The introduction of non-native species by humans is one of the leading drivers of global species decline, contributing to 60% of extinctions in recent decades. These invasive species, such as the brown rat, mouflon, and mink in Central Europe, often outcompete native species or introduce new diseases. However, a groundbreaking study published in Conservation Letters by researchers from the University of Vienna and La Sapienza University in Rome highlights a surprising twist—some of these invasive species are endangered in their native habitats.Globalization and the Spread of Non-Native SpeciesGlobalization has facilitated the movement of species across the globe.
While many invasive species pose a threat to native ecosystems, others face extinction risks in their original habitats due to deforestation, overhunting, and habitat destruction. This creates a conservation paradox: should non-native populations of endangered species be eradicated to protect local biodiversity, or should they be conserved as a means of preventing their total extinction?To address this dilemma, researchers analyzed 230 non-native mammal species introduced to new areas by humans.
Their findings revealed that 36 of these species are endangered in their native regions, raising critical questions about global conservation strategies.Endangered Species in a New LightOne striking example is the crested macaque. Native to Sulawesi, its population has plummeted by 85% since 1978 due to habitat loss and overhunting.
However, the species has established stable populations on other Indonesian islands. Similarly, the wild rabbit is endangered in Europe but thrives in massive populations in Australia, often to the detriment of native species.The study found that most of the natively endangered species originate from tropical Asia, where rainforest destruction and overexploitation are prevalent. In these cases, human-introduced populations could serve as a lifeline for species on the brink of extinction.
Reevaluating Global Extinction RiskCurrent conservation assessments often exclude non-native populations from extinction risk evaluations. The study revealed that including these populations could reduce the global extinction risk for 22% of analyzed species. Biodiversity researcher Franz Essl of the University of Vienna emphasizes the potential significance of non-native populations for species survival, especially when native habitats face severe threats.However, this approach comes with risks. Conservation efforts might shift focus away from protecting native habitats, and non-native populations can harm local ecosystems.
Striking a Balance in Conservation“The primary focus must remain on safeguarding species in their native regions,” says Essl. Yet, the increasing globalization of species distribution suggests that more species may rely on non-native populations for survival in the future. This requires nature conservationists to navigate complex trade-offs between preserving native biodiversity and leveraging non-native populations to prevent extinctions.
A Global Fingerprint of Biodiversity ChallengesThe study underscores the dual-edged impact of globalization on biodiversity. While it exacerbates species decline in many regions, it also provides opportunities to rethink conservation strategies in a rapidly changing world. Striking the right balance will be crucial to ensuring the survival of endangered species while protecting native ecosystems from invasive threats.
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