The scale insect genus Crypticerya Cockerell, 1895 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryi... more The scale insect genus Crypticerya Cockerell, 1895 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryini) is mainly distributed in the New World and includes numerous pest species despite being a relatively small group. Ovisacs have longitudinal flutes or grooves in those species that produce them, hence their common name “fluted scales”.” In the present study, Crypticerya multicicatrices Kondo & Unruh and Crypticerya genistae (Hempel) are reported for the first time from Ecuador. The two species of fluted scales were found to cause outbreaks in urban green areas in Guayas province on the Ecuadorian coast, attacking native and alien plants. Eighty-five and eleven new host plant species were recorded for C. multicicatrices and C. genistae, respectively. Both invasive fluted scales prefer hosts in the family Fabaceae. No significant differences in the infestation levels of C. multicicatrices and C. genistae were found between native and alien host-plant species. In general, C. multicicatri...
The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. It ... more The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. It has a generalist diet and the ability to nearly eat anything smaller than its mouth. Bullfrogs are implicated in population decline or local extinctions of several native amphibians by competition or depredation. There are several composition diets studies of Bullfrogs around the world, nonetheless, there are scarce diet studies in Ecuador. The aim of this study is to examined the food contents of adults Bullfrogs in two ponds of the protected area isla Santay, Ecuador. Using hand nets and trawls, we captured 14 Bullfrogs between September to December in the years 2018 and 2019. The diet composition of Bullfrogs captured was dominant by the orders Characiformes, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Decapoda, Lepidoptera y Orthoptera. We suggest a diet overlapping between the invasive species American bullfrog and the native amphibian Leptodactylus labrosus.
Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication.... more Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science — a dynamic and quickly evolving discipline — the rapid proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardized framework for its language development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damages and interventions. A standardized framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standard...
Alien plant species are colonizing high-elevation areas along roadsides. In this study, we evalua... more Alien plant species are colonizing high-elevation areas along roadsides. In this study, we evaluated whether the distributions of alien plants in the central Chilean mountains have reached climatic equilibrium (i.e., upper distribution limits consistent with their climatic requirements). First, we evaluated whether the upper elevational limits of alien plants changed between 2008 and 2018 based on the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN) database. Second, we compared the observed upper elevational limits with the upper limits predicted by each species’ global climatic niche. On average across species, the upper elevation limit did not change between 2008 and 2018. However, most species maintained the same limit or shifted downward, while only 23% of the species shifted upwards. This lack of change does not mean that the species’ distributions are in equilibrium with the climate, because the observed upper limit was lower than the limit predicted by the global niche model for 8...
Trabajo presentado en la XXIII Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Historia Natural, celebrado... more Trabajo presentado en la XXIII Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Historia Natural, celebrado en Barcelona (España), del 4 al 7 de septiembre de 2019Las especies alóctonas invasoras se consideran actualmente una de las principales amenazas para la biodiversidad mundial, y la horticultura ornamental es la principal vía de introducción de estas plantas. Una de las especies invasoras de más rápida expansión en los últimos tiempos es Kalanchoe × houghtonii Ward (Crassulaceae), un híbrido artificial que se creó en la década de 1930 en los Estados Unidos mediante cruces experimentales entre K. daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet, & H. Perrier y K. tubiflora (Harv.) Raym.-Hamet, dos especies endémicas de Madagascar. Gracias a su gran capacidad de colonización y a su extendido uso ornamental, este híbrido pronto escapó del cultivo y se extendió rápidamente a muchas partes del mundo, aunque su distribución real no es bien conocida debido a la falta de una descripción formal del taxon hasta tiempo...
The genus Kalanchoe, mostly indigenous from Madagascar and Tropical Africa, is widely traded for ... more The genus Kalanchoe, mostly indigenous from Madagascar and Tropical Africa, is widely traded for ornamental value. In this study, we provided an updated list of wild and cultivated Kalanchoe taxa in Ecuador; we analyzed the temporal–spatial pattern of their records, and we categorized the invasion status for each taxon and its environment preferences. The records of any taxa belonging to this genus were compiled from an extensive search using various information sources. Our results confirmed the presence of 16 taxa of Kalanchoe in the country. Seven species and a hybrid were detected in the wild. Kalanchoe densiflora, K. laxiflora, K. pinnata, K. tubiflora, and K. ×houghtonii were categorized as invasive. We detected invasive records of some of these plants in protected areas. Almost all taxa had at least one record as cultivated, suggesting that the invasion pathway is ornamental trade. Kalanchoe pinnata individuals in the wild were recorded in the four biogeographic regions of Ec...
