Understanding trends in biological invasions by introduced mammals in South America?s Southern Cone: a review of research and management

SEBASTIÁN BALLARI; ALEJANDRO E. J. VALENZUELA; CHRISTOPHER B. ANDERSON

MAMMAL REVIEW

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2016 vol. 46 p. 229 - 240

0305-1838

1. Species introductions and biological invasions by mammals have ecological and human dimensions. Therefore, this ostensibly "biological" phenomenon must also be treated as a socio-ecological problem, requiring holistic research to integrate academic disciplines and basic-applied facets. 2. To better understand mammal invasions, we characterized the current knowledge of this assemblage and determined trends in the study and management of these species in South America´s Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay). 3. We reviewed indexed publications and gray literature, assessing each publication´s objective, level of biological organization, methodology and invasion stage, and organizing studies by country, year of publication and taxa studied. For each species, presence, native range, year and reason of introduction, distribution, dispersal pathways, impacts, and management actions were evaluated. 4. From 190 publications, we documented 23 introduced mammal species. The Magellanic subpolar forest was the most invaded ecoregion (17 species), followed by Valdivian temperate forest and Patagonian steppe (12 species). While together livestock and commensals brought during European early colonization constituted the reason for introducing 43.5% of these species, hunting was the single most common driver of today´s introduced mammal assemblage (30.4%). 5. To enhance policies and institutional frameworks about biological invasions, we recommend: 1) recognize the presence and spread of invasive mammals even in "pristine" or protected areas; 2) improve controls to prevent new introductions and/or escapes; 3) include the social and cultural aspects of biological invasions in research and subsequent management plans; 4) enhance and reinforce hunting regulations (since this was the major reason for introductions); 5) establish long-term distribution and dispersion monitoring programs; 6) create mechanisms for scientists and managers to co-design new research and policy programs oriented towards applied issues like early detection and rapid response strategies; and 7) develop pilot management projects in critical areas such as the most invaded biomes.