Common juniper, an overlooked conifer with high invasion potential in protected areas of Patagonia.

ABSTRACT: The benefits of early detection of biological invasions are widely recognized, especially for protected areas (PAs). However, research on incipient invasive plant species is scarce compared to species with a recognized history of invasion. Here, we characterized the invasion status of the non-native conifer Juniperus communis in PAs and interface areas of Andean Patagonia, Argentina. We mapped its distribution and described both the invasion and the environments this species inhabits through field studies, a literature review, and a citizen science initiative. We also modeled the species' potential distribution by comparing the climatic characteristics of its native range with those of the introduced ranges studied. The results show that J. communis is now widely distributed in the region,

SUBMITTER: Franzese J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10276858 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature