Pine Invasions in South America: Reducing Their Ecological Impacts Trough Active Management

PAUCHARD, A.; GARCÍA ARAYA, R.; ZALBA, SERGIO M.; SARASOLA, M.; ZENNI, R.; ZILLER, S.R.; NUÑEZ, M.A

Biological Invasions in Changing Ecosystems

De Gruyter Open Ltd.

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2016; p. 318 - 342

Pines are among the best-studied groups of invasive species. In South America pines have been planted for forestry, and in many areas are becoming highly invasive. The impacts of pine invasions can be high and vary according to regions, posing a risk to local and regional biodiversity by affecting ecosystem composition, structure and function. Still, governments subsidize the planting of extremely invasive pines. It is clear that governments and stakeholders should take immediate actions to prevent this problem, which is currently at a stage where its control is doable. The experience of other regions such Africa, Australia and New Zealand should help South America to prevent and manage pine invasions to avoid further environmental and economic costs.