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The rights of nature have been widely discussed at a philosophical level for a long time, but examples of its practical application are quite rare. Ecuador is the first country to incorporate this concept into its constitutional foundation and put the theory into practice. However, implementing entirely justifiable rights of nature is hindered by factors, such as economic considerations, legal interpretations, cultural norms, political will, and disproportionate perspectives of “the greater good”. After getting opportunities for more than a decade to convert theoretical concepts into tangible results for nature, many doubts remain concerning the applied practicality of this ideology.

A new Cedrela (Meliaceae) species, Cedrela angusticarpa, is described through a combination of taxonomic, morphological, and molecular analyses. Cedrela kuelapensis, originally described as an endemic species of northern Peru, is also reported here as a new record for Ecuador. Cedrela angusticarpa has oblong or oblong-lanceolate glabrous leaflets, rounded at the base. Inflorescences are up to 70 cm long, and flowers present a cupuliform calyx with five regular teeth. Fruits are narrowly obovoid capsules. Through molecular analyses using nine microsatellite loci, it is evident that samples from C. angusticarpa form their own genetic cluster when compared to the most morphologically similar species, C. odorata, suggesting that they belong to a new separate species. Additionally, here we report that C. angusticarpa has a very narrow geographic range, recorded between 550 and 1300 m in elevation, and restricted to the relatively small areas of northwestern Ecuador. Climatic niche modelling techniques were used as a proxy for assessing potential distributions and habitat loss percentages for both C. angusticarpa and C. kuelapensis. Finally, IUCN Red List categories and criteria were applied to assess the conservation status of both Cedrela species analyzed here.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:52:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-03-18 Urbanization transforms environments in ways that alter biological evolution. We examined whether urban environmental change drives parallel evolution by sampling 110,019 white clover plants from 6169 populations in 160 cities globally. Plants were assayed for a Mendelian antiherbivore defense that also affects tolerance to abiotic stressors. Urban-rural gradients were associated with the evolution of clines in defense in 47% of cities throughout the world. Variation in the strength of clines was explained by environmental changes in drought stress and vegetation cover that varied among cities. Sequencing 2074 genomes from 26 cities revealed that the evolution of urban-rural clines was best explained by adaptive evolution, but the degree of parallel adaptation varied among cities. Our results demonstrate that urbanization leads to adaptation at a global scale. Department of Biology University of Toronto Mississauga ON Centre for Urban Environments University of Toronto Mississauga ON Department of Biology University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Department of Biology University of Louisiana LA Department of Biology Queen's University ON Department of Biology Concordia University QC Department of Biological Sciences DePaul University Department of Biology DePauw University IN Department of Urban Design and Planning, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ Department of Genetics University of Georgia Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Centre Uppsala University Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere Hokkaido University Natural History Museum Zoology University of New England NSW Programa de Pós-Graduação em Geografia da UFMT campus de Rondonópolis Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia Graduate Program in Genome Sciences and Technology Genome Sciences Centre University of British Columbia Department of Microbiology and Immunology University of British Columbia Red de Biología Evolutiva Instituto de Ecología A. C. School of the Environment Yale University CT Departamento de Ciencias Ecológicas Universidad de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad Universidad de Chile Department of Biology Mount Allison University Red de Ecoetología Instituto de Ecología A. C. Department of Biology University of Ottawa ON Department of Zoology University of Cambridge Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA Department of Biology University of Miami FL Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad (CIRENYS) Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins Department of Biology, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA, USA Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt Université Laval QC Evolution & Ecology Research Centre School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney NSW Department of Biology Ghent University Department of Biology Monmouth University West Long Branch Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes Faculdade de Ciências Universidade de Lisboa Lisboa Department of Biology KU Leuven School of Agriculture and Environment Wildlife and Ecology group Massey University, Palmerston North Department of Biological Sciences University of Cape Town Institute of Landscape Ecology University of Münster Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta AB Louis Calder Center and Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, Armonk, NY, USA Departamento de Ecología Tropical, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, México School of Life Sciences University of Sussex Department of Ecology Environment and Plant Sciences Stockholm University iBIOTROP Instituto de Biodiversidad Tropical Universidad San Francisco de Quito Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA Unidad de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán AC, Mérida, Yucatán, México School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences East China Normal University Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Sustainable Plant Innovation Centre for Ecosystem Science School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences UNSW Sydney NSW Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Michigan MI Department of Biosciences Rice University TX IFEVA Universidad de Buenos Aires Facultad de Agronomía, CONICET Biology Department Saint Mary's University NS Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes Department of Biology and Biochemistry University of Houston TX Université de Rennes Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre University of British Columbia Department of Environmental Studies Dordt University Sioux Center IA Department of Biology Minneapolis Community and Technical College MN Department of Natural Sciences Ecology and Environment Research Centre Manchester Metropolitan University Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad UNAM Department of Botany School of Biology Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Faculty of Biological and Environmental Science Organismal & Evolutionary Biology Research Programme University of Helsinki Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Department of Biology Hendrix College Department of Ecological Science Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) Department of Plant Sciences School of Biology College of Science University of Tehran NTNU University Museum Norwegian University of Science and Technology Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados Instituto de Ecología A. C. School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights Park, Reading, Berkshire, UK Department of Biology Northern Arizona University AZ Department of Biological Sciences MacEwan University AB Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva Instituto de Ecología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology Potsdam-Golm BIO5 Institute University of Arizona AZ Alaska Center for Conservation Science University of Alaska Anchorage Tropical Diversity, Royal Botanical Garden of Edinburgh Département de biologie Université de Moncton Department of Biological Sciences University of Manitoba MB Departments of Microbiology & Statistics University of Manitoba MB Department of Biology University of New Brunswick Department of Biology Kalamazoo College MI BioProtection Research Centre Lincoln University Departamento de Ciencias Facultad de Artes Liberales Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez Department of Ecology Evolution Behaviour University of Minnesota MN Department of Biological Sciences Brock University Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA ICB - University of Talca School of Molecular and Life Science Curtin University College of Science Health Engineering and Education Murdoch University, Murdoch School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney NSW School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Department of Biological Sciences Wayne State University MI Department of Biology Western Oregon University, OR School of Natural Resources and the Environment University of Arizona AZ Departamento de Ecología Humana, Cinvestav Mérida Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Departamento de Ecología y Biodiversidad Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB) Department of Biology Lund University Department of Biology Norwegian University of Science and Technology Escuela Superiro de Desarrollo Sustentable Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero -CONACYT Clarkson Secondary School Peel District School Board ON Homelands Sr. Public School Peel District School Board ON Department of Biological Sciences University of Illinois at Chicago Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, St. James Catholic Global Learning Centre Department of Biosciences University of Calgary AB Ecological Processes Branch U.S. Army ERDC-CERL Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores Unidad Morelia UNAM Institute of Evolution and Ecology University of Tübingen Tübingen Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse Urban Wildlife Institute Department of Conservation and Science, Lincoln Park Zoo Departamento de Ecología Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción Department of Biological Sciences University of Denver CO Department of Biological Sciences Mississippi State University MS Department of Biology Center for Computational & Integrative Biology Rutgers University-Camden Kunming Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Laurentian University ON Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering College of Life Sciences Beijing Normal University School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA Department of Biology University of New Mexico NM Department of Biology University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Agriculture Institute Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) Department of Biology Colby College ME Instituto de Biología Universidad de Antioquia Department of Biology University of Massachusetts Boston MA Agricultural Biology Colorado State University CO Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología Facultad de Biología Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Reina Mercedes s/n Facultad de Estudios Interdisciplinarios Centro GEMA- Genómica Universidad Mayor Evolutionary Ecology Group Naturalis Biodiversity Center Department of Biology and Chemistry Nipissing University ON, North Bay Center for Ecological Research Kyoto University Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research Program University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Botany and Molecular Evolution Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies University of Wisconsin-Madison WI Department of Biology, California State University, Northridge, Los Angeles, CA, USA Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Facultad de Ciencias y Biotecnologia Universidad CES Department of Biology Hofstra University Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture Nord University, Bodø Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA Department of Biology University of Richmond VA Estación de Biodiversidad Tiputini Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ Department of Biological Sciences Institute of Environment Florida International University FL Agronomy Department University of Almería Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Urban Ecology and Sustainability Butler University IN Department of Biological Sciences Louisiana State University LA Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt Institute of Biology Leiden Leiden University Department of Biological and Environmental Science University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Department of Biology University of Louisville KY Organization for Programs on Environmental Science University of Tokyo CNRS AgroParisTech Ecologie Systématique et Evolution, Université Paris-Saclay Department of Biology, Providence College, Providence, RI, USA General Zoology Institute for Biology Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg International Arctic Research Center University of Alaska Fairbanks Science, Technology and Society Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA SLU Swedish Species Information Centre Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Biology Westfield State University MA Centre of New Technologies University of Warsaw Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA Plant Biology Department Michigan State University MI Biology Department Davidson College College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/ Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry Information Huazhong Agricultural University School of Life Sciences Technical University of Munich School of Life Sciences Lanzhou University Institute of Ecology and Evolution University of Bern Department of Evolution Ecology and Behaviour University of Liverpool Departamento de Biodiversidade Instituto de Biociências Univ Estadual Paulista - UNESP

A recurring feature of oceanic archipelagos is the presence of adaptive radiations that generate endemic, species-rich clades that can offer outstanding insight into the links between ecology and evolution. Recent developments in evolutionary genomics have contributed towards solving long-standing questions at this interface. Using a comprehensive literature search, we identify studies spanning 19 oceanic archipelagos and 110 putative adaptive radiations, but find that most of these radiations have not yet been investigated from an evolutionary genomics perspective. Our review reveals different gaps in knowledge related to the lack of implementation of genomic approaches, as well as undersampled taxonomic and geographic areas. Filling those gaps with the required data will help to deepen our understanding of adaptation, speciation, and other evolutionary processes., D.D.C. was supported by a Humboldt postdoctoral fellowship. J.C. was supported by a Research Council of Norway travel grant (project 287327). J.C. thanks Andy Foote for early input and ideas on what a review encompasses. The authors are extremely grateful to four anonymous reviewers and the editor whose thoughtful criticism led to a significant improvement of this manuscript. This publication is contribution number 2488 of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands.

Funding: Floristic identification in plots in the RAINFOR forest monitoring network have been supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (grants NE/B503384/1, NE/ D01025X/1, NE/I02982X/1, NE/F005806/1, NE/D005590/1 and NE/I028122/1) and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. In a time of rapid global change, the question of what determines patterns in species abundance distribution remains a priority for understanding the complex dynamics of ecosystems. The constrained maximization of information entropy provides a framework for the understanding of such complex systems dynamics by a quantitative analysis of important constraints via predictions using least biased probability distributions. We apply it to over two thousand hectares of Amazonian tree inventories across seven forest types and thirteen functional traits, representing major global axes of plant strategies. Results show that constraints formed by regional relative abundances of genera explain eight times more of local relative abundances than constraints based on directional selection for specific functional traits, although the latter does show clear signals of environmental dependency. These results provide a quantitative insight by inference from large-scale data using cross-disciplinary methods, furthering our understanding of ecological dynamics. Publisher PDF

We have investigated the evolution of the neutralizing response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants at 8 months after Pfizer-BNT162b2 vaccination in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)–naive (n = 21) and COVID-19–convalescent (n = 21) individuals. Neutralizing levels declined for all variants (range 2- to 3.7-fold). Eight months after vaccination, a significant proportion (4/21) of naive individuals lacked detectable neutralizing activity against the highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. In the convalescent group, the impressive high initial humoral response resulted in detectable neutralizing antibody levels against all variants throughout this period.

Empirical evidence for the climate variability and performance trade-off hypotheses is limited to animals, and it is unclear whether climate constrains the photosynthetic strategies of plants. The plant genus

We have measured the humoral response to messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in COVID-19 naïve and convalescent individuals. Third doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines induced a significant increase in potency and breadth of neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC) including Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, and BA.2.12.1, that were cross-neutralized at comparable levels and less for BA.4/5. This booster effect was especially important in naïve individuals that only after the third dose achieved a level that was comparable with that of vaccinated COVID-19 convalescents except for BA.4/5. Avidity of RBD-binding antibodies was also significantly increased in naïve individuals after the third dose, indicating an association between affinity maturation and cross neutralization of VoC. These results suggest that at least three antigenic stimuli by infection or vaccination with ancestral SARS-CoV-2 sequences are required to induce high avidity cross-neutralizing antibodies. Nevertheless, the circulation of new subvariants such as BA.4/5 with partial resistance to neutralization will have to be closely monitored and eventually consider for future vaccine developments.

Traditionally, smear microscopy has been used as to estimate bacillary burden in order to assess infectiousness in tuberculosis patients. Xpert Ultra has the potential to replace smear. However, there are scarce data available to support its use as a quantitative marker. This study assessed the correlation between CT (with and without normalization), smear, culture time-to-positivity (TTP), and clinical factors in patients with Xpert ultra positive sputum during a four-year period. A cut off CT value for smear positivity was also determined. Two hundred and four samples were included. Strong correlation between both Xpert Ultra CT values (raw and normalized) and smear grade was obtained (r = 0.78 and − 0.79, respectively). The association between CT and TTP was weaker than smear (r = 0.50) but strong correlation (-0.70) between TTP and normalized- CT (N- CT) was observed. A cut off N- CT value of 5.2 was found to best predict smear positivity. Only cavitation and cough were significantly related to a higher bacillary burden. Our study suggests that Xpert Ultra N-Ct correlates well with smear and TTP, and demonstrates the added value of N-Ct as a predictor of positive smear status.

Introduction. Several studies have used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight MS (MALDI-TOF) with a serum separator tube (SST) to perform rapid identification of microorganisms directly from positive blood cultures (BCs), with different performances and methodologies. Hypothesis / Gap Statement. The use of TSS could significantly reduce the time of identification of microorganisms that produce bacteremia. Aim. Our goals were to evaluate bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF using a method based on an SST and compare it with MALDI-TOF after subculture for 18–24 h. Methodology. BCs no more than 1 h after a positive growth signal were included in the study. Analysis of results was expressed as a score. Information about time to a positive signal and number of microorganisms was collected. Results. In total, 253 BCs were analysed; 45.5 % gave a reliable result, 23.3 % an unreliable result and 31.2 % an error in identification. In gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, the percentages of reliable results were 83.5 and 21.8 %, respectively. According to time to positive signal, the percentages of correct identification and mean score were 81.1 % (99/122) and 1.89±0.30 in Group 1 (15 h), respectively (P 100 MOF): 79/93 (84.94 %) and 1.84±0.31. Conclusion. This method allowed us to obtain a high percentage of the aetiological agent of bacteraemia in less than 30 min after a positive BC.

El derrame pleural es una complicación habitual en la neumonía bacteriana y se describe en un 20-40% de los pacientes hospitalizados. Su aparición en neumonía vírica es menos frecuente, así como la evolución a empiema. Presentamos el caso en una mujer de 63 años con neumonía bilateral por nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 asociada a derrame pleural derecho tipo exudado polimorfonuclear con criterios deempiema. Se aisló Streptococcus pyogenes (estreptococo grupo A) en líquido pleural. La paciente presentó una evolución favorable con antibioterapia dirigida y colocación de tubo de drenaje torácico. Durante su ingreso se diagnosticó incidentalmente una neoplasia mamaria.

Third doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines induced a significant increase in neutralizing potency and breadth in naïve individuals comparable with convalescents who restored levels after the first two doses. These results suggest a limit to elicit neutralization in the number of stimuli by infection or vaccination with ancestral SARS-CoV-2 sequences

