INVASIVES- Biological invasions across terrestrial and marine habitats: histories, common traits, and ecological impacts

Summary:

INVASIVES aims at comparing the invasion processes in terrestrial and marine habitats in Portugal, integrating different scientific research areas, including genetic and functional invasive traits and processes under climate change. We will look at biological traits, introduction event details and ecosystem properties to find the drivers (common or different) in the invasion strategy and success. In some case study species, Acacia spp. and the insect vectors for Xylella fastidiosa, we propose to look in detail at the association between microorganisms and Eukarya, looking for diversity and modifications in different habitats. All this knowledge will be integrated with citizen science. Finally, considering  the ecological processes and environmental drivers involved in the invasive behaviour of alien species, we aim to predict future invaders and to help mitigate future invasions, contributing to the effective control of invasive species . INVASIVES gathers a multidisciplinary team from several researsch teams at FCUL and Ciências ULisboa.

Keywords:

Acacia; citizen science; climate change; invasive traits; invasive prediction 

Funding Institution:

CIÊNCIAS - ULISBOA

FCiências.ID

Partners:

MARE, IDL, BioISI, CESAM, CIUHCT