Current patterns of non-native vertebrate introductions in Brazil: introduction pathways and the contribution of niche dynamics in understanding the invasion process

• Published in: Biological invasions 2023-12, Vol.25 (12), p.3753-3772
• Main Authors: Adelino, José Ricardo Pires, Lima, Marcos Robalinho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Climatic conditions; Coastal zone; Developmental Biology; Ecological effects; Ecology; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Indigenous species; Introduced species; Invasive species; Life Sciences; Literature reviews; Native species; Niches; Nonnative species; Original Paper; Plant Sciences; Port facilities; Spatial analysis; Vertebrates
• ISSN: 1387-3547; 1573-1464
• DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-03134-z

Correlative niche models are commonly used in the prevention and management of invasive species. The climatic similarity between non-native and native environments is a necessary assumption for the maintenance of species niches, influencing ecological processes in the persistence of non-native species in novel environments. Spatial patterns derived from distribution models provide a cost-effective method for predicting the occurrence of invasive species, but these models also allow the investigation of processes in the current patterns of non-native species occurrence. Here we used a literature review and niche modeling to investigate the introduction pathway and niche dynamics for non-native vertebrate species in Brazil. We found that environmental enhancement and commodity species are the primary pathways of introduction. Because our model indicated the coastal regions of Brazil as suitable for vertebrate introductions, and these pathways are associated with the animal trade, we highlight that port facilities are key points for species introductions. Non-native species at the early invasive stages showed a higher prevalence of niche unfilling, while those at the later invasive stages showed niche expansion. Also, recent introductions occurred in the margin of suitable climatic conditions, while later introductions generally occurred outside analog climatic conditions. This result emphasizes the significant role of niche shift and climatic conditions in the initial stages of the invasion process as a proximate factor in promoting species persistence.