According to the recommendations by the World Health Organization, the insertion of a peripheral venous catheter (PVC) must be an aseptic procedure while using non-sterile gloves. To overcome this apparent contradiction we have invented and patented (WO/2021/123482) a new device to be used during PVC insertion. The device permits the PVC placement in the vein while avoiding to directly touch the catheter with the fingertips. A total of 16 PVCs were inserted in the veins of a venipuncture anatomic training model while the operator was wearing non-sterile gloves. The gloves had been previously contaminated by embedding the fingertips in an agar plate inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis. Following insertion, the PVCs were sterilely removed and deposited on a bacterial culture plate. The tip cultures of PVCs that had been inserted with or without the use of the device were compared. Eight out of eight cultures (100.0%) were positive for S. epidermidis when the PVC had been inserted without using the device, whereas only one out of eight (12.5%) was positive when the device had been used. The single positive tip culture in the latter group corresponded to an insertion in which the operator had inadvertently touched the sterile part of the device while manipulating it. In conclusion, an auxiliary novel device allows the aseptic insertion of PVCs while the operator is wearing non-sterile gloves. Regulatory institutions should consider to recommend the insertion of PVCs by means of devices aimed at avoiding the contamination of the catheter.

We report the rediscovery of the Critically Endangered cloud forest herb

Background The objective of this study was to investigate the neutralizing response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VoC) during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescence and after vaccination. Methods COVID-19-convalescent and -naïve individuals were tested for neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 VoC Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta at 1 and 7 months postinfection and 4–6 weeks after BNT162b2 vaccination. Results Vaccination induced a high neutralizing response in naïve individuals. Interestingly, vaccination of convalescent patients induced a boosted response that was able to neutralize all VoC at high titers. Conclusions Vaccination with BNT162b2 induced high levels of neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 VoC in most patients; this is especially beneficial in COVID-19-convalescent individuals.

Datos disponibles en https://github.com/fmsabatini/sPlotOpen_Code, EU H2020 project BACI, Grant No. 640176 (...), Sabatini, F.M., Lenoir, J., Hattab, T., Arnst, E.A., Chytrý, M., Dengler, J., De Ruffray, P., Hennekens, S.M., Jandt, U., Jansen, F., Jiménez-Alfaro, B., Kattge, J., Levesley, A., Pillar, V.D., Purschke, O., Sandel, B., Sultana, F., Aavik, T., Aćić, S., Acosta, A.T.R., Agrillo, E., Alvarez, M., Apostolova, I., Arfin Khan, M.A.S., Arroyo, L., Attorre, F., Aubin, I., Banerjee, A., Bauters, M., Bergeron, Y., Bergmeier, E., Biurrun, I., Bjorkman, A.D., Bonari, G., Bondareva, V., Brunet, J., Čarni, A., Casella, L., Cayuela, L., Černý, T., Chepinoga, V., Csiky, J., Ćušterevska, R., De Bie, E., de Gasper, A.L., De Sanctis, M., Dimopoulos, P., Dolezal, J., Dziuba, T., El-Sheikh, M.A.E.-R.M., Enquist, B., Ewald, J., Fazayeli, F., Field, R., Finckh, M., Gachet, S., Galán-de-Mera, A., Garbolino, E., Gholizadeh, H., Giorgis, M., Golub, V., Alsos, I.G., Grytnes, J.-A., Guerin, G.R., Gutiérrez, A.G., Haider, S., Hatim, M.Z., Hérault, B., Hinojos Mendoza, G., Hölzel, N., Homeier, J., Hubau, W., Indreica, A., Janssen, J.A.M., Jedrzejek, B., Jentsch, A., Jürgens, N., Kącki, Z., Kapfer, J., Karger, D.N., Kavgacı, A., Kearsley, E., Kessler, M., Khanina, L., Killeen, T., Korolyuk, A., Kreft, H., Kühl, H.S., Kuzemko, A., Landucci, F., Lengyel, A., Lens, F., Lingner, D.V., Liu, H., Lysenko, T., Mahecha, M.D., Marcenò, C., Martynenko, V., Moeslund, J.E., Monteagudo Mendoza, A., Mucina, L., Müller, J.V., Munzinger, J., Naqinezhad, A., Noroozi, J., Nowak, A., Onyshchenko, V., Overbeck, G.E., Pärtel, M., Pauchard, A., Peet, R.K., Peñuelas, J., Pérez-Haase, A., Peterka, T., Petřík, P., Peyre, G., Phillips, O.L., Prokhorov, V., Rašomavičius, V., Revermann, R., Rivas-Torres, G., Rodwell, J.S., Ruprecht, E., Rūsiņa, S., Samimi, C., Schmidt, M., Schrodt, F., Shan, H., Shirokikh, P., Šibík, J., Šilc, U., Sklenář, P., Škvorc, Ž., Sparrow, B., Sperandii, M.G., Stančić, Z., Svenning, J.-C., Tang, Z., Tang, C.Q., Tsiripidis, I., Vanselow, K.A., Vásquez Martínez, R., Vassilev, K., Vélez-Martin, E., Venanzoni, R., Vibrans, A.C., Violle, C., Virtanen, R., von Wehrden, H., Wagner, V., Walker, D.A., Waller, D.M., Wang, H.-F., Wesche, K., Whitfeld, T.J.S., Willner, W., Wiser, S.K., Wohlgemuth, T., Yamalov, S., Zobel, M., Bruelheide, H.

There is a debate concerning the definition and extent of tropical dry forest biome and vegetation type at a global spatial scale. We identify the potential extent of the tropical dry forest biome based on bioclimatic definitions and climatic data sets to improve global estimates of distribution, cover, and change. We compared four bioclimatic definitions of the tropical dry forest biome–Murphy and Lugo, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), DryFlor, aridity index–using two climatic data sets: WorldClim and Climatologies at High-resolution for the Earth’s Land Surface Areas (CHELSA). We then compared each of the eight unique combinations of bioclimatic definitions and climatic data sets using 540 field plots identified as tropical dry forest from a literature search and evaluated the accuracy of World Wildlife Fund tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forest ecoregions. We used the definition and climate data that most closely matched field data to calculate forest cover in 2000 and change from 2001 to 2020. Globally, there was low agreement (< 58%) between bioclimatic definitions and WWF ecoregions and only 40% of field plots fell within these ecoregions. FAO using CHELSA had the highest agreement with field plots (81%) and was not correlated with the biome extent. Using the FAO definition with CHELSA climatic data set, we estimate 4,931,414 km2 of closed canopy (≥ 40% forest cover) tropical dry forest in 2000 and 4,369,695 km2 in 2020 with a gross loss of 561,719 km2 (11.4%) from 2001 to 2020. Tropical dry forest biome extent varies significantly based on bioclimatic definition used, with nearly half of all tropical dry forest vegetation missed when using ecoregion boundaries alone, especially in Africa. Using site-specific field validation, we find that the FAO definition using CHELSA provides an accurate, standard, and repeatable way to assess tropical dry forest cover and change at a global scale.

