Assessing invasive bird community range expansion and its ecological impact in Chile

Le résumé fourni par la source

Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functions, and present economic challenges. To effectively understand the invasive species biology and their interactions with native species—and to develop informed management strategies—it is essential to assess their range expansion dynamics, especially in biodiversity hotspots like Chile. Chile has a unique geographic location being ~4200 km long but on average only 177 km wide and is bordered by the driest desert in the north, the Andes in the east, the Pacific Ocean in the west, and glaciers in the south. Therefore, most invasive species are intentionally introduced to the country. Early detection and prevention increasingly depend on species distribution models that predict suitable habitats using presence/pseudo-absence data, allowing for targeted surveillance and eradication efforts. We developed species distribution models (SDMs) using data from eBird, CHELSA bioclimatic variables, and Global Human Footprint to predict habitat suitability and range expansion of invasive birds into protected areas. Of 13 non-native bird species in Chile, we modeled four with sufficient data: monk parakeet ( Myiopsitta monachus , introduced 1972), house sparrow ( Passer domesticus , 1904), California quail ( Callipepla califórnica , 1864; and rock pigeon ( Columbia livia f. domestica , 1572). For house sparrows and rock pigeons, anthropogenic pressure was the top predictor of suitable habitat. Bioclimatic variables dominated for parakeets (mean temperature of driest quarter, CHELSA Bio9) and quail (precipitation of driest month, Bio14). We also surveyed Chile’s national park service (CONAF) for invasive bird species occurrences in the natural protected areas to identify areas of greatest concern regarding their spread, particularly concerning potential competition with native species. Preliminary results show that house sparrows occur in 25 parks nationwide, California quail in 15 parks (mostly south), pigeons in 11 (mostly north), and parakeets in 3 parks (all central Chile). SDMs indicate potential for range expansion beyond current observations for these species, highlighting risks of competition and disease transmission. These patterns underscore needs for targeted surveillance, and management in Chile's protected areas.

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