Species invasions

Invasion Biology, the study of biota redistributed via human agency, has traditionally traced its founding to Charles Elton’s 1958 book The Ecology of invasions by Animals and Plants. But there were many substantial, scientific pre-Eltonian accounts and analyses of redistributed biota dating back at least to the mid-1700s; and non-Eltonian treatments appeared into the late 1950s. Elton began writing on the topic by 1925. From 1931 to 1948 he developed his ideas on conservation in association with Aldo Leopold. Their “competitive collaboration” is explored and documented, showing that each supported and contextualized the other. Elton was, in part, inspired to write The Ecology of invasions by Animals and Plants in dissatisfied response to an earlier effort by American Marston Bates. The two authors, and these works, are compared and contrasted. The Ecology of Invasions by Animals is analyzed in detail, showing how Elton framed his arguments in terms of warfare and cold-war era nuclear alarmism, making a plea for action without providing a strong theoretical basis for preventing the redistribution of biota. The republication of Elton’s book in 2000 iincited a new round of interpretation, but even while its proponents hailed the book as invasion biology’s ‘bible,’ they prepared to replace it with more modern texts. The narrative shows how a ideas about the origins of life on earth, the role of humans in nature, a sense of place and biogeographical belonging, and concerns about the unintended consequences of human agency motivated scientists to attempt to impute order to, and impose it upon, the historically contingent distribution of biota.

Abrupt collapse of the tropical rainforest biome (Coal Forests) drove rapid diversification of Carboniferous tetrapods (amphibians and reptiles) in Euramerica. This finding is based on analysis of global and alpha diversity databases in a precise geologic context. From Visean to Moscovian time, both diversity measures steadily increased, but following rainforest collapse in earliest Kasimovian time (ca. 305 Ma), tetrapod extinction rate peaked, alpha diversity imploded, and endemism developed for the first time. Analysis of ecological diversity shows that rainforest collapse was also accompanied by acquisition of new feeding strategies (predators, herbivores), consistent with tetrapod adaptation to the effects of habitat fragmentation and resource restriction. Effects on amphibians were particularly devastating, while amniotes ('reptiles') fared better, being ecologically adapted to the drier conditions that followed. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that Coal Forest fragmentation influenced profoundly the ecology and evolution of terrestrial fauna in tropical Euramerica, and illustrate the tight coupling that existed between vegetation, climate, and trophic webs.

ABSTRAK
Interaksi trofik pasca masuknya ikan introduksi ataupun ikan asing invasif merupakan dasar
untuk mengkaji tekanan ekologis terhadap ikan asli. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis interaksi trofik komunitas ikan pasca berkembangnya jenis-jenis ikan asing invasif di Danau Matano, Sulawesi Selatan. Ikan contoh diperoleh dari hasil tangkapan jaring insang percobaan, jala lempar, dan seser pada Mei, Oktober, dan November 2015 serta Februari, Juli, dan September 2016. Analisis ekologi trofik yang dilakukan meliputi indeks bagian terbesar, tingkat trofik, luas relung dan tumpang tindih relung makanan, serta pola strategi makan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan komunitas ikan yang tertangkap di Danau Matano terdiri atas 9 famili, 11 genera, dan 17 spesies. Ikan louhan mendominasi komunitas ikan di Danau Matano sebesar 53,62%. Makanan alami yang banyak dimanfaatkan oleh sejumlah ikan dalam komunitas adalah insekta (Diptera), Gastropoda (Tylomelania sp.), dan larva insekta (Chironomidae). Kelompok trofik komunitas ikan di Danau Matano terdiri atas detritivora, herbivora, insektivora, zoobentivora, dan
piscivora. Masuknya ikan introduksi memunculkan kelompok trofik baru (detritivora dan herbivora). Ikan introduksi cenderung memiliki luas relung makanan yang lebih bervariasi. Kompetisi terhadap makanan alami kategori moderat banyak terjadi antara ikan asli dengan louhan. Strategi pola makan ikan asli di Danau Matano cenderung bersifat spesialis, sedangkan ikan introduksi memiliki strategi pola makan yang lebih bervariasi dan oportunistik. Ikan louhan sebagai ikan introduksi dominan yang bersifat invasif mampu memanfaatkan seluruh sumber daya makanan alami yang tersedia dan menempati tingkat trofik tertinggi di Danau Matano. Tekanan ekologi terhadap ikan asli oleh ikan asing invasif di Danau Matano terjadi karena adanya kompetisi terhadap makanan alami.

