Invasion ecology, present and future distribution of alien mammals

Species introduction is a leading cause of biodiversity decline and predicting the alien species invasion is one of the most important challenges in conservation biology today (Bellard et al., 2013).

Alien mammals are known to be a particularly important driver of loss and homogenisation in biodiversity and of alteration to ecosystem processes (Clout 2008, Blackburn et al 2017).

Using the IUCN range mapping method, we developed a global comprehensive database of alien mammal distribution at global scale, also containing information about species invasion stage, pathways, methods and date of introduction.

Using this comprehensive data source, we are investigating alien mammals niche dynamics and factors behind both alien niche and range expansion. Furthermore, we are projecting the possible effect of climate change on alien mammal distribution under different scenarios.

For further information please contact Dino Biancolini and Carlo Rondinini.