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Invasive Alien Species (IAS), i.e. species introduced by humans outside their natural geographic range, may act as host or vectors of pathogens of both human and animal health relevance. Although it has been recognized that IAS should deserve more attention from a public and animal health perspective, data on the pathogens hosted by these species are not systematically collected and this prevents accurate assessments of IAS-specific risks of disease transmission. To support the future development of disease risk assessments, we systematically reviewed the scientific literature related to the pathogens of the eleven mammal species included in the European list of IAS of concern to gain insight in the amount and quality of data available. Data were analyzed to assess the current knowledge on the pathogens harbored by mammal IAS in natural conditions, through the identification of the main factors associated with research intensity on IAS pathogens and with the IAS observed pathogen species richness, the estimation of the true pathogen species richness for each IAS, and a meta-analysis of prevalence for the pathogens of health relevance. While the review confirmed that mammal IAS harbor pathogens of human and animal health relevance such as rabies virus, West Nile Virus, Borrelia burgdorferi and Mycobacterium bovis, results also highlighted strong information gaps and biases in research on IAS pathogens. In addition, the analyses showed an underestimation of the number of pathogens harbored by these species and the existence of high levels of uncertainty in the prevalence of the pathogens of health significance identified. These results highlight the need towards more efforts in making the available information on IAS pathogens accessible and systematically collected in order to provide data for future investigations and risk assessments, as well as the need of relying on alternative sources of information to assess IAS disease risk, like expert opinions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The authors received no specific funding for this work., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a rising threat to biodiversity, national security, and regional economies, with impacts in the hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars annually. Proactive or predictive approaches guided by scientific knowledge are essential to keeping pace with growing impacts of invasions under climate change. Although the rapid development of diverse technologies and approaches has produced tools with the potential to greatly accelerate invasion research and management, innovation has far outpaced implementation and coordination. Technological and methodological syntheses are urgently needed to close the growing implementation gap and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and synergy among evolving disciplines. A broad review is necessary to demonstrate the utility and relevance of work in diverse fields to generate actionable science for the ongoing invasion crisis. Here, we review such advances in relevant fields including remote sensing, epidemiology, big data analytics, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, genomics, and others, and present a generalized framework for distilling existing and emerging data into products for proactive IAS research and management. This integrated workflow provides a pathway for scientists and practitioners in diverse disciplines to contribute to applied invasion biology in a coordinated, synergistic, and scalable manner., (© 2022 Cambridge Philosophical Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.)

Invasive alien species (IAS) can cause ecological and economic damages. To reduce or prevent these damages different management and prevention strategies aim to impede new establishments or a further spreading of IAS. However, for these measures to be successful, public knowledge of risks and threats of IAS as well as public support for eradication measures are important prerequisites. We conducted a survey to examine (i) public and experts' awareness and knowledge of IAS, (ii) their preferences for six invasive plant species and (iii) their preferences for and trade-offs among management alternatives in Switzerland. In addition, a choice experiment was applied to analyse preferences concerning the intensity, priority and costs of interventions. Both, the Swiss public and the experts have a preference for intervening against invasive alien species. However, the public and the experts differ in their priorities of combatting particular species, resulting in a different ranking of intervention necessities. Further, differences were found in the willingness to pay for interventions between the German-, French- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. The results suggest that a higher problem awareness increases the willingness to pay for countermeasures. We conclude that education programs or information campaigns are promising instruments to raise public awareness and to avoid conflicts concerning the management of invasive alien species.