Kata Kunci: Danau Matano; ikan asing invasif; ikan louhan; interaksi trofik; strategi pola makan

ABSTRACT
Trophic interactions post-develpment of non-native fish or invasive alien fish species are the basis knowledge for assessing and preventing the ecological pressure on native fish. This research aims to analyze the trophic interactions of fish community post-development of invasive alien fish species in Lake Matano, South Sulawesi. Fish samples were obtained from the catch of experimental gill nets, cast nets, and push nets in May, October, and November 2015 along with February, July, and September 2016. Trophic ecological analysis carried out included index of preponderance, trophic level, niche breadth and niche overlap of natural food, and feeding strategy. The fish
community caught in Lake Matano consists of 9 families, 11 genera, and 17 species. Flowerhorn cichlid dominates the fish community in Lake Matano by 53.62%. Natural foods that are widely used by a number of fish in the community are Insecta (Diptera), Gastropods (Tylomelania sp.), and larvae of Insecta (Chironomidae). The guild trophic of fish community in Lake Matano consists of detritivores, herbivores, insectivores, zoobentivores, and piscivores. The introduction of non-native species bring up to new guilds (detritivores and herbivores). Non-native fishes tends to have a variety niche breadth. Moderate competition for natural food resources between native fish and flowerhorn cichlid is quite high. Feeding strategy of native species in Lake Matano tend to be specialist, while non-natives species have more variety and opportunistic. Flowerhorn cichlid as dominant invasive alien fish species is able to utilize all natural food resources and occupies the highest trophic level in Lake Matano. Ecological pressure on native fish by invasive alien fish species in Lake Matano occurs due to competition in obtaining natural food resources.

Keywords: Lake Matano; invasive alien species; flowerhorn cichlid; trophic interactions; feeding strategy

A 20. század második felében a sáskajárások gyakorisága Magyarországon és a tágabb térségben radikálisan lecsökkent; ugyanakkor az utóbbi évezredben egészen 1947-ig a sáskák tömeges megjelenése, és a mezőgazdasági termelésben okozott károk tekintetében a sáska az egyik leggyakoribb és legjelentősebb inváziós fajnak tekinthető. S habár jelenleg a probléma nem "aktuális" Európa nagy részén (beleértve Közép-Európát is), a 2004. évi északnyugatafrikai nagy sáskajárás, melyet a szakértők még a térségben dúló háborúknál is jelentősebb rizikótényezőként emeltek ki (lásd pl.: www.origo.hu), Dél-Oroszországban is nagy veszteségeket okozott.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui invasi A. catechu ke dalam kawasan Hutan Alam Palanro Hutan Pendidikan Universitas Hasanuddin. Untuk penelitian ini, dibuat 2 jalur dengan posisi melintang dan membujur (Utara-Selatan dan Timur-Barat). Panjang jalur dari pusat tegakan dibuat sejauh masih ditemukan A. catechu. Jalur pengamatan dibagi menjadi plot berukuran 20 m x 20 m. Setiap plot dibagi menjadi sub plot berdasarkan tingkat pertumbuhan A. catechu: plot 20 m x 20 m (dewasa), plot 20 m x 10 m (remaja), plot 10 m x 10 m (anakan), dan plot 5 m x 5 m (semai) dan disajikan dalam grafik distribusi berdasarkan tingkat pertumbuhan. A. catechu yang ditemukan diukur tinggi dan diameternya, sedangkan untuk tumbuhan lain yang ditemui diukur diameter dan dilakukan pencatatan nama spesiesnya. Kemampuan invasi A. catechu lebih jauh dianalisis dari LBD dari persimpangan jalur yang berada di tengah-tengah tegakan A. catechu masuk ke dalam kawasan hutan alam.

In a recent paper ), we published a statistical model for predicting invasiveness of exotic woody plant species in New England. A dataset was compiled of 28 biological/ecological characters for each of 248 exotic trees, shrubs, and lianas currently available in the nursery trade in northeastern North America. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical analysis to explore 1) what set of plant traits confer invasive success on non-native plants in New England, and 2) which currently non-invasive species share important traits with the 33 woody species listed by the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England . Using this approach we were able to compare non-native species that are known invaders to non-native species that are not currently considered invasive in New England. One benefit of the hierarchical approach is that we could measure the responses of distinct growth forms, a crucial advantage not only for more robust predictions, but also for determining whether different invasion strategies are employed by each woody growth form (tree, shrub, liana).

The Allegheny River Islands Wilderness (ARIW) consists of seven islands located along 90 km of the Allegheny National Wild and Scenic River in northwestern Pennsylvania. I surveyed riparian plant communities in the ARIW to provide an inventory of the species composition and distribution of the alien flora and to identify species of potential management concern. Forty-one alien plant species were tallied from 42 survey sites across the seven islands of the ARIW. The largely herbaceous floodplain scour community supported the greatest number of alien plant species (36 species; 18.9% of the community flora), followed by the Acer saccharinum L. – Platanus occidentalis L. floodplain forest community (23 species; 16.8% of the community flora) and the P. occidentalis  - Carya cordiformis (Wang.) K. Koch – Ulmus rubra Muhl. floodplain forest community (14 species; 12.4% of the community flora). Ten alien plant species (24.4% of the alien flora) occurred across all three community types. The alien flora of the ARIW included a range of species with varied ecological impact potential, distribution across plant communities, and difficulty of control. Potential control strategies for alien plant species in the ARIW must address the influence of an altered hydrologic regimen as well as control protocols for specific species on the islands and surrounding river corridor.