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are large‐scale disturbances that regularly impact tropical forests. Although long‐term impacts of TCs on forest structure have been proposed,a global test of the relationship between forest structure and TC frequency and intensity is lacking. We test on a pantropical scale whether TCs shape the structure of tropical and subtropical forests in the long term. We compiled forest structural features (stem density, basal area, mean canopy height and maximum tree size) for plants ≥10 cm in diameter at breast height from published forest inventory data (438 plots ≥0.1 ha, pooled into 250 1 × 1‐degree grid cells) located in dry and humid forests. We computed maps of cyclone frequency and energy released by cyclones per unit area (power dissipation index,PDI) using a high‐resolution historical database of TCs trajectories and intensities.We then tested the relationship between PDI and forest structural features using multivariate linear models, controlling for climate (mean annual temperature and water availability) and human disturbance (human foot print). Forests subject to frequent cyclones (at least one TCs per decade) and high PDI exhibited higher stem density and basal area, and lower canopy heights. However,the relationships between PDI and basal area or canopy height were partially masked by lower water availability and higher human foot print in tropical dry forests. Synthesis. Our results provide the first evidence that tropical cyclones have a long term impact on the structure of tropical and subtropical forests in a globally consistent way. The strong relationship between power dissipation index and stem density suggests that frequent and intense tropical cyclones reduce canopy cover through defoliation and tree mortality, encouraging higher regeneration and turnover of biomass. The projected increase in intensity and pole ward extension of tropical cyclones due to anthropogenic climate change may therefore have important and lasting impacts on the structure and dynamics of forests in the future. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This study develops a mixed, systematic, low-cost methodology to define and map native vegetation and the spread of the most aggressive invasive species in islands biomes, focusing on the Galápagos National Park (GNP). Based on preliminary legends defined by experts, Landsat 8/OLI fusion imagery was used for object-oriented classification to obtain the vegetation map of this archipelago. This technique was later verified and validated using high-resolution images from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, i.e., drones) and dedicated satellites, ground truthing, and visual confirmation around GNP coasts. This mixed methodology allowed mapping of nine native ecosystems, six invasive-dominated vegetation units, and two types of lavas. Around 53.63% of GNP is covered by native ecosystems and ∼2.2% is “canopy” dominated by invasive species to date. Native-dominated deciduous forest types cover ∼40.8% of the GNP and only ∼12.8% of the protected area is nowadays covered by humid and transitional type native ecosystems. Among humid native ecosystems, those distributed in the highlands only cover 4.8% and are highly threatened by invasive species, which are mostly distributed in these summit areas. Of the five islands (out of 18) recording invasive-dominated units, Isabela and Santa Cruz were the most infested. Cedrela odorata, Pennisetum purpureum, and Psidium guajava were the main invasive plants dominating the GNP canopy. Highly noxious Rubus niveus was the only invasive species dominating areas among the five infested islands. Methodology detailed here proved useful to provide accurate spatially-explicit islands vegetation data, potential for replication in time, and is expected to aid suitable management of highly endangered and unique biotas in this and other tropical island biomes.

Non-native species have invaded habitats worldwide, greatly impacting the structure and function of native communities and ecosystems. To better understand mechanisms of invasion impacts and how to restore highly impacted and transformed ecosystems, studies are needed that evaluate invader effects on both biotic communities and structural characteristics. On Santa Cruz Island in Galapagos we compared biotic (plant species richness, diversity, and community composition) and structural (canopy openness, forest height, and leaf litter) characteristics of a relic forest dominated by an endemic and highly threatened tree and a forest dominated by an invasive tree. The forests are located within the historical distribution of the endemic tree, which now occupies only 1% of its original extent. We found that the invaded forest had 42% lower native plant species richness and 17% less plant diversity than the endemic tree dominated forest. Additionally, with the invader there was 36% greater non-native plant species richness, 37% higher non-native plant diversity, and highly dissimilar plant composition when compared to the endemic-dominated forest. Additionally, the invaded forest had a more open and taller tree canopy and greater leaf litter cover than native forest. The presence of the invasive tree and the associated forest structural changes were the primary factors in models that best explained higher non-native diversity in the invaded forest. Our correlational results suggest that an invasive tree has significantly altered plant assemblage and forest structural characteristics in this unique ecosystem. Experiments that remove the invader and evaluate native plant community responses are needed to identify thresholds for practical restoration of this threatened and biologically unique native forest.

Despite worldwide knowledge of the importance of the Galápagos archipelago, there is little comparative plot data from the forests in the dry regions. We examined patterns of woody plant (≥2.5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)) species richness and structure using Gentry's transect method (0.1 ha) on the three largest islands in the Galápagos. We identified the conservation status of woody plants within the dry forest region, assessed forest cover and change in the region, and compared field results to other tropical dry forests in the Pacific. Of the 22 species encountered (11 native, 11 endemic), there were no non-native species and only one threatened species. Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal have similar overall levels of species, genera, family and liana richness per site, but significantly different tree species richness, density and tree height per transect. Geospatial databases identified 51 species (native 40%, endemic 60%) of woody plants (≥2.5 cm DBH) within the dry forest region of the Galápagos and 13 species (10 from the genus Scalesia) on the IUCN Red List. There is an estimated 551.97 km2 of dry forest in the Galápagos and there has been little change (