Invasive alien species (IAS) represent a largely untapped yet environmentally friendly, healthy, and often flavorful food source. Defined as organisms living in nonnative environments wherein they adversely impact their host ecosystems, IAS are inherently a condition of geography. Control through consumption, or harvesting IAS for the purpose of eating them, appears to be a viable option in both curbing the proliferation of many problem species and providing a source of fresh local food. Anecdotal evidence suggests interest in the practice is gaining popularity. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study is to examine what motivates people to engage in grassroots control-through-consumption efforts. The findings revealed that people were motivated to pursue control-through-consumption activities by several factors, including flavors, versatilely, and the challenge of using invasive-based ingredients; level of commitment; environmental benefits; medicinal usage; and as an outlet for leisure. Overlapping benefits were particularly powerful in motivating participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Reducing the rate of alien species introductions is a major conservation aim. However, accurately quantifying the rate at which species are introduced into new regions remains a challenge due to the confounding effect of observation efforts on discovery records. Despite the recognition of this issue, most analyses are still based on raw discovery records, leading to biased inferences. In this study, we evaluate different models for estimating introduction rates, including new models that use auxiliary data on observation effort, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Innovation: We compare four models: (1) a naïve model which assumes perfect detection; (2) a model proposed by Solow and Costello (the S&C model); (3) constant detection model: a modified version of the S&C model with constant detection probabilities and (4) a novel sampling proxy model: a model that uses external data on observation effort. We simulate discovery records of varying lengths, introduction rates and temporal patterns of detection probabilities to explore scenarios under which these models accurately estimate underlying introduction rates. (5) We also include code to perform a model based on Belmaker using independent data on the number of native species. Main conclusion: We found that the length of the discovery records and the annual number of recorded species play a crucial role in the performance of all models. Under simulated scenarios of high detection, the naïve model is usually the best‐performing model, but it falls short when detection is low. Moreover, we find that in simulations which most likely mimic most real‐world cases (i.e. non‐monotonic probability of detection), incorporating external data on observation effort using the sampling proxy model, substantially improve estimates. This highlights the importance of considering observation effort when estimating introduction rates of alien species. To facilitate the use of these models, we provide a decision workflow and a dedicated R package ('alien'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical and updated alien species inventories are crucial to properly manage and contrast biological invasions. After 6 years, a second update to the inventory of the vascular flora alien to Italy is presented. It provides details on the occurrence at administrative regional level and, for the first time, floristic data for San Marino. The checklist includes 1782 taxa (1673 species, 28 subspecies, 69 hybrids and 12 cultivar groups not attributable to a specific binomial), distributed in 786 genera and 159 families; 2 taxa are lycophytes, 13 ferns and fern allies, 37 gymnosperms and 1730 angiosperms. Among these, 154 taxa are archaeophytes and 1628 neophytes. The alien taxa currently established in Italy are 899 (649 naturalized and 250 invasive), while 796 taxa are casual aliens, 1 is not assessed, 38 have not been confirmed in recent times, 4 are considered extinct or possibly extinct in the country, 40 are doubtfully occurring in Italy, 4 are of unknown regional distribution and 110 are reported by mistake and to be excluded at national level. This checklist allows to establish an up-to-date number (10,023) of taxa currently constituting the whole (either native or alien) Italian flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are a principal threat to global biodiversity and the early detection of new introductions is key to facilitate a rapid response to limit the risk of establishment and spread. Related to this, there is growing interest in using environmental DNA (eDNA) for INNS detection. The applied use of eDNA in ecology is, however, in its relative infancy with few species for which regulator-approved methods are available. Here, laboratory trials were conducted to investigate the use of commercially available eDNA assays for detecting two high priority INNS in the UK, killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus) and signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), at different population densities. For killer shrimp, DNA of the expected fragment size was detected from all three trials where animals were maintained at a density of 1 per 1 L but species confirmation by Sanger sequencing was only possible for one of these replicates. Whilst capillary electrophoresis detected DNA of the expected fragment size in serially diluted samples down to a density of 1 shrimp in 100 L, this could not be confirmed by sequencing. Signal crayfish DNA was detected by qPCR in all four trials where animals were housed at a density of 1 per 10 L. Using serial dilutions, it was possible to detect signal crayfish in samples representing a density of 1 per 1,000 L, however this was unreliable. These results demonstrate the potential for using eDNA as a detection method for killer shrimp and signal crayfish but also highlights that detectability is species/assay specific and dependant on population density. The insights gained will help inform decisions surrounding the appropriateness of using these eDNA assays, and improve interpretation of any results generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the wide amount of scientific contributions published on alien plant species, their diffusion dynamics, and their interactions with native taxa, it is increasingly difficult to slow down their spreading and their negative impact on habitats. Last recent years, in fact, a sharp rise in the number of new alien plant taxa introduced in Italy and Europe has been recorded. The aim of this work is to investigate most of the Italian territory in order to verify whether this alarming trend is still underway. Specimen collections and/or observations of alien plants have been performed in as many as 12 Italian regions. All the collected specimens are stored in public or private herbaria. Taxa have been identified according to the literature from the countries of origin of the investigated taxa, while the nomenclature followed the current international references. Updates on 106 taxa are reported. In particular, among 117 new records, 89 are first records, 27 are changes to status and there is 1 extinction. Seven new taxa for Italian alien flora are reported, two of which are new to Europe. The administrative regions with the highest number of records are Calabria (48), Sardegna (17) and Sicilia (15). Five of the surveyed taxa, for the first time, have been considered invasive aliens to Italian territory. The unfrequent amount of original results provided by this work, over the simple importance of data itself, proves how floristic investigation, still today, represents one of the most effective tools in broadening the current knowledge about alien taxa and their dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Range‐expansion and speciation are not new to life on Earth, but they have been scarcely observed contemporarily and, likely, never over several continents simultaneously. Evidence of incipient reproductive isolation between native and non‐native regions of some invasive alien species indicates that invasive speciation is closer than we expected. Some neo‐allopatric populations are likely to qualify as distinguishable subspecies already. Given their trajectory, whether they will become new species is not an if, but a when. I present two decision tables to help to (1) assess the coining of new invasive species or subspecies with the current taxonomical approach or (2), introduce the term "neo" to name invasive neo‐species resulting from synchronous allopatric speciation from a single, known, living ancestor. This latter case can be exemplified with the hypothetical names: "Ginkgo biloba neo americana", "G. biloba neo europea", etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global rise in issues related to the invasion of alien tree species is becoming increasingly prominent. Genus Acacia is one of the most pervasive invaders among the non-native flora introduced to Portugal over the centuries. This research aimed to pinpoint the key players engaged in its management, their expertise, and the methodologies applied to control acacias or decrease affected regions. Data were gathered via an online survey and subjected to diverse statistical analyses. Numerous stakeholders have emerged in recent decades, employing various methods to fight acacia invasion. Mechanical, chemical, and combined methods are the most frequently applied. The findings highlight the need for continued funding for long-term acacia control in the same invaded areas, increased training actions and best practices demonstration in the field and increased public awareness and engagement in local communities and the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The combination of warming waters and increased human activity in the Arctic creates increasingly favorable conditions for the arrival of invasive species to Arctic and sub-Arctic aquatic ecosystems. Invasive species threaten biodiversity and can impact local communities and industries that rely on healthy ecosystems. In Iceland, the pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), native to Pacific waters, has been found in rapidly increasing numbers since 2017. This research aimed to explore the institutional response to the arrival of pink salmon in Iceland. Documents such as international agreements and Icelandic laws and policies were analyzed for similarities, differences, and knowledge gaps related to pink salmon management. In addition, semi-structured interviews (n=10) explored experiences, knowledge, and opinions of individuals in different levels of decision-making, biological research, angling tourism, and nature conservation. Results show that reactions to the arrival of pink salmon are limited to registration of catches. No widespread research has been initiated and knowledge of basic ecology and potential impacts are lacking. Furthermore, no organized coordinated management responses are in place. Because of the growing importance of invasive species management around the world, this research adds novel insight into opportunities for improvement of invasive species management in Iceland through the development of recommendations for formalized procedures and risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) threaten the biodiversity richness of the Mediterranean basin, a drought-prone region. However, our knowledge on the adaptive strategies of IAS for facing Mediterranean drought summers is still incomplete. The aim of the present study is to compare the water relations and the critical relative water content (RWC) values leading to loss of cell rehydration capacity of two Mediterranean basin IAS (i.e. Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) versus two co-occurring native species (i.e. Fraxinus ornus L. and Quercus pubescens  Willd.). Study IAS showed higher values of water potential at turgor loss point and osmotic potential at full turgor, lower values of modulus of elasticity and leaf mass area but higher photosynthesis rate, even during the summer, with respect to the Mediterranean native species. These findings supported the hypothesis that IAS are characterized by a resource acquisitive strategy coupled with a safety-efficiency trade-off, compared with Mediterranean native species. However, similar leaf RWC thresholds leading to loss of cell rehydration capacity were recorded in the two groups of species. Moreover, IAS showed higher saturated water content and capacitance values compared with the co-occurring species. Overall, our results suggest that the success of Mediterranean IAS is driven by