Invasive species are one of the most significant causes of biodiversity loss and changes in ecosystem services, which underlines the importance of their detection and their study. The Asian clams (Corbiculidae) are invasive organisms that accidentally entered the La Plata River, Argentina, presumably in the 1960s. The objectives of the present study were to identify the corbiculid species and to determine their distribution at several locations along the Suquía River basin, an extended area in central Argentina. In addition, population structure was evaluated monthly during one year, at a site in the city of Córdoba that is characterized by high human influence. The presence of Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) and Corbicula largillierti (Philippi, 1844) in the Suquía River basin is reported for the first time. The former species was found only in a lentic environment (San Roque reservoir), while the latter was also found along the tributary rivers and brooks of the basin. Corbicula...

Invasive species are one of the most significant causes of biodiversity loss and changes in ecosystem services, which underlines the importance of their detection and their study. The Asian clams (Corbiculidae) are invasive organisms that accidentally entered the La Plata River, Argentina, presumably in the 1960s. The objectives of the present study were to identify the corbiculid species and to determine their distribution at several locations along the Suquía River basin, an extended area in central Argentina. In addition, population structure was evaluated monthly during one year, at a site in the city of Córdoba that is characterized by high human influence. The presence of Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) and Corbicula largillierti (Philippi, 1844) in the Suquía River basin is reported for the first time. The former species was found only in a lentic environment (San Roque reservoir), while the latter was also found along the tributary rivers and brooks of the basin. Corbicula largillierti showed variations in average density between the different sites and also in biomass and size classes throughout the study period at the site at Córdoba city. The relative composition of the sediments, flow fluctuation and human pollution may be responsible for the observed differences.

The American mink is a widespread invasive carnivore in Patagonia, and due to its foraging behavior that allows it to exploit a wide variety of prey, it is the exotic carnivore with the highest potential impact on the region’s biodiversity. Available regional information on mink presence/absence, as well as abundance estimations, is scarce even though it is vital to plan management actions. Here, we integrate the confirmed distribution of mink in Patagonia with its potential presence for areas where information is lacking, based on the location of animal releases and estimated dispersal rates. We propose an Area Prioritization Tool (APT) for invasive species management by overlapping habitat suitability, current known range, colonization fronts and areas deemed important for biodiversity conservation. Among the prioritized areas, we selected three and suggested a Protocol for Eradication Tasks (PET), based on successful mink eradication experiences in
Europe. Finally, we estimated the relative costs associated with the PET’s implementation in each area. We present this work as a systematic, applied tool to show a feasible way to face the invasive species problems in Patagonia and their management.

RESUMEN. Carnívoros invasores en Patagonia: Definiendo prioridades para su manejo usando el visón americano (Neovison vison) como caso de estudio: El visón Americano es una especie introducida con una amplia distribución en Patagonia y por su comportamiento de forrajeo es el carnívoro invasor con el mayor
potencial para afectar a la biodiversidad en la región. La información disponible acerca de la presencia/ ausencia del visón en la región y de estimaciones poblacionales es muy escasa aun cuando esto es vital para la planificación de acciones de manejo. En este trabajo integramos la información disponible acerca de la presencia del visón hasta la fecha y evaluamos su presencia en sitios donde hay vacíos de información, basándonos en la ubicación de los puntos de liberación de individuos, distribución confirmada y estimaciones de la capacidad de dispersión. Proponemos una Herramienta de Priorización de Áreas (HPA) para definir sitios prioritarios para el manejo, superponiendo mapas de distribución de la especie, de hábitat adecuado y de áreas de importancia para la conservación de la biodiversidad. Entre las áreas prioritarias, seleccionamos tres y sugerimos un Protocolo de Tareas de Erradicación (PTE) como estrategia de manejo del visón americano, basado en experiencias de erradicación Europeas exitosas. Finalmente, estimamos costos relativos asociados a la implementación de tal PTE en cada una de las áreas seleccionadas. Presentamos este trabajo como una
herramienta aplicada, enfocada en mostrar una forma simplificada para afrontar el problema de las especies invasoras en Patagonia y su manejo.

The research on occurrence of exotic and invasive turtles in Latvia was conducted as a part of the research on Emys orbicularis distribution and ecology in Latvia. Up to 2011 six exotic species and subspecies of turtles were recorded in Latvia, including invasive Far-East species Pelodiscus sinensis. In the research we registered P.sinensis in 2008 (#PeSi0001) and in 2010 (#PeSi0002) in central part of Latvia, and we found one big adult specimen (#PeSi0003) in South-East part of Latvia in 2014. The specimen and the habitats of the fndings were investigated in a comparison. Capacity for naturalization and colonization, and possible influence of P.sinensis to autochthonic European pond turtle E.orbicularis was analysed and discussed for Latvia.

Fragments of a scull and lower jaws of Nutria were found near river Maritsa, close to Harmanli
town. There are suitable habitats for this species in the area, overgrown with reed and rush near
the bank and the islands in the river. The location lies at about 50 km on a straight line from the
nearest one known on river Maritsa in Turkey, and at about 35 km from another one in Bulgaria
and probably results from invasion of the Nutria along the river.

One of the most significant ecological and economic impacts of exotic species is associated with their role as vectors for the introduction of parasites into invaded areas. Exotic parasites may have devastating impacts on invaded ecosystems; moreover, invaders may also become hosts for aboriginal parasites, promoting native diseases that otherwise would not have emerged. During 2009 and 2010, exotic molluscs were collected from 27 sites in the Lower Great Lakes and their tributaries, the Finger Lakes, and Lake Oneida. Seven species of exotic molluscs were examined for the presence of trematodes, including the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), faucet snail (Bithynia tentaculata), European stream valvata (Valvata piscinalis), Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), and the New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). Most of the examined molluscs were infected with trematode larvae that may be harmful to their subsequent vertebrate hosts, including fish, birds, and mammals. These included Sphaeridiotrema sp. cercariae and Cyathocotyle bushiensis metacercariae from B. tentaculata, Echinostoma sp. cercariae from V. piscinalis, and echinostomatid metacercariae from Dreissena spp. and C. fluminea. Many exotic molluscs that were believed to be free of parasites have already acquired trematodes native to North America. Hotspots of trematode infections were recorded in the western basin of Lake Erie and in Lake Oneida, where several species of exotic molluscs had a high prevalence of trematodes, and thus potentially pose risk of transmission to definitive hosts.

Biological invasions are considered one of the major threats to the Earth’s biota and their prevention and control are widely suggested. A key step within this is to gather knowledge and data on the impacts of introduced species on native species. In such analysis it is important to consider both the negative effects and the fact that many ‘non-natives’ have grown to become key components of existing ecosystems. The effects of non-natives are particularly worrisome for raptors because they hold high trophic positions and their ecological role can structure native communities. In this paper we look at the impacts of introduced species on raptors, as well as the interest in studying these effects, through a review of the literature. The numbers of studies on raptors and introduced species as individual topics are rapidly increasing, but despite this we found few articles relating the two topics and fewer still with a clear aim of studying this relationship. Although the number of articles found was low, articles showing negative effects outnumbered articles showing positive ones. Negative effects identified included native prey decrease and direct or indirect poisoning through poisons aiming to protect productive introduced species from predators or to control introduced pests. Positive effects identified included distribution area extension facilitated by introduced species or non-native species as a food source. Very importantly, native species can become dependent on introduced species, and any control merits careful evaluation. In conclusion, the implications of non-native species for this key group of top predators and scavengers have been poorly considered, but merits special attention and specific design in future studies.

RESUMEN
Las invasiones biológicas son una de las peores amenazas para la biodiversidad y el control y la prevención de nuevas introducciones son ampliamente recomendados.  Un paso fundamental en este proceso es la generación de conocimiento acerca de sus impactos sobre las especies nativas. En tal análisis es importante considerar tanto los efectos negativos como el hecho de que algunas han llegado a convertirse en componentes clave de los ecosistemas.  El efecto de las especies introducidas es especialmente preocupante para las rapaces debido a que por su posición trófica y su rol ecológico estas últimas pueden estructurar las comunidades nativas. Por lo tanto, analizamos los impactos producidos por las especies introducidas sobre las rapaces y el interés en estudiarlos, mediante la revisión de la bibliografía publicada sobre el tema. Los estudios sobre rapaces y sobre especies introducidas como temas separados están aumentando rápidamente, pero a pesar de esto encontramos pocos artículos relacionando ambos temas y menos aún con un objetivo claro de estudiar dicha relación. Aunque el número de artículos encontrados fue bajo, los artículos que mostraban un efecto negativo han sido más numerosos que aquellos que indicaban un efecto positivo. Los efectos negativos identificados incluyeron la disminución de las presas nativas o el envenenamiento directo o indirecto producido por el veneno utilizado para la protección de especies introducidas económicamente productivas o para controlar pestes introducidas. Los impactos positivos identificados incluyeron la extensión de la distribución facilitada por especies introducidas o a las especies introducidas como fuente de alimento. Es importante notar que incluso las especies nativas pueden depender en extremo de las especies introducidas, y por lo tanto cualquier medida de control merece una cuidadosa evaluación. Concluyendo, las implicancias de las especies introducidas sobre este grupo clave de depredadores y carroñeros han sido poco consideradas pero merece una atención especial y un diseño adecuado en estudios futuros."

