“Race Against Climate Change: Non-Native Species Expanding Faster Than Natives, Scientists Find”

The research conducted by the international team of scientists led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst sheds light on the alarming rate at which non-native species are expanding their ranges compared to native species. The study, published in Annual Reviews of Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, highlights the significant role of human activities in accelerating the spread of invasive species, ultimately outpacing the ability of native species to adapt to climate change.

According to Bethany Bradley, the lead author of the study, the exponential increase in invasive plant species globally is a cause for concern. Plant nurseries, in particular, have been identified as a major contributor to the unintentional spread of invasive species, exacerbating the impact of climate change on ecosystems. The researchers found that non-native species are moving at a staggering rate of 35 kilometers per year on their own, with human assistance increasing this rate to a remarkable 1,883 kilometers per year.

In contrast, native species are struggling to keep up, only managing to move at an average of 1.74 kilometers per year. To survive in the face of rapidly changing environmental conditions, land-based species need to be shifting their ranges by more than 3.25 kilometers per year, while marine species need to move at 2.75 kilometers per year. This discrepancy in movement rates between native and non-native species underscores the urgent need for human intervention to support the migration of native species to more suitable habitats.

The researchers also explored the potential future spread of both native and non-native species in a warming world. While non-native species may have more territory to gain with climate change, they also face the risk of losing habitat as certain range margins become unsuitable. This highlights the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing battle between native and non-native species in adapting to changing environmental conditions.

In light of these findings, Bradley emphasizes the importance of implementing assisted migration strategies to support native species in their efforts to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The research underscores the critical role that humans play in shaping the future of biodiversity and the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.