CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Invasive exotic species have a wide geographical distribution, characteristic life cycles and great ability to adapt, establish and spread in a new environment. Invasion genetics is a relatively new discipline that investigates the genetic variation patterns of invasive exotic species and their ecological and evolutionary consequences. A pioneer in this discipline was Charles Elton who wrote ?The Ecology of Invasions by Plants and Animals?, although later ?The genetic of colonizing species? was considered the founding document for Invasion Genetics. Gradually, the advances in novel molecular technologies, the use of higher resolution genetic markers, and the research development on genetic variation of invasive species consolidated the importance of genetic aspects in the invasion process. Undoubtedly, the growing concern for the disturbances generated by invasive species on biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems was also determinant for the inclusion of the Invasion Biology within the broad field of Conservation Biology. Recently, several scientific journals have expanded their editorial scope, including conservation-relevant articles that address the genetic aspects of biological invasions. In Argentina, it is striking that the genetic approach is not being used yet for species that have become invasive, even when they are causing countless drawbacks and disturbances in various ecosystems. Although the number of invasive species registered far exceeds 20, little research has been done on invasive mammals and only five of them were hitherto genetically analyzed. Presuming that invasion genetics is incorporated into the agenda of control and management organizations, it would allow integrating the ecological, genetic, and evolutionary aspects for the management, control or eradication of invasive species widely distributed in Argentina.

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