From introduction to equilibrium: reconstructing the invasive pathways of the Argentine ant in a Mediterranean region

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Date
2009Author
Roura-Pascual, Nuria
Bas, Josep M.
Thuiller, Wilfried
Hui, Cang
Krug, Rainer
Brotons, Lluis
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Determining the geographical range of invasive species is an important component of
formulating effective management strategies. In the absence of detailed distributional
data, species distribution models can provide estimates of an invasion range and increase our understanding of the ecological processes acting at various spatial scales. We used two complementary approaches to evaluate the influence of historical and environmental factors in shaping the distribution of the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), a widespread,
highly invasive species native to South America. Occurrence data were combined
with environmental data at incremental spatial scales (extent and resolution) to predict the suitable range of the ant invasion using ecological niche models. In addition, we also used a spread model that simulated the jump dispersal of the species to identify the most plausible scenarios of arrival of L. humile in the NE Iberian Peninsula at local scales. Based on the results of both modelling practices, we suggest that L. humile might have
reached its maximum geographic range at regional scales in the NE Iberian Peninsula.
However, the species does not appear in equilibrium with the environment at small
spatial scales, and further expansions are expected along coastal and inland localities of the Costa Brava. Long-distance jumps are ultimately responsible for the spread of the
Argentine ant in the area. Overall, our study shows the utility of combining niche based models with spread models to understand the dynamics of species’ invasions.
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