Purpose of Review
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amebiasis, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. E. histolytica causes tissue destruction which leads to clinical disease. This review outlines some of the recent advances that have furthered our understanding of the processes that lead to the tissue damage caused by E. histolytica.

Recent Findings
Recent studies have identified new mechanisms involved in E. histolytica–induced tissue damage. These include (i) new form of contact-dependent killing called trogocytosis; (ii) parasite-produced cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, that contributes to inflammation; (iii) exploitation of host immune response to promote invasion; and (iv) the contribution of the gut microbiome to clinical disease.

Summary
Targeting these mechanisms that result in tissue injury should be a focus of future research for the development of improved preventive and therapeutic strategies for amebiasis.

Samples of Dreissena polymorpha were collected at several sites along the River Shannon navigation in Ireland, to determine the occurrence and distribution of their obligate host-specific commensalistic ciliate, Conchophthirus acuminatus, in this newly invaded region. Mussels collected by various methods were fixed immediately in 75% ethanol, in which they were later dissected under a stereoscopic microscope, beginning with thorough flushing of the mantle cavity and removal of the gills. One ml of sediment flushed from the mantle cavity and dissection residue of each mussel was examined under a compound light microscope using brightfield, phase-contrast, and differential-interference-contrast optics. Of 180 mussels examined, 125 (69.44%) harbored C. acuminatus. The ciliates were invariably well fixed and easily identifiable in all preparations. Mean sampling intensity for infected mussels was 8.47 ciliates per ml of sediment. Both prevalence and sampling intensity varied between sites, but no pattern was discernible. The present results are consistent with other reports of C. acuminatus being the most widespread and abundant symbiont of D. polymorpha throughout Europe, often occurring where no other symbionts occur. Its occurrence in Ireland indicates introduction of the mussels as adults, since planktonic veliger larvae are not known to harbor ciliates. Following similar reasoning, it is possible that the earlier North American invasion by D. polymorpha included only veligers, since C. acuminatus has not been found on that continent. Using these simple and quick methods, the ciliates could be easily identified and counted to give general comparative data among sites regarding intensity and prevalence. Thus, this method has promise for future efforts to obtain basic information rapidly in newly invaded systems.

Cabombaceae is a small cosmopolitan family of aquatic plants that are popular in the aquarium trade on account of their pretty, feathery, submerged leaves. Their flowers, with a diameter about that of a 20 cents Malaysian coin, resemble miniature waterlilies. The floating leaves that develop before flowering, presumably to aid the flowers to stay afloat, are shaped differently from the much divided submerged leaves. They are peltate and thus remind one of a miniature waterlily leaf. Cabomba species are cultivated on a commercial scale in Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, possibly around Kota Tinggi, Johor (Herman, B.G. pers. comm.), Malaysia and in Singapore. A few species of Cabomba are available for sale in aquarium shops in Malaysia sold in bundles of a few stems tied by a rubber band to a lead weight under the trade name of ‘fanwort’. In the last ten years, two species have become naturalised in Malaysia and in Tasik Chini, Pahang, one has already reached infestation proportions and is threatening the aquatic ecosystem and degrading the tourist attraction of the lake. Now we are alerted to their presence, we find that that two Cabomba species, C. aquatica and C. furcata have become widespread in water bodies in Peninsular Malaysia. Both are native to subtropical and tropical regions of South America.

Purpose of Review Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amebiasis, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. E. histolytica causes tissue destruction which leads to clinical disease. This review outlines some of the recent advances that have furthered our understanding of the processes that lead to the tissue damage caused by E. histolytica. Recent Findings Recent studies have identified new mechanisms involved in E. histolytica-induced tissue damage. These include (i) new form of contact-dependent killing called trogocytosis; (ii) parasite-produced cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, that contributes to inflammation; (iii) exploitation of host immune response to promote invasion; and (iv) the contribution of the gut microbiome to clinical disease. Summary Targeting these mechanisms that result in tissue injury should be a focus of future research for the development of improved preventive and therapeutic strategies for amebiasis.

Between June and August, 1993, adult Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugenis were collected from well-established populations at two sites along the international section of the St. Lawrence River. The mussels were taken to the laboratory for exhaustive examination for parasites by gross pathological and histological techniques. Seventy percent of the D. polymorpha at the site near Massena, New York were infested by the naidid oligochaete annelid, Chaetogaster limnaei, and 61% were infested by various nematode species. Both nematodes and C. limnaei also occurred in D. bugensis at the Cape Vincent, New York site. Other parasites that were found in smaller numbers (5% of mussels or less) were a hydracarinid mite larva, larvae of the chironomid midge Paratanytarsus sp., the naidid oligochaete Ophidonais serpentine and other unidentified naidids. Each of these was found only at the site near Massena. The only parasites that showed any evidence of pathology were C.

Non-native species have reached South American ecosystems and may be threatening the exceptional biodiversity of this region. However, people often value and exploit introduced species not knowing that they are non-natives, nor understanding their impacts. In this paper we analyze the trend of scientific research on introduced species in South America and whether a socio-cultural explanation could underlie the results by comparing them with European, North American and Australasian countries. We also controlled for research effort, which could reflect economic inequalities, by analyzing the articles published on introduced species in relation to the total number of articles published on related disciplines. Research trends suggest that non-native species are not of major concern for South American countries, there being less research on this topic in countries with higher biodiversity. Compared to other colonized countries such as the USA, New Zealand and Australia, research on non-native species was lagging and less abundant in South America, even when controlling for research effort. Historical and recent socio-cultural particularities may explain the similar attitudes and research input seen in South American countries and their Spanish and Portuguese colonizers. A generational amnesia, where younger generations descendent from European colonizers are not aware of past biological conditions, could be exacerbating this lack of concern. South American policies seem to reflect the low level of interest in non-native species shown by their citizens. National policies are poorly developed and mainly deal with alien species threatening productive systems. Given the strong cultural component of this dilemma, integrated ways to reverse this situation are needed, including education, international research collaboration, and a common South American policy.

Purpose of Review Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amebiasis, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. E. histolytica causes tissue destruction which leads to clinical disease. This review outlines some of the recent advances that have furthered our understanding of the processes that lead to the tissue damage caused by E. histolytica. Recent Findings Recent studies have identified new mechanisms involved in E. histolytica-induced tissue damage. These include (i) new form of contact-dependent killing called trogocytosis; (ii) parasite-produced cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, that contributes to inflammation; (iii) exploitation of host immune response to promote invasion; and (iv) the contribution of the gut microbiome to clinical disease. Summary Targeting these mechanisms that result in tissue injury should be a focus of future research for the development of improved preventive and therapeutic strategies for amebiasis.

The American mink is a widespread invasive carnivore in Patagonia, and due to its foraging behavior that allows it to exploit a wide variety of prey, it is the exotic carnivore with the highest potential impact on the region's biodiversity. Available regional information on mink presence/absence, as well as abundance estimations, is scarce even though it is vital to plan management actions. Here, we integrate the confirmed distribution of mink in Patagonia with its potential presence for areas where information is lacking, based on the location of animal releases and estimated dispersal rates. We propose an Area Prioritization Tool (APT) for invasive species management by overlapping habitat suitability, current known range, colonization fronts and areas deemed important for biodiversity conservation. Among the prioritized areas, we selected three and suggested a Protocol for Eradication Tasks (PET), based on successful mink eradication experiences in Europe. Finally, we estimated the relative costs associated with the PET's implementation in each area. We present this work as a systematic, applied tool to show a feasible way to face the invasive species problems in Patagonia and their management.

Invasive species are one of the most significant causes of biodiversity loss and changes in ecosystem services, which underlines the importance of their detection and their study. The Asian clams (Corbiculidae) are invasive organisms that accidentally entered the La Plata River, Argentina, presumably in the 1960s. The objectives of the present study were to identify the corbiculid species and to determine their distribution at several locations along the Suquía River basin, an extended area in central Argentina. In addition, population structure was evaluated monthly during one year, at a site in the city of Córdoba that is characterized by high human influence. The presence of Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) and Corbicula largillierti (Philippi, 1844) in the Suquía River basin is reported for the first time. The former species was found only in a lentic environment (San Roque reservoir), while the latter was also found along the tributary rivers and brooks of the basin. Corbicula...

In the result of the carried out study since 2004, Perccottus glenii was found in 5 basins in Latvia, inhabited by Bombina bombina, situated in Daugavpils district and belonging to three populations: Ilgas, Demene, and Medumi. All the localities are situated on the south-eastern part of Latvia, at a distance of no more than 1-2 km from the borders with Lithuania and Belarus. The long-term (no less than 2 seasons) presence of Perccottus glenii in a small reservoir causes the disappearance of Bombina bombina tadpoles, as well as larvae of other amphibians.

The introduction of non-native species has been one of the most damaging human impacts on specific ecosystems and the environment in general. Invasive species, such as the Zebra Mussel (Dreisenna polymorpha), are often introduced into an ecosystem inadvertently, but with negative and far-reaching effects on native species. D. polymorpha, since its introduction, has exhibited a devastating propensity for altering the trophic state of lakes and rivers, and has rapidly populated many waterbodies throughout North America. Two rules added to a genetic algorithm rule-set prediction (GARP) model reflect the temporal dimension and the spatial extent of spread. Utilizing GARP, TableCurve, and GIS, I modeled several possible scenarios. Results of the models illustrate the potential for D. polymorpha to continue spreading deeper into the United States as well as the difficulty in predicting the spread of an invasive species.

