Spatial pattern and determinants of the first detection locations of invasive alien species in mainland China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The unintentional transport of species as a result of human activities has reached unprecedented rates. Once established, introduced species can be nearly impossible to eradicate. It is therefore essential to identify and monitor locations where invaders are most likely to establish new populations. Despite the obvious value of early detection, how does an agency identify areas that are most vulnerable to new invaders? Here we propose a novel approach by using the "first detection location" (FDL) of introduced species in China to quantify characteristics of areas where introduced species are first reported.

Methodology/principal findings

We obtained FDLs for 166 species (primarily agricultural and forestry pests) that were unintentionally introduced into China pri

SUBMITTER: Huang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3283667 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature