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The invasive yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina) was first detected in mainland Portugal in September 2011. The lack of information regarding the processes of species spread has hampered the development of adequate measures to mitigate the potential impact of this invasive predator.Crowdsourced data, i.e., information opportunistically reported by citizens, can facilitate the collection of numerous species occurrence records over large spatial scales, which can be valuable to understand the expansion of invasive species. Here, using validated crowdsourced data on the precise location of 49 013 nests, we: (i) update information regarding V. velutina distribution in Portugal; (ii) estimate the species expansion rate; and (iii) analyse the patterns of nests distribution at national and local scales.The species is currently distributed over an area of approximately 57 000 km2, which corresponds to 62% of mainland Portugal. We estimated an average rate of 37.4 ± 13.2 km/year for V. velutina expansion. Vespa velutina nests presented an aggregated distribution and nest density at the urban local‐scale was estimated in 5.4 ± 3.3 nests/km2. The observed decrease in the nearest‐neighbour nest distance over the years suggests that the density of nests has not reached its limit.We advocate that the development of a cheap and rapid method for nest detection and the study of fine‐scale mechanisms leading to V. velutina dispersal are important steps to identify colonisation pathways and plan management approaches aiming to halt species spread and impact in apiaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the first atlas of the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the Diawling National Park (DNP), Mauritania. Unpublished fieldwork observations collected between 2010 and 2017 were combined with published records and museum data in a geographical information system to produce maps with the distribution of individual species and species richness. The taxonomic list includes 32 species, six amphibians and 26 reptiles, grouped in 17 families. Ten species are new records for the area. Species form distinct groups according to their distribution patterns and preliminary habitat selection trends: 1) species distributed in inland dunes, some extending their range to coastal dunes; 2) species distributed in inland dunes and floodplains; and 3) species associated with habitats that are permanently or seasonally flooded or that inhabit riparian forests. Three areas accumulating most of the species found are located in sand habitats of DNP and peripheral zones. Specific counts of Crocodylus suchus suggest strong seasonal fluctuations in population size inside DNP, which are likely a consequence of the human-mediated dynamics of water availability in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) has been identified as a major threat to European entomofauna. Species distribution models have been used to assess its invasiveness risk. No studies were, however, developed specifically for peripheral regions, where unique biodiversity can be threatened by this species. 2. This study aims to address that particular issue by incorporating non-commonly used drivers and by forecasting regions in Iberian Peninsula where the species has high risk of expansion. Climatic, anthropogenic and land-use variables were considered. The species potential distribution was assessed using a generalised linear model. 3. Overall, the model predicted the northern regions of the Iberian Peninsula suitable for the species expansion. Only the driest regions at the south are conservatively predicted to not be occupied by the yellow-legged hornet. Precipitation and temperature have the highest influence in Vespa velutina nigrithorax distribution, with land-use also playing an important role in its expansion at regional scale. 4. These results highlighted the threat of this species to beekeeping activities. Due to high species richness and endemicity levels, peripheral regions integrated in Biodiversity Hotspots need special attention and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]