Can behavioral and personality traits influence the success of unintentional species introductions?

• Published in: Trends in ecology & evolution (Amsterdam) 2012, Vol.27 (1), p.62-69
• Main Authors: Chapple, David G., Simmonds, Sarah M., Wong, Bob B.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Applied ecology; Behavior; Biological and medical sciences; colonizing ability; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Introduced Species; Parks, reserves, wildlife conservation. Endangered species: population survey and restocking; Personality; transportation
• ISSN: 0169-5347; 1872-8383
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2011.09.010

Unintentional species invasions are instigated by human-mediated dispersal of individuals beyond their native range. Although most introductions fail at the first hurdle, a select subset pass through each stage of the introduction process (i.e. transport, introduction, establishment and spread) to become successful invaders. Efforts to identify the traits associated with invasion success have predominately focused on deliberate introductions, which essentially bypass the initial introduction stage. Here, we highlight how behavior influences the success or failure of unintentional species introductions across each stage of the introduction process, with a particular focus on transportation and initial establishment. In addition, we emphasize how recent advances in understanding of animal personalities and individual-level behavioral variation can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying the success of stowaways.