CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Introduced invasive species generally have a wide geographic 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 introduced invasive species and their ecological and evolutionary consequences. A pioneer in this discipline was Charles Elton, who published The ecology of invasions by plants and animals in 1958, although later The genetics of colonizing species was considered the founding document for invasion genetics in 1965. Gradually, the advances in emerging molecular technologies, use of higher resolution genetic markers, and 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 ecosystem functions was also determinant for the inclusion of 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 genetics is not being used frequently for species that have become invasive, even when they are causing countless impacts and disturbances in various ecosystems. Although the number of introduced invasive mammals in Argentina exceeds 20, only five of them have been assessed genetically. Presuming that invasion genetics is better incorporated into the agenda of invasion biology research and application, it would allow integrating ecological, genetic, and evolutionary aspects for more effective management, control or eradication of invasive species widely distributed in Argentina.

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