Reference |
Frenot, Y., Chown, S.L., Whinam, J., Selkirk, P., Convey, P., Skotnicki, M. & Bergstrom, D. (2005) Biological invasions in the Antarctic: extent, impacts and implications. Biological Reviews 80 pp. 45-72.
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Keywords | alien species, human impact, tourism, Antarctica, sub-Antarctic, ecosystem consequences, climate
change, life history, colonization. |
Abstract | Alien microbes, fungi, plants and animals occur on most of the sub-Antarctic islands and some parts of the
Antarctic continent. These have arrived over approximately the last two centuries, coincident with human
activity in the region. Introduction routes have varied, but are largely associated with movement of people
and cargo in connection with industrial, national scientific program and tourist operations. The large majority
of aliens are European in origin. They have both direct and indirect impacts on the functioning of speciespoor
Antarctic ecosystems, in particular including substantial loss of local biodiversity and changes to
ecosystem processes. With rapid climate change occurring in some parts of Antarctica, elevated numbers of
introductions and enhanced success of colonization by aliens are likely, with consequent increases in impacts
on ecosystems. Mitigation measures that will substantially reduce the risk of introductions to Antarctica and
the sub-Antarctic must focus on reducing propagule loads on humans, and their food, cargo, and transport
vessels. |
Bibliography |
RiSCC Outcomes ( 162 records compiled by RiSCC members ). This Bibliography is not linked to a metadata record.
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