Purpose of Review Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amebiasis, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. E. histolytica causes tissue destruction which leads to clinical disease. This review outlines some of the recent advances that have furthered our understanding of the processes that lead to the tissue damage caused by E. histolytica. Recent Findings Recent studies have identified new mechanisms involved in E. histolytica-induced tissue damage. These include (i) new form of contact-dependent killing called trogocytosis; (ii) parasite-produced cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, that contributes to inflammation; (iii) exploitation of host immune response to promote invasion; and (iv) the contribution of the gut microbiome to clinical disease. Summary Targeting these mechanisms that result in tissue injury should be a focus of future research for the development of improved preventive and therapeutic strategies for amebiasis.

The American mink is a widespread invasive carnivore in Patagonia, and due to its foraging behavior that allows it to exploit a wide variety of prey, it is the exotic carnivore with the highest potential impact on the region's biodiversity. Available regional information on mink presence/absence, as well as abundance estimations, is scarce even though it is vital to plan management actions. Here, we integrate the confirmed distribution of mink in Patagonia with its potential presence for areas where information is lacking, based on the location of animal releases and estimated dispersal rates. We propose an Area Prioritization Tool (APT) for invasive species management by overlapping habitat suitability, current known range, colonization fronts and areas deemed important for biodiversity conservation. Among the prioritized areas, we selected three and suggested a Protocol for Eradication Tasks (PET), based on successful mink eradication experiences in Europe. Finally, we estimated the relative costs associated with the PET's implementation in each area. We present this work as a systematic, applied tool to show a feasible way to face the invasive species problems in Patagonia and their management.

Community assembly is the process that species grow and interact to establish a community. In present study, a generalized, rule-based network evolution model, CommAssembly, for community assembly was proposed. The model is based on difference equations with different number of species in different stages of evolution. It consists of pioneer rule, invasion and growth rule, extinction rule, connection (flow) rule and termination rule, etc. Species invades, grows in, or quits the community following specific rules. In addition, I proposed the self-organization theory on community assembly. In this theory, I think that community assembly is a self-organization process. In terms of the model proposed, the practical community can spontaneously adjust its A(t), and guarantee itself to evolve in a natural way. Temporal dynamics and species composition of community depend on species composition of species pool, between-species interactions, intrinsic growth of species, environmental capacity (resource availability), and the probability, strength and history of invasions, etc. The invasion, establishment, growth, and extinction of species follow a series of rules. Community assembly can be best described and modeled with self-organization approaches. The model provides the basis to build self-organization models of community assembly.

Invasion biology is well-positioned epistemologically, theoretically and practically to address the
challenge of being both scientifically and socially relevant. Yet, how well are we achieving these two dimensions
of academic inquiry and impact? We explored this issue by a) surveying Argentine invasion biology practitioners
(students, scientists and managers) to determine the types of collaborations they report and their stated
preferences regarding research thematic priorities (autecology, impacts, management, patterns/distribution,
presence/absence, processes/mechanisms, policy, social), and b) reviewing the invasion biology literature in
Argentine Patagonia to establish research productivity, the publications’ taxonomic, methodological (review,
inventory, sampling, experimental, modeling) and thematic foci, and the journals, languages and accessibility of
publications. Finally, we compared the stated preferences (“expected frequency”) with the publication literature
review (“observed frequency”). We found all three respondent groups had a similar research prioritization.
Management, policy and impact studies were considered the most important themes. Research on invasion
biology has increased substantially but only 20% of respondents reported joint publications between managers
and scientists. Also, we found biases towards impact research and sampling methods. Compared to the total
invasive species assemblage, only a few species and taxonomic groups are well studied in Patagonia (e.g.,
salmonids, deer and Castor canadensis and Undaria pinnatifida). A significant difference was discovered between
what invasive species researchers say is important and what they actually study. Impact research was overrepresented
in the literature, while social, policy and management studies were under-produced, compared
to stated preferences. Various scenarios could explain this discrepancy. A time lag may exist, whereby the
reviewed publications reflect an antiquated mentality focused on the invasive species’ autecology and impacts.
A more troubling possibility is that Patagonia lacks scientific evaluation and funding structures that allow
researchers to fulfill their own (and society’s) priorities and to conduct applied and socially relevant endeavors,
rather than purely theoretical studies.

