Alien species are considered one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity, and new research suggests the Arctic may be far more vulnerable than previously thought.
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More than 2,500 alien plant species could find suitable conditions in the Arctic, especially in northern Norway and Svalbard. Researchers used massive biodiversity datasets to map risk areas and improve early detection efforts.
When species are introduced outside their natural range, they can outcompete and displace native plants. The Intergovernmental Panel on Nature (IPBES) ranks invasive species among the most serious threats to global biodiversity.
To better understand the danger facing Arctic ecosystems, scientists compiled a comprehensive list of alien plant species that could establish themselves in the region. Their findings raise concern, especially at a time when expanding travel and human presence make it easier than ever for species to move across continents.
“We found a total of 2554 species that would find a suitable climatic niche in today’s Arctic,” says Kristine Bakke Westergaard, an associate professor at the Department of Natural History at the NTNU University Museum (at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology).
Credit: Kristine Bakke Westergaard, NTNU University Museum
In practical terms, this means these species could survive if they reach the Arctic. One of the most likely ways they could arrive is by traveling unintentionally with people, for example, attached to clothing, equipment, or transported goods.
Kristine Bakke Westergaard.
In practical terms, this means these species could survive if they reach the Arctic. One of the most likely ways they could arrive is by traveling unintentionally with people, for example, attached to clothing, equipment, or transported goods.
Credit: Nina Tveter NTNU
Human Activity Accelerates Arctic Species Spread
“Our results show that alien species from virtually all over the world can find a niche in the Arctic. And with all the human activity in the Arctic now, there are lots of opportunities to get there,” Westergaard said.
Westergaard and her collaborators from the Department of Natural History and the University of Liverpool carried out what is known as a “horizon scan” to anticipate future biological invasions.
“We looked at roughly 14,000 known alien plant species that can spread to places where they do not originally belong,” Westergaard said.
Massive Biodiversity Dataset Reveals Arctic Hotspots
The team drew on more than 51 million documented observations of these species. The records were sourced from the GBIF—the Global Biodiversity Information Facility—as well as other large databases and scientific publications.
“Our results show that alien species from virtually all over the world can find a niche in the Arctic. And with all the human activity in the Arctic now, there are lots of opportunities to get there,” Westergaard said.
Westergaard and her collaborators from the Department of Natural History and the University of Liverpool carried out what is known as a “horizon scan” to anticipate future biological invasions.
“We looked at roughly 14,000 known alien plant species that can spread to places where they do not originally belong,” Westergaard said.
Massive Biodiversity Dataset Reveals Arctic Hotspots
The team drew on more than 51 million documented observations of these species. The records were sourced from the GBIF—the Global Biodiversity Information Facility—as well as other large databases and scientific publications.
The slope below the old barn and farm buildings in Longyearbyen is very nutrient-rich after manure and food scraps were dumped there for years. It’s a great place where new alien species can get established.
Credit: Kristine Bakke Westergaard, NTNU University Museum
Using the combined dataset, the researchers produced a map highlighting the Arctic regions most exposed to potential plant invasions.
Norway and Svalbard Among Highest-Risk Arctic Regions
“Our map shows hotspot areas in the Arctic where many alien species can tolerate the climate. The highest number of species are found in the north of Norway,” Ulsted said.
Although Norway stands out as a high-risk area, almost no part of the Arctic can be considered fully protected, including Svalbard.
Credit: NTNU University Museum
“Even in Svalbard, 86 alien species can find a climatic niche,” says Westergaard, who has found and studied alien species there herself.
Rapid environmental change is compounding the threat. Rising temperatures across the Arctic lately have created conditions that allow an increasing number of foreign plant species to survive and potentially spread.
“Even in Svalbard, 86 alien species can find a climatic niche,” says Westergaard, who has found and studied alien species there herself.
Rapid environmental change is compounding the threat. Rising temperatures across the Arctic lately have created conditions that allow an increasing number of foreign plant species to survive and potentially spread.
Early Detection Tools to Prevent Arctic Invasions
In Norway and Svalbard, the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre‘s expert committees evaluate the risks posed by alien species in different regions.
“These committees have long found it to be very laborious, almost impossible, to make a list of relevant species that should be assessed as possible new alien species,” says Westergaard.
Credit: Kristine Bakke Westergaard, NTNU University Museum
The newly developed approach provides experts with clearer species lists and a more systematic way to evaluate ecological risk in specific areas.
The newly developed approach provides experts with clearer species lists and a more systematic way to evaluate ecological risk in specific areas.
Supporting Global Biodiversity Goals by 2030
“Our long-term goal is to help identify alien species before they become invasive and problematic,” Ulsted said.
Detecting and managing invasive species early is far more effective than trying to control them once they are firmly established.
According to Westergaard, this strategy also advances the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for reducing the threat from alien species, including cutting their introduction and establishment by half by 2030.
The work also supports several measures outlined in the Norwegian authorities’ action plan against alien organisms.
The Life of Earth
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As a landscape gardener I was regularly asked for advice on what to plant. I was into biomes near the end of my gardening career. So for me the biome of what was planted was an important aspect of what to plant. Weather a tree attracted 'mice or squirrels' or what species of birds. Weather a shrub attracted pests or butterflies and bees, etc.
ReplyDeleteSo invasive species could be considered part of the biome built on humans.