Going up the Andes: patterns and drivers of non-native plant invasions across latitudinal and elevational gradients

The Andes mountain range in South America has a high level of endemism and is a major source of ecosystem services. The Andes is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances that have allowed the establishment of non-native plants, mainly in the lower elevation areas. However, synergies between climate change and anthropogenic pressure are promoting the spread of non-native plants to higher elevation areas. In this article, we evaluate and identify the main non-native plants invading Andean ecosystems, and assess their taxonomic families, growth forms and distribution patterns. Based on a systematic literature review, we identified the importance of climatic and anthropogenic factors as drivers of non-native species establishment in Andean ecosystems and the main impacts of non-native plants in the Andes. We then identified research gaps across each biogeographic region in the Andes. Finally, we highlight key elements to better tackle the problem of non-native plant invasions in Andean ecosystems, including the need for a systematic monitoring of invasion patterns and spread (e.g. MIREN protocol) and a common policy agenda across international borders for the prevention and management of non-native plants in this highly vulnerable region.

Automated summary

This article evaluates the main non-native plants invading Andean ecosystems, identifies their taxonomic families, growth forms, and distribution patterns. Based on a systematic literature review, the importance of climatic and anthropogenic factors as drivers of non-native species establishment in Andean ecosystems and the main impacts of non-native plants in the region are identified. Additionally, research gaps across biogeographic regions in the Andes are identified. Finally, key elements to better tackle the problem of non-native plant invasions in Andean ecosystems are highlighted, including systematic monitoring of invasion patterns and spread and a common policy agenda across international borders.