Adjusting the lens of invasion biology to focus on the impacts of climate-driven range shifts

Authors

Piper D. Wallingford, University of California, Irvine
Toni Lyn Morelli, US Geological Survey & University of Massachusetts, AmherstFollow
Jenica M. Allen, US Geological Survey & University of New Hampshire, Durham & Mount Holyoke College
Evelyn M. Beaury, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dana M. Blumenthal, Rangeland Resources & Systems Research Unit, Fort Collins
Bethany A. Bradley, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Jeffrey S. Dukes, Purdue University
Regan Early, University of Exeter, Cornwall
Emily J. Fusco, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Deborah E. Goldberg, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Inés Ibáñez, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Brittany B. Laginhas, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Montserrat Vilà, 13Estación Biológica de Doñana–Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EBD–CSIC) & University of Sevilla
Cascade J.B. Sorte, University of California, Irvine

ORCID IDs

http://ocrid.org/0000-0003-2385-9590

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5865-5294

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7971-3593

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9482-7743

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7369-1285

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1054-0727

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3171-8261

Date of this Version

5-2020

Citation

U.S. government works are not subject to copyright.

Comments

Nature Climate Change | VOL 10 398 | May 2020 | 398–405 | www.nature.com/natureclimatechange

Abstract

As Earth’s climate rapidly changes, species range shifts are considered key to species persistence. However, some range-shifting species will alter community structure and ecosystem processes. By adapting existing invasion risk assessment frameworks, we can identify characteristics shared with high-impact introductions and thus predict potential impacts. There are fundamental differences between introduced and range-shifting species, primarily shared evolutionary histories between range shifters and their new community. Nevertheless, impacts can occur via analogous mechanisms, such as wide dispersal, community disturbance and low biotic resistance. As ranges shift in response to climate change, we have an opportunity to develop plans to facilitate advantageous movements and limit those that are problematic.