Additional file 2: Distribution pattern of each individual study. Graphical method where the stan... more Additional file 2: Distribution pattern of each individual study. Graphical method where the standardized effect size of each individual study is plotted against its normal quantile value.
Additional file 1: Cases and studies that evaluated the impact of invasive plant species on soil ... more Additional file 1: Cases and studies that evaluated the impact of invasive plant species on soil microorganism communities. This table shows all references considered in meta-analysis. All data needed to calculate the effect size are included.
This study reports the distribution and abundance of the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei (Alcyo... more This study reports the distribution and abundance of the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei (Alcyonacea: Clavulariidae) in Ecuadorian continental coast. C. riisei is native from the Indo-Pacific region where it is an aggressive competitor. One of the major effects is the monopolization of resources (food and the space). The identification of the specie was confirmed genetically. Distribution and abundance of C. riisei was measured over quadrants located randomly at a 50 m transect positioned parallel to the coast in subtidal zone. Carijoa was found between February 2015 to February 2016 in three coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí and Santa Elena), including two marine protected areas (Galera San Francisco Marine Reserve in the north of Ecuador and El Pelado Marine Reserve in South Central Ecuadorian coast) and one area influenced by estuarine ecosystems (Jama). The highest relative abundance of Carijoa colonies where found in Jama (44.57%). This octocoral was found as an epibiont on corals (e.g. Pocillopora damicornis) and other macroinvertebrates (i.e. Pinctada mazatlanica, Muricea appresa, and Aplysina sp.). Our investigation suggests that Carijoa riisei is in advanced status from colonization in the coastal area and it is an imminent danger for autochthonous autochthonous sessile macroinvertebrates biodiversity and even greater risk for the Galapagos Islands.
Abstract Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Stapelia gigantea are two succulent invasive species with p... more Abstract Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Stapelia gigantea are two succulent invasive species with potential impacts on recruitment of native vegetation in a protected area of importance for conservation of arid environments in northern South America. We hypothesized that while K. daigremontiana has the potential for inhibiting recruitment of native plants through allelopathic effects, S. gigantea could facilitate recruitment of nurse-dependent native taxa. To explore these contrasting impacts, we designed a comparative study and a transplant experiment. Density of native seedlings and species richness were significantly lower in patches invaded by K. daigremontiana when compared to patches with native vegetation or invaded by S. gigantea , suggesting that native-seedling recruitment is negatively affected by K. daigremontiana and not affected or facilitated by S. gigantea . The experiment did not generate results concordant with those obtained in the comparative study. Seedlings' recruitment of two selected native species was facilitated by presence of nurse-plants (exotics and natives); however, the magnitude of this effect varied according to the type of nurse-plant, susceptibility to herbivory, and herbivory level. We identify K. daigremontiana as the invasive with top need for management actions, because it has the potential to alter composition and physiognomy of native-plant communities in tropical arid environments.
Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits tha... more Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits that facilitate dispersion, establishment, and population growth. The nonnative succulent plant Kalanchoe pinnata, reported as invasive in some countries, is widespread in remnants of seasonally dry tropical forest on a volcanic outcrop with high conservation value in east-central Mexico where we assessed its mating system and demographic growth and identified management strategies. To understand its local mating system, we conducted hand-pollination treatments, germination, and survival experiments. Based on the experimental data, we constructed a life-stage population matrix, identified the key traits for population growth, weighted the contributions of vegetative and sexual reproduction, and evaluated management scenarios. Hand-pollination treatments had slight effects on fruit and seed setting, as well as on germination. With natural pollination treatment, the successful germination of seeds from only 2/39 fruit suggests occasional effective natural cross-pollination. The ratios of the metrics for self-and cross-pollinated flowers suggest that K. pinnata is partially self-compatible. Most of the pollinated flowers developed into fruit, but the seed germination and seedling survival rates were low. Thus, vegetative propagation and juvenile survival are the main drivers of population growth. Simulations of a virtual K. pinnata population suggest that an intense and sustained weeding campaign will reduce the population within at least 10 years. Synthesis and applications. The study population is partially self-compatible, but sexual reproduction by K. pinnata is limited at the study site, and population growth is supported by vegetative propagation and juvenile survival. Demographic modeling provides key insights and realistic forecasts on invasion process and therefore is useful to design management strategies.