We compiled a data set for all tree species collected to date in lowland Amazonian Ecuador in order to determine the number of tree species in the region. This data set has been extensively verified by taxonomists and is the most comprehensive attempt to evaluate the tree diversity in one of the richest species regions of the Amazon. We used four main sources of data: mounted specimens deposited in Ecuadorian herbaria only, specimen records of a large-scale 1-hectare-plot network (60 plots in total), data from the Missouri Botanical Garden Tropicos® database (MO), and literature sources. The list of 2,296 tree species names we provide in this data set is based on 47,486 herbarium records deposited in the following herbaria: Alfredo Paredes Herbarium (QAP), Catholic University Herbarium (QCA), Herbario Nacional del Ecuador (QCNE), Missouri Botanical Garden (MO), and records from an extensive sampling of 29,768 individuals with diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥10 cm recorded in our plot network. We also provide data for the relative abundance of species, geographic coordinates of specimens deposited in major herbaria around the world, whether the species is native or endemic, current hypothesis of geographic distribution, representative collections, and IUCN threat category for every species recorded to date in Amazonian Ecuador. These data are described in Metadata S1 and can be used for macroecological, evolutionary, or taxonomic studies. There are no copyright restrictions; data are freely available for noncommercial scientific use (CC BY 3.0). Please see Metadata S1 (Class III, Section B.1: Proprietary restrictions) for additional information on usage.

Introduction and Aims The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) is a brief instrument that assesses a range of substance use, health and well-being measures over the past 28 days. Previously, it has been validated in general adult Australian alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment populations. However, the increasing number of older-aged clients attending AOD treatment warrants the instrument to be validated for this population. The aim of this study was to validate the ATOP for use in older AOD populations, by comparing it with validated ‘gold standard’ measures used in older populations. Design and Methods A convenience sample of 99 participants aged ≥50 attending specialist AOD services in Sydney, Australia were administered the ATOP by a researcher, along with alcohol use (AUDIT) and health questionnaires [Physical Health Questionnaire-15, 12-item short-form Health Survey (SF-12) and Geriatric Depression Scale]. Results The ATOP items had strong agreement with the comparison instruments. The highest correlation was between the 28 days alcohol use and the AUDIT. ATOP psychological health scores highly correlated with the SF-12 mental health subscale and the Geriatric Depression Scale, and ATOP physical health scores significantly correlated with the SF-12 physical health subscale and the Physical Health Questionnaire-15. The ATOP Quality of Life score significantly correlated with all health measures. Discussion and Conclusions The ATOP has good concurrent validity with other validated substance use and health measures in an older population. Comparison with general older populations demonstrated the poorer health of this group of older AOD clients in particular.[Lintzeris N, Monds L A, Rivas G, Leung S, Withall A, Draper B. The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile instrument as a clinical tool for older alcohol and other drug clients: A validation study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:673-677]

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:17:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-12-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação Ministério da Educação Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used in ecology and conservation. Presence-only SDMs such as MaxEnt frequently use natural history collections (NHCs) as occurrence data, given their huge numbers and accessibility. NHCs are often spatially biased which may generate inaccuracies in SDMs. Here, we test how the distribution of NHCs and MaxEnt predictions relates to a spatial abundance model, based on a large plot dataset for Amazonian tree species, using inverse distance weighting (IDW). We also propose a new pipeline to deal with inconsistencies in NHCs and to limit the area of occupancy of the species. We found a significant but weak positive relationship between the distribution of NHCs and IDW for 66% of the species. The relationship between SDMs and IDW was also significant but weakly positive for 95% of the species, and sensitivity for both analyses was high. Furthermore, the pipeline removed half of the NHCs records. Presence-only SDM applications should consider this limitation, especially for large biodiversity assessments projects, when they are automatically generated without subsequent checking. Our pipeline provides a conservative estimate of a species' area of occupancy, within an area slightly larger than its extent of occurrence, compatible to e.g. IUCN red list assessments. Coordenação de Botânica Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Magalhães Barata 376, C.P. 399 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Ambientais Universidade Federal Do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 01 Biodiversity Dynamics Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517 Marine and Coastal Management, Deltares, Boussinesqweg 1 Coordenação de Biodiversidade Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 EMBRAPA Centro de Pesquisa Agroflorestal de Roraima, BR 174 km 8, Distrito Industrial Herbario Amazónico Colombiano Instituto SINCHI, Calle 