Molluscs from South America to the World: Who and Where Are They?

TL;DR

This paper compiles information on 29 South American mollusc species introduced globally, highlighting their spread due to globalization and environmental changes.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive reference on South American invasive molluscs and their global introductions, linking them to climate change and trade.

Findings

Most introductions are linked to globalization and increased trade.

Source regions of these species also received non-native species from Europe and Asia.

Introduced regions face climate change and urbanization impacts.

Abstract

While the threat of climate change increases, biodiversity is also being affected by another problem, the introduction of non-native species that are resistant to environmental disturbances. Some of these non-native species can become invasive and have negative impacts on native ecosystems, public health, and the economy. In this context, society, government, and the academic community—each according to its role—must manage such species, which is a process involving prevention, detection, and control. In this work, the researchers who compose eMIAS (South American Invasive Mollusks Specialists) focus on compiling a reference work for the 29 mollusc species that are native to South America and that have been introduced to other continents. Among those 29 species, 10 are marine, 10 are freshwater, and 9 are terrestrial. These introductions, over the past five decades, have been facilitated by an increase in global trade as well as in environmental degradation in many areas (e.g., climate change, urbanization).

Ecosystems and biodiversity around the globe face multiple threats, including climate change and invasive species. Non-native species are known for their resilience to disturbances and their ability to thrive more successfully than native species in urbanized or otherwise disturbed areas, and some of them can become invasive. It is a complex challenge to detect, manage, and control such species, which require coordinated efforts from society, government, and the academic community. In this study, the eMIAS (South American Invasive Mollusks Specialists) research group (27 experts from seven South American countries) aim to provide foundational knowledge for management of these species. We compiled and synthesized information on the mollusc species that are native to South America and that have been introduced to other regions of the world. A total of 29 species were detected, including 10 marine, 10 freshwater, and 9 terrestrial. For each species, the area of origin, date and place of introduction, and current distribution were determined. We could determine that (1) most of these introductions have occurred in connection with globalization processes, such as an increase in trade. (2) The potential source regions of those 29 species are also areas that received non-native species from elsewhere (e.g., Europe, Asia). (3) Regions where species introductions have taken place are subject to the impacts of climate change and/or urbanization.

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