Lantana camara, a native plant from tropical America, is considered one of the most harmful invas... more Lantana camara, a native plant from tropical America, is considered one of the most harmful invasive species worldwide. Several studies have identified potentially invasible areas under scenarios of global change, on the assumption that niche is conserved during the invasion process. Recent studies, however, suggest that many invasive plants do not conserve their niches. Using Principal Components Analyses (PCA), we tested the hypothesis of niche conservatism for L. camara by comparing its native niche in South America with its expressed niche in Africa, Australia and India. Using MaxEnt, the estimated niche for the native region was projected onto each invaded region to generate potential distributions there. Our results demonstrate that while L. camara occupied subsets of its original native niche in Africa and Australia, in India its niche shifted significantly. There, 34 % of the occurrences were detected in warmer habitats nonexistent in its native range. The estimated niche fo...
Biological invasions have a great impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide. Kal... more Biological invasions have a great impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide. Kalanchoe daigremontiana is a noxious invasive plant in arid zones. Besides being toxic for domestic animals and wildlife, this species inhibits the growth of native plants. Its rapid proliferation in Cerro Saroche National Park (Vene-zuela) is of great concern because this area hosts several species endemic to the scarce arid zones in the Caribbean. The traits of K. daigremontiana that contribute to its invasive success are unknown. Based on empirical data, we derived a stage structured, stochastic and density-depen-dent model, to identify characteristics relevant for its establishment. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the establishment of K. daigremontiana depends exclusively on plantlet recruitment. Because asexual plantlets repro-duce in less than 1 year populations are able to increase rapidly during the initial phases of invasion, when extinc-tion risks are higher. Sexual seedlings,...
The scale insect genus Crypticerya Cockerell, 1895 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryi... more The scale insect genus Crypticerya Cockerell, 1895 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae: Iceryini) is mainly distributed in the New World and includes numerous pest species despite being a relatively small group. Ovisacs have longitudinal flutes or grooves in those species that produce them, hence their common name “fluted scales”.” In the present study, Crypticerya multicicatrices Kondo & Unruh and Crypticerya genistae (Hempel) are reported for the first time from Ecuador. The two species of fluted scales were found to cause outbreaks in urban green areas in Guayas province on the Ecuadorian coast, attacking native and alien plants. Eighty-five and eleven new host plant species were recorded for C. multicicatrices and C. genistae, respectively. Both invasive fluted scales prefer hosts in the family Fabaceae. No significant differences in the infestation levels of C. multicicatrices and C. genistae were found between native and alien host-plant species. In general, C. multicicatri...
The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. It ... more The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. It has a generalist diet and the ability to nearly eat anything smaller than its mouth. Bullfrogs are implicated in population decline or local extinctions of several native amphibians by competition or depredation. There are several composition diets studies of Bullfrogs around the world, nonetheless, there are scarce diet studies in Ecuador. The aim of this study is to examined the food contents of adults Bullfrogs in two ponds of the protected area isla Santay, Ecuador. Using hand nets and trawls, we captured 14 Bullfrogs between September to December in the years 2018 and 2019. The diet composition of Bullfrogs captured was dominant by the orders Characiformes, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Decapoda, Lepidoptera y Orthoptera. We suggest a diet overlapping between the invasive species American bullfrog and the native amphibian Leptodactylus labrosus.
Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication.... more Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science — a dynamic and quickly evolving discipline — the rapid proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardized framework for its language development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damages and interventions. A standardized framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standard...
Alien plant species are colonizing high-elevation areas along roadsides. In this study, we evalua... more Alien plant species are colonizing high-elevation areas along roadsides. In this study, we evaluated whether the distributions of alien plants in the central Chilean mountains have reached climatic equilibrium (i.e., upper distribution limits consistent with their climatic requirements). First, we evaluated whether the upper elevational limits of alien plants changed between 2008 and 2018 based on the Mountain Invasion Research Network (MIREN) database. Second, we compared the observed upper elevational limits with the upper limits predicted by each species’ global climatic niche. On average across species, the upper elevation limit did not change between 2008 and 2018. However, most species maintained the same limit or shifted downward, while only 23% of the species shifted upwards. This lack of change does not mean that the species’ distributions are in equilibrium with the climate, because the observed upper limit was lower than the limit predicted by the global niche model for 8...
Trabajo presentado en la XXIII Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Historia Natural, celebrado... more Trabajo presentado en la XXIII Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Historia Natural, celebrado en Barcelona (España), del 4 al 7 de septiembre de 2019Las especies alóctonas invasoras se consideran actualmente una de las principales amenazas para la biodiversidad mundial, y la horticultura ornamental es la principal vía de introducción de estas plantas. Una de las especies invasoras de más rápida expansión en los últimos tiempos es Kalanchoe × houghtonii Ward (Crassulaceae), un híbrido artificial que se creó en la década de 1930 en los Estados Unidos mediante cruces experimentales entre K. daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet, & H. Perrier y K. tubiflora (Harv.) Raym.-Hamet, dos especies endémicas de Madagascar. Gracias a su gran capacidad de colonización y a su extendido uso ornamental, este híbrido pronto escapó del cultivo y se extendió rápidamente a muchas partes del mundo, aunque su distribución real no es bien conocida debido a la falta de una descripción formal del taxon hasta tiempo...
The genus Kalanchoe, mostly indigenous from Madagascar and Tropical Africa, is widely traded for ... more The genus Kalanchoe, mostly indigenous from Madagascar and Tropical Africa, is widely traded for ornamental value. In this study, we provided an updated list of wild and cultivated Kalanchoe taxa in Ecuador; we analyzed the temporal–spatial pattern of their records, and we categorized the invasion status for each taxon and its environment preferences. The records of any taxa belonging to this genus were compiled from an extensive search using various information sources. Our results confirmed the presence of 16 taxa of Kalanchoe in the country. Seven species and a hybrid were detected in the wild. Kalanchoe densiflora, K. laxiflora, K. pinnata, K. tubiflora, and K. ×houghtonii were categorized as invasive. We detected invasive records of some of these plants in protected areas. Almost all taxa had at least one record as cultivated, suggesting that the invasion pathway is ornamental trade. Kalanchoe pinnata individuals in the wild were recorded in the four biogeographic regions of Ec...
Additional file 2: Distribution pattern of each individual study. Graphical method where the stan... more Additional file 2: Distribution pattern of each individual study. Graphical method where the standardized effect size of each individual study is plotted against its normal quantile value.
Additional file 1: Cases and studies that evaluated the impact of invasive plant species on soil ... more Additional file 1: Cases and studies that evaluated the impact of invasive plant species on soil microorganism communities. This table shows all references considered in meta-analysis. All data needed to calculate the effect size are included.
This study reports the distribution and abundance of the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei (Alcyo... more This study reports the distribution and abundance of the invasive octocoral Carijoa riisei (Alcyonacea: Clavulariidae) in Ecuadorian continental coast. C. riisei is native from the Indo-Pacific region where it is an aggressive competitor. One of the major effects is the monopolization of resources (food and the space). The identification of the specie was confirmed genetically. Distribution and abundance of C. riisei was measured over quadrants located randomly at a 50 m transect positioned parallel to the coast in subtidal zone. Carijoa was found between February 2015 to February 2016 in three coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí and Santa Elena), including two marine protected areas (Galera San Francisco Marine Reserve in the north of Ecuador and El Pelado Marine Reserve in South Central Ecuadorian coast) and one area influenced by estuarine ecosystems (Jama). The highest relative abundance of Carijoa colonies where found in Jama (44.57%). This octocoral was found as an epibiont on corals (e.g. Pocillopora damicornis) and other macroinvertebrates (i.e. Pinctada mazatlanica, Muricea appresa, and Aplysina sp.). Our investigation suggests that Carijoa riisei is in advanced status from colonization in the coastal area and it is an imminent danger for autochthonous autochthonous sessile macroinvertebrates biodiversity and even greater risk for the Galapagos Islands.
Abstract Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Stapelia gigantea are two succulent invasive species with p... more Abstract Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Stapelia gigantea are two succulent invasive species with potential impacts on recruitment of native vegetation in a protected area of importance for conservation of arid environments in northern South America. We hypothesized that while K. daigremontiana has the potential for inhibiting recruitment of native plants through allelopathic effects, S. gigantea could facilitate recruitment of nurse-dependent native taxa. To explore these contrasting impacts, we designed a comparative study and a transplant experiment. Density of native seedlings and species richness were significantly lower in patches invaded by K. daigremontiana when compared to patches with native vegetation or invaded by S. gigantea , suggesting that native-seedling recruitment is negatively affected by K. daigremontiana and not affected or facilitated by S. gigantea . The experiment did not generate results concordant with those obtained in the comparative study. Seedlings' recruitment of two selected native species was facilitated by presence of nurse-plants (exotics and natives); however, the magnitude of this effect varied according to the type of nurse-plant, susceptibility to herbivory, and herbivory level. We identify K. daigremontiana as the invasive with top need for management actions, because it has the potential to alter composition and physiognomy of native-plant communities in tropical arid environments.
Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits tha... more Ecological invasions are a major issue worldwide, where successful invasion depends on traits that facilitate dispersion, establishment, and population growth. The nonnative succulent plant Kalanchoe pinnata, reported as invasive in some countries, is widespread in remnants of seasonally dry tropical forest on a volcanic outcrop with high conservation value in east-central Mexico where we assessed its mating system and demographic growth and identified management strategies. To understand its local mating system, we conducted hand-pollination treatments, germination, and survival experiments. Based on the experimental data, we constructed a life-stage population matrix, identified the key traits for population growth, weighted the contributions of vegetative and sexual reproduction, and evaluated management scenarios. Hand-pollination treatments had slight effects on fruit and seed setting, as well as on germination. With natural pollination treatment, the successful germination of seeds from only 2/39 fruit suggests occasional effective natural cross-pollination. The ratios of the metrics for self-and cross-pollinated flowers suggest that K. pinnata is partially self-compatible. Most of the pollinated flowers developed into fruit, but the seed germination and seedling survival rates were low. Thus, vegetative propagation and juvenile survival are the main drivers of population growth. Simulations of a virtual K. pinnata population suggest that an intense and sustained weeding campaign will reduce the population within at least 10 years. Synthesis and applications. The study population is partially self-compatible, but sexual reproduction by K. pinnata is limited at the study site, and population growth is supported by vegetative propagation and juvenile survival. Demographic modeling provides key insights and realistic forecasts on invasion process and therefore is useful to design management strategies.
Lantana camara, a native plant from tropical America, is considered one of the most harmful invas... more Lantana camara, a native plant from tropical America, is considered one of the most harmful invasive species worldwide. Several studies have identified potentially invasible areas under scenarios of global change, on the assumption that niche is conserved during the invasion process. Recent studies, however, suggest that many invasive plants do not conserve their niches. Using Principal Components Analyses (PCA), we tested the hypothesis of niche conservatism for L. camara by comparing its native niche in South America with its expressed niche in Africa, Australia and India. Using MaxEnt, the estimated niche for the native region was projected onto each invaded region to generate potential distributions there. Our results demonstrate that while L. camara occupied subsets of its original native niche in Africa and Australia, in India its niche shifted significantly. There, 34 % of the occurrences were detected in warmer habitats nonexistent in its native range. The estimated niche fo...
Biological invasions have a great impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide. Kal... more Biological invasions have a great impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning worldwide. Kalanchoe daigremontiana is a noxious invasive plant in arid zones. Besides being toxic for domestic animals and wildlife, this species inhibits the growth of native plants. Its rapid proliferation in Cerro Saroche National Park (Vene-zuela) is of great concern because this area hosts several species endemic to the scarce arid zones in the Caribbean. The traits of K. daigremontiana that contribute to its invasive success are unknown. Based on empirical data, we derived a stage structured, stochastic and density-depen-dent model, to identify characteristics relevant for its establishment. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the establishment of K. daigremontiana depends exclusively on plantlet recruitment. Because asexual plantlets repro-duce in less than 1 year populations are able to increase rapidly during the initial phases of invasion, when extinc-tion risks are higher. Sexual seedlings,...
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