their ability to delay dehydration damage of mesophyll cells during Mediterranean summer drought, thereby supporting their distinctive high carbon assimilation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular monitoring of ecosystems can be used for the early detection of invasive alien species (IAS), and provide information for management and preventing them from becoming established or advancing into new areas. Current methods of monitoring freshwater systems for IAS can be both financially costly and time‐consuming, with routine monitoring often carried out at low intensity and at only a small number of sites. In this study, we evaluate how environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for monitoring freshwater macroinvertebrate IAS compares to traditional kick‐net sampling as part of a national (Switzerland) and a catchment monitoring programme. Kick‐net sampling was more fruitful for the detection of several well‐known target macroinvertebrate IAS. However, eDNA samples proved complementary for the detection of IAS that belong to species often being unnoticed by traditional sampling due to methodological or taxonomic reasons. Specifically, the invasive jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii, hardly detectable using classic kick‐net sampling, was found to be widespread in both the national and the catchment‐scale monitoring with the eDNA method only. Our study shows that IAS detection using eDNA is easily implemented in both national‐ and catchment‐scale monitoring campaigns. However, successful detection of target IAS is still highly dependent on primer choice, species' biology, and availability of adequate markers. Specifically, multiple markers should be considered for detecting IAS from several different taxonomic groups, such as those under the 'freshwater macroinvertebrate' umbrella term. While eDNA is still developing in terms of these fundamental methodological requirements, surveillance for both target and non‐target IAS using eDNA is likely to increase efficiency in early detection of IAS in freshwater systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Vespa velutina is a stress factor in Galician apiaries. • Hornets can carry loads of different bee viruses at the same time. • DWV is a frequent virus in V. velutina. • In this study, LSV was detected for the first time in V. velutina. • Replicating forms of DWV and LSV were detected in the co-occurrence of hornets. Apiaries in Galicia, northwestern Spain, are currently facing the invasive alien species Vespa velutina, which is well established in the region. The pressure on honey bee colonies is high, resulting in both economic and ecological losses. Honey bee colonies also face the challenge of viruses, which are becoming increasingly diverse. In recent years, honey bee viruses have been spreading across taxonomic groups beyond Apoidea, infecting the Vespoidea superfamily. This cross-species spillover has raised concerns in the scientific community due to the potential risk of viruses spreading in ecosystems. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge on this topic, and further research is needed to address this issue. This study employed qPCR and sequencing to investigate the prevalence, loads, and presence of replicative forms of important honey bee viruses in V. velutina individuals collected from 11 apiaries in Galicia. All V. velutina individuals tested positive for DWV, BQCV, AKI complex (ABPV, KBV, and IAPV), or LSV but not for CBPV. DWV showed the highest prevalence (97.0 %) and loads, with both DWV-A (67.4 %) and DWV-B (32.6 %) being detected. The AKI complex (46.3 %) and LSV (43.3 %) were also common, whereas BQCV (11.9 %) was rarer. LSV is detected for the first time in V. velutina. LSV-2 was the dominant strain (82.1 %), and two less frequent (17.9 %) unknown strains were also detected. All 44 screened V. velutina samples carried the replicative form of DWV, and six of these also carried the replicative form of LSV, raising for the first time the possibility of co-infection in the hornet. The detection of honey bee viruses in V. velutina , and the ability of these viruses to spread to other species, may indicate a potential risk of spillover in the apiaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive alien species (IAS) are widely recognized as a significant threat to marine biodiversity and severely affect ecosystem services. There has been no measurable global assessment of their impacts and routes of introduction. This review highlights some aspects of invasive species and their impacts on the ecosystem in general. For many roots like global transportation, biological pest control, climate changes, and sometimes commercial, invasive species are introduced into the new environments. Afterward, the invasive species are rapidly dominant over the indigenous species because of their first growth, rapid reproduction, ecological competence, and phenotypic plasticity, consequently, altering the structure of Ecosystems and deterring the biological and physical organization of the system. Many policies have been introduced to stop the destruction produced by invasive animals and plants and to prevent upcoming invasions. Some critical components of getting rid of invasion are concern about transporting wildlife to new areas, Ballast water in tankers, aquarium species, and shipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species are considered the second greatest global threat to biodiversity. This study is aimed at determining the impacts of Parthenium hysterophorus on herbaceous and woody plant species diversity in the Ginir district, southeast Ethiopia. Data on vegetation were collected from the three study sites' four land use types, with each land use type having invaded and non-invaded land units. A systematic random sampling method was used for establishing sampling plots. To examine the impacts of the invasive on native plant diversity, a total of 160 plots (120 plots of 1 m2 on grazing lands, roadsides, and abandoned agricultural lands and 40 plots of 20 m2 for sampling herbaceous and tree (shrub) species, respectively) were established. The number of plots was equally distributed in both invaded and adjacent non-invaded areas. Plant species from each plot were recorded and identified. In each plot, all the individuals of P. hysterophorus were counted, the heights of the five tallest individuals were measured, and the mean height was calculated. The percentage cover of P. hysterophorus was visually estimated. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 105 plant species (45 trees/shrubs and 60 herbaceous) belonging to 84 genera and 42 families were documented in the study area. The result showed a strong negative relationship between the density of P. hysterophorus and other plant species richness (r = −0.82, p = 0.013) and species abundance (r = −0.917, p = 0.001) per study site of the invaded community. Species richness in the non-invaded site was higher (105 species) than in the invaded area (63 species), demonstrating the negative impact of P. hysterophorus on local biodiversity. Furthermore, the number of plant families was 42 in the non-invaded area, in contrast to only 32 in the invaded areas, a 23.8% decline. Of the plant communities, similarity indices between non-invaded and invaded sites among different land use types were >50%. It was concluded that P. hysterophorus was one of the most dominant invasive alien species in the study area that reduced the species diversity of various plant species. Putting in place a strategy and effective planning for the control and management of this invasive alien species is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When colonizing new areas, invasive alien species (IAS) have the potential to introduce parasites, which may be perilous to native species. In the Philippines, however, parasite communities of IAS have received little attention. Here, we provide the first report of the gastrointestinal helminths parasitizing Rhinella marina, one of the most common and widespread IAS anurans in the Philippines. A total of 318 individuals of helminths classified as trematodes (Glypthelmins sp. and Mesocoelium sp.) and nematodes (Falcaustra sp. and Physaloptera sp.) were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of 31 out of 67 individuals (46%) of R. marina collected from four selected urban green spaces within Metro Manila. Glypthelmins sp. was the most prevalent (P = 20.9%), dominant (D = 62.3%), and had the highest mean intensity (14.1 ± 15.9) among the identified helminths. Our results contribute knowledge on diversity and infection patterns of gastrointestinal helminths associated with the invasive toad R. marina in the Philippines. Further studies are needed to investigate the helminth fauna of other IAS anurans present in the country and to accurately assess the possible transmission of these parasites between colonizers and native species of anurans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The members of the heterobranch family Veronicellidae Gray, 1840 (commonly referred to as leatherleaf slugs) include some of the most widespread and agriculturally damaging invasive slugs. In a recent survey at Sagar Island of Sunderban Biosphere Reserve, four specimens hitherto unknown from the Reserve were collected. The specimens were identified as Laevicaulis haroldi Dundee, 1980, a native of South Africa. The first observation of this species in India was noted during 2005 in Maharashtra and recently from Uttar Pradesh. The current record from West Bengal affirmed this slug to be an invasive alien species in India. Categorized as IUCN-Endangered in its native range, this species might have a wider distribution in India. In addition, the current study underscores the need of identifying invasive alien species and quantifying their population dynamics in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasion of alien plant species (IAS) represents a serious environmental problem, particularly in Europe, where it mainly pertains to urban areas. Seed germination traits contribute to clarification of invasion dynamics. The objective of this research was to analyze how different light conditions (i.e., 12‐hr light/12‐hr darkness and continuous darkness) and temperature regimes (i.e., 15/6°C, 20/10°C and 30/20°C) trigger seed germination of Ailanthus altissima (AA), Phytolacca americana (PA) and Robinia pseudoacacia (RP). The relationship between seed germination and seed morphometric traits was also analyzed. Our findings highlight that temperature rather than light was the main environmental factor affecting germination. RP germinated at all tested temperatures, whereas at 15/6°C seeds of AA and PA showed physiological dormancy. RP had a higher germination capacity at a lower temperature, unlike AA and PA, which performed better at the highest temperatures. Light had a minor role in seed germination of the three species. Light promoted germination only for seeds of PA, and final germination percentage was 1.5‐fold higher in light than in continuous darkness. Seed morphometric traits (thickness [T], area [A] and volume [V]) had a significant role in explaining germination trait variations. The results highlight the importance of increasing our knowledge on seed germination requirements to predict future invasiveness trends. The increase in global temperature could further advantage AA and PA in terms of germinated seeds, as well as RP by enhancing the germination velocity, therefore compensating for a lower germination percentage of this species at the highest temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its accidental introduction in 2003 in France, the yellow-legged Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax is rapidly spreading through France and Europe. Economic assessments regarding the costs of invasive species often