From Purpose to Persistence: How Intentional Introductions by Humans Influence Ecological Niches of Non-Native Plants.

Autor: Riera, M., Chytry, M., Melero, Y., …, Jansen, F. et al.
In:

Global Ecology and Biogeography.

ISBN: 1466-8238
Jahr: 2026

Einordung:
Institut: Professur Landschaftsökologie und Standortkunde

Abstract:
Abstract

Aim:

The intentional or unintentional transport of non-
native plants is key to overcoming geographic barriers. However, it re
-


mains unclear whether such introduction pathways associate with overcoming environmental barriers, which is key for success
-

ful invasion. Here, we test how intentionality of introduction associates with niche breadth and niche harshness.

Location:Europe.

Time Period:1914–2020.

Major Taxa Studied:220 plant species.

Methods: Across > 60,000 invaded vegetation plots, we tested whether intentionality of introduction (intentional, unintentional,or both) and characteristics of non-native plants (native climatic niche breadth, growth form, dispersal syndrome, height, res
-

idence time) were associated with their niche breadth, quantified through habitats, climate, and co-
occurring flora. We tested

how the intentionality of introduction was associated with environmental harshness (drought, salinity, oligotrophy, and eleva
-

tion), while accounting for land-
cover and habitat types.

2 of 17

Global Ecology and Biogeography,

2026

Results:Non-native plants introduced both intentionally and unintentionally had a broader habitat range, compared to non-

native plants introduced only unintentionally. A broad climatic niche in the native range was associated with a broader invaded

climatic niche, while a long residence time was associated with broader habitat and biotic niches. Intentional introduction was

associated with the invasion of dry habitats and forests, whereas unintentional introduction was linked to the invasion of saline,

high-elevation, and disturbed environments.

Main Conclusions:

In addition to triggering invasions, the type of process responsible for introduction can partly explain how

non-native plants overcome environmental barriers in the invaded range. The intentionality of introduction was associated with

niche breadth only in terms of habitat range, while the association with niche harshness depended on the type of stress, which

highlights the importance of integrative niche assessments. The relationship between intentionality of introduction and the invaded niche could relate to intentionality-
specific differences in biological attributes (environmental tolerance, dispersal capacity, and preference for disturbance) and the introduction process (propagule pressure and residence time).

Ansprechpartner

Weitere Information im WWW

Zur Publikation: Mitarbeiter, Projekte
Weitere Publikationen im Forschungsteilschwerpunkt