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Risks to pollinators and pollination from invasive alien species

Nature Ecology & Evolution volume 2, pages 16–25 (2018)Cite this article

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Abstract

Invasive alien species modify pollinator biodiversity and the services they provide that underpin ecosystem function and human well-being. Building on the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) global assessment of pollinators and pollination, we synthesize current understanding of invasive alien impacts on pollinators and pollination. Invasive alien species create risks and opportunities for pollinator nutrition, re-organize species interactions to affect native pollination and community stability, and spread and select for virulent diseases. Risks are complex but substantial, and depend greatly on the ecological function and evolutionary history of both the invader and the recipient ecosystem. We highlight evolutionary implications for pollination from invasive alien species, and identify future research directions, key messages and options for decision-making.

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Fig. 1: Conceptual synthesis of the direct and indirect impacts on native pollinators and native plant pollination from invasive alien species of plants, predators, introduced pollinators and their pests and pathogens.
Fig. 2: Invasive alien plant impact on pollinator visitation and network structure.
Fig. 3: Global movement of managed pollinators and risk of altered host–vector–pathogen dynamics.
Fig. 4: Complex interactions between alien predators, alien and native pollinators, and native plants transform and maintain pollination in highly modified ecosystems.

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Acknowledgements

We thank S. G. Potts and V. Imperatriz-Fonseca (co-chairs), H. Ngo (secretary) and all the expert authors and reviewers of the IPBES Assessment Report on Pollinators, Pollination and Food Production3,13 for their leadership, support, input and comments. We also thank H. Lowther for creating the figures in this Review. A.J.V. was supported by NERC-CEH National Capability Funding (NEC05106). A.E. was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grants P300P3_151141 and PBNEP3_140192). M.A.A. was partially supported by FONCYT (PICT 2015-2333).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Edinburgh, EH26 0QB, UK

    Adam J. Vanbergen

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences South 252, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Dr. MS 3051, Moscow, ID, 83844-3051, USA

    Anahí Espíndola

  3. Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET and Centro Regional Bariloche, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina

    Marcelo A. Aizen

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  1. Adam J. Vanbergen
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A.J.V. conceived and led this Review. A.E. and M.A.A. provided insight and co-wrote the Review. All authors performed revisions following peer review.

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Correspondence to Adam J. Vanbergen.

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Vanbergen, A.J., Espíndola, A. & Aizen, M.A. Risks to pollinators and pollination from invasive alien species. Nat Ecol Evol 2, 16–25 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017-0412-3

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