reveal important costs from required control measures or damages. Despite the rapid invasion of the Asian yellow-legged hornet in Europe and potential damage to apiculture and pollination services, the costs of its invasion have not been evaluated yet. Here we aimed at studying the costs arising from the Asian yellow-legged hornet invasion by providing the first estimate of the control cost. Today, the invasion of the Asian yellow-legged hornet is mostly controlled by nest destruction. We estimated that nest destruction cost €23 million between 2006 and 2015 in France. The yearly cost is increasing as the species keeps spreading and could reach €11.9 million in France, €9.0 million in Italy and €8.6 million in the United Kingdom if the species fills its current climatically suitable distribution. Although more work will be needed to estimate the cost of the Asian yellow-legged hornet on apiculture and pollination services, they likely exceed the current costs of control with nest destruction. It could thus be worth increasing control efforts by aiming at destroying a higher percentage of nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Croatica is the property of Natura Croatica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two female specimens of bioinvasive spider crab Acanthonyx euryseroche Griffin & Tranter, 1986 were collected alive in association with brown seaweeds from lower intertidal zone of Buleji (24o50'356"N 66o49'368"E) situated in the vicinity of the largest shipping port along the Karachi coast, Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea). Collected Acanthonyx euryseroche transported to laboratory and housed in sea water filled glass aquarium for further taxonomic studies. Any previous published record of occurrence of this species is not available from Pakistan. Main feature of this species observed to have seaweeds leafy structures affixed on their head region that they use for camouflage thus hide themselves inside the seaweeds for protection purpose. A. euryseroche has been declared invasive alien species to the Indo-Pak region. Invasive alien species (IAS) spread outside of their natural distribution and considered a threat to indigenous biodiversity. Entry of this alien species in Pakistani water could be destructive to the native species. Hence, occurrence of A. euryseroche requires more rigorous study, monitoring and management plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The historical account of Aztec Emperor Auitztol's introduction of the great-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus into the Valley of Mexico (1486-1502) is significant because it documents human translocation of wild birds in Mexico over 500 years ago, before the Spanish Conquest of that land. In the present paper, which defends the account from writings that dispute it, I first review the evidence of how the account was obtained and show that its many details are consistent with what is known from other sources about both the great-tailed grackle and the Aztecs (Nahuas). I then review and examine all published criticisms of the account and explain in detail why they are wrong. The critics have to date presented no persuasive evidence to support their speculation that the Aztecs confused, or might have confused, a natural invasion for an introduction. In contrast to these critics, Bernardino de Sahagún's research group in the 1500s presented a highly credible, peer-reviewed historical account that documented Aztec introduction of the great-tailed grackle. The pioneering work of these Renaissance Mexican scholars continues to stand as one of the most important records of invasive alien species introduction in ancient times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien fish species (IAFS) influence recipient ecosystems in multiple ways, from altered native fish communities to poor ecological health and higher economic losses to control and eradication. We tested key drivers and connections between an IAFS (Micropterus salmoides) presence, absence, geomorphological, hydro-chemical, physical habitat, native fish assemblages, and large river basins biotic integrity during 2016–2019. A total number of 62,121 individuals (TNI) representing 74 fish species were observed, out of which 68 species (45,677 TNI) belonged to the Geum River (GR) basin, while 63 species (16,444 TNI) were from the Mankyong/Dongjin River (MDR) basin. The results illustrated a significant contrast based on stream order, catchment area, altitude, stream gradient, and width among the sites with and without largemouth bass. However, fluctuations in nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) were not affected by variations in pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, suspended solids, and river flow. The largemouth bass has emerged as the 8th largest fish population in the GR and swiftly occupies the MDR basin with a constancy value of 45.5. Native sensitive (r = −0.38), insectivore (r = −0.252), carnivores (r = −0.085), and TNI (r = −0.512) displayed a negative correlation with increasing largemouth bass abundance. Largemouth bass induced significant regime transformation in the carnivore species. A significant difference (p < 0.01) of biotic integrity was illustrated among the largemouth bass population sites. A conspicuous interplay between 'poor' ecological health (r = 0.33, p = 0.038, n = 41) sites and 'fair–excellent' (r = −0.38, p < 0.001, n = 622) sites as compared to the overall ecological health linked with largemouth bass abundance (r = −0.397, p < 0.001, n = 663) alluded to stronger impact of the IAFS. In conclusion, the largemouth bass has potentially altered the native fish assemblage and ecological health. Further, we conclude that rapidly shifting flow patterns supported by the expanding anthropogenic interventions (weirs and dam) are the most approving factors of impending fish invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]