Read more about the article Mountain roads as conduits for ongoing exotic species expansion
The study site – the Sani Pass Road, surveyed from 1500 m – 2874 m above sea level in 2007 and 2017. (Photo credit: Sophia Turner)

Mountain roads as conduits for ongoing exotic species expansion

A study by Jesse Kalwij, former C∙I∙B MSc student, Sophia Turner, and C∙I∙B Core Team member, Karen Esler, shows that human activities are the primary cause of exotic species introduction and expansion up the Sani Pass, as well as from the disturbed road verges into the adjacent natural area.

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Read more about the article Understanding different types of uncertainty in invasion science is crucial for effective management
The co-authors during the retreat that provided the perfect environment to nurture these reflexions. (Photo Credit: Sophia Turner)

Understanding different types of uncertainty in invasion science is crucial for effective management

Uncertainty is part and parcel of any scientific field. The point of scientific research is to acquire knowledge and to deal with different types of uncertainty to improve our understanding of natural phenomena and help us make projections about the future.

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Read more about the article Protected areas defend wildlife from invasive alien species
The invasive grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has largely displaced the native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in the UK, and is unanimously recognised by conservationists as posing a serious threat to global ecosystems. (Photo by BirdPhotos.com (BirdPhotos.com) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons)

Protected areas defend wildlife from invasive alien species

Nature reserves, national parks and marine protected areas have been proven to effectively shield native wildlife from the impacts of invasive species, according to a recent study in the journal Global Change Biology.

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Read more about the article Parasites as drivers and passengers of biological invasions
A classic example of a parasite influencing an invasion is the replacement of the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) by the grey (S. carolinensis) in the UK. The invasion of the grey and severe population decline of the red has been mediated at least in part by parapoxvirus introduced from North America along with the grey squirrels.

Parasites as drivers and passengers of biological invasions

Alien species are a common sight around the world. Yet, the diversity and ubiquity of these species belies the fact that many alien introductions fail to take hold.

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