Studies on the spread, recruitment, ecological impact or control of nuisance bivalves require reliable species identification, especially of larval and postlarval stages. We have used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques to discriminate among the larval and postlarval stages of the zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha ) and other potentially co-occurring bivalves from freshwater and estuarine habitats, such as the Asiatic clam ( Corbicula fluminea ), the dark false mussel ( Mytilopsis leucophaea ), and the wedge clam ( Rangia cuneata) . Detailed SEM micrograph sequences of larval and postlarval stages illustrate differences in hinge morphology and shell morphometery that appear to be species-specific. For example, larvae of D. polymorpha can be distinguished from the other species above based on their prominent hinge teeth. Postlarvae of D. polymorpha do not appear to have lateral or cardinal teeth and they develop an elongated shell directed in a postero-ventral direction with a relatively straight anterior margin and a somewhat square posterior margin. The above diagnostic features allow discrimination among the crucial, early life stages of bivalve species collected in plankton or benthic samples.

Studies on the spread, recruitment, ecological impact, or control of nuisance bivalves require proper species identification, especially of larval and postlarval stages. We have used a combination of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques to discriminate among the larval and postlarval stages of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and other potentially co-occurring bivalves from freshwater and estuarine habitats such as the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea), the dark false mussel (Mytilopsis leucophaeta), and the wedge clam (Rangia cuneata). Detailed SEM and light micrograph sequences of larval and postlarval stages illustrate differences in hinge morphology and shell morphometery that appear to be species-specific. For example, larvae of D. polymorpha can be distinguished from the other species above based on their prominent hinge teeth and relatively flat umbo. Similarly, postlarvae of D. polymorpha do not appear to have lateral or cardinal teeth and they develop an elongated shell directed in a postero-ventral direction with a relatively straight anterior margin and a somewhat square posterior margin. Work in progress involves a description of the shell morphology of the quagga mussel, D. bugensis. The above diagnostic features should provide for widely used, routine procedures designed to discriminate among the crucial, young life stages of bivalve species collected in plankton or benthic samples.

Invasion biology is well-positioned epistemologically, theoretically and practically to address the challenge of being both scientifically and socially relevant. Yet, how well are we achieving these two dimensions of academic inquiry and impact? We explored this issue by a) surveying Argentine invasion biology practitioners (students, scientists and managers) to determine the types of collaborations they report and their stated preferences regarding research thematic priorities (autecology, impacts, management, patterns/distribution, presence/absence, processes/mechanisms, policy, social), and b) reviewing the invasion biology literature in Argentine Patagonia to establish research productivity, the publications’ taxonomic, methodological (review, inventory, sampling, experimental, modeling) and thematic foci, and the journals, languages and accessibility of publications. Finally, we compared the stated preferences (“expected frequency”) with the publication literature
review (“observed frequency”). We found all three respondent groups had a similar research prioritization.
Management, policy and impact studies were considered the most important themes. Research on invasion biology has increased substantially but only 20% of respondents reported joint publications between managers and scientists. Also, we found biases towards impact research and sampling methods. Compared to the total invasive species assemblage, only a few species and taxonomic groups are well studied in Patagonia (e.g.,
salmonids, deer and Castor canadensis and Undaria pinnatifida). A significant difference was discovered between what invasive species researchers say is important and what they actually study. Impact research was overrepresented in the literature, while social, policy and management studies were under-produced, compared to stated preferences. Various scenarios could explain this discrepancy. A time lag may exist, whereby the reviewed publications reflect an antiquated mentality focused on the invasive species’ autecology and impacts. A more troubling possibility is that Patagonia lacks scientific evaluation and funding structures that allow researchers to fulfill their own (and society’s) priorities and to conduct applied and socially relevant endeavors, rather than purely theoretical studies.

Non-native species have reached South American ecosystems and may be threatening the exceptional biodiversity of this region. However, people often value and exploit introduced species not knowing that they are non-natives, nor understanding their impacts. In this paper we analyze the trend of scientific research on introduced species in South America and whether a socio-cultural explanation could underlie the results by comparing them with European, North American and Australasian countries. We also controlled for research effort, which could reflect economic inequalities, by analyzing the articles published on introduced species in relation to the total number of articles published on related disciplines. Research trends suggest that non-native species are not of major concern for South American countries, there being less research on this topic in countries with

Purpose of Review Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amebiasis, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. E. histolytica causes tissue destruction which leads to clinical disease. This review outlines some of the recent advances that have furthered our understanding of the processes that lead to the tissue damage caused by E. histolytica. Recent Findings Recent studies have identified new mechanisms involved in E. histolytica-induced tissue damage. These include (i) new form of contact-dependent killing called trogocytosis; (ii) parasite-produced cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, that contributes to inflammation; (iii) exploitation of host immune response to promote invasion; and (iv) the contribution of the gut microbiome to clinical disease. Summary Targeting these mechanisms that result in tissue injury should be a focus of future research for the development of improved preventive and therapeutic strategies for amebiasis.