Are exotic earthworms threatening soil biodiversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest?

Invasive earthworms are threatening soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in formerly earthworm-free boreal and temperate forests. Although exotic earthworms are also found in tropical forests, they have received less attention from soil scientists. Here, we summarize data on earthworm populations in the native Brazilian Atlantic Forest (one of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots) and present a case study on three forests at different regeneration stages, aiming to identify the patterns of exotic species distribution and also the possible consequences of invasive earthworms for soil ecosystem services and macrofauna communities. We found that exotic earthworms, mainly Pontoscolex corethrurus and pheretimoid species (Amynthas corticis and A. gracilis), dominated the earthworm fauna in the native Brazilian Atlantic Forest, while native earthworms were less abundant. Furthermore, we observed that exotic earthworms are probably threatening soil macroinvertebrates, especially detritivores and predators, due to the high soil bioturbation. The widespread occurrence of invasive earthworms in this biome raises concern regarding possible competition with the native soil fauna, including native earthworms, which could dramatically impact ecosystem services linked to soil, especially those related to climate regulation and water storage.

Automated summary

Invasive earthworms pose a threat to soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in boreal and temperate forests. However, their impact in tropical forests, such as the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, has been less studied. This research investigates the dominance of exotic earthworm species and their potential consequences on soil ecosystem services and macrofauna communities, highlighting concerns about competition with native soil fauna and implications for climate regulation and water storage.