Habitat provided by native species facilitates higher abundances of an invader in its introduced compared to native range.

ABSTRACT: The impacts invasive species have on biodiversity and ecosystem function globally have been linked to the higher abundances they often obtain in their introduced compared to native ranges. Higher abundances of invaders in the introduced range are often explained by a reduction in negative species interactions in that range, although results are equivocal. The role of positive interactions in explaining differences in  the abundance of invaders between native and invasive ranges has not been tested. Using biogeographic surveys, we showed that the rocky shore porcelain crab, Petrolisthes elongatus, was ~4 times more abundant in its introduced (Tasmania, Australia) compared to its native (New Zealand) range. The habitat of these crabs in the invaded range (underside of intertidal boulders) wa

SUBMITTER: Gribben PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7156459 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature