: J.A. Catford   Biological invasions are a global phenomenon that threatens biodiversity, and few, if any, ecosystems are free [...]

Commercial trade in ornamental plants is a major pathway for the introduction and dissemination of invasive alien plants. FloraHolland is the world largest international flower and plant market, with more than 8,000,000 trolleys processed each year. The most serious plant invaders in Europe result from garden escapes which makes the ornamental plant industry a major [...]

Official Press Release (English) Press Release (German) A study on biological invasions based on extensive data of alien species from 10 taxonomic groups and 28 European countries has shown that patterns of established alien species richness are more related to historical levels of socio-economic drivers than to contemporary ones. An international group of 16 researchers [...]

The Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), native to the Caucasus region and Central Asia,  has been introduced  across Western Europe and North America. Photo: Petr Pyšek   Alien species, which have been introduced to non-native habitats, can become invasive with the potential to cause damage to the local ecosystem. Researchers have suggested that more intercontinental collaboration [...]

Ox-eye Daisy (Telekia speciosa). Photo: Petr Pyšek There is concern regarding the ecological and economic impacts caused by biological invasions, but we still have little understanding of these phenomena. It is unclear whether all invasive species have an impact and which ecosystem services are at greatest risk. Recently, the scientific journal “Ecology Letters” has published [...]

The Japanese scientist Osamu Miura is collecting Cerithid snails in mangroves in Panama. Photo: Mark Torchin   Long before there was a Panama Canal, at least two marine snails made a fantastic journey between oceans, crossing not on land or water but in the air — all in the belly of a bird. “Just as [...]

Colorado State Faculty Participate in Global Invasive Plant Research FORT COLLINS – Invasive plant species present serious environmental, economic and social problems worldwide.  Their abundance can lead to lost native biodiversity and ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling. Despite substantial research, little is known about why some species dominate new habitats over native plants that [...]

What they are and how to propose an exchange. Research exchanges allow pairs of individuals and small groups to work together toward GIN goals of integrating ecological and evolutionary hypotheses for invasions. The RCN can provide partial support, as outlined below.   How to propose an exchange Proposal Write up a brief (e.g. 1-2 paragraphs) [...]

Proposal Send ideas to Mark Torchin (torchinm@si.edu). The steering committee will review the proposal, and respond within a month.  Ideally, the symposium will coincide with the annual meeting. Budget In general, we are able to pay airfare up to $500 for domestic and $1,200 for international travel, with $100/diem for domestic exchanges, and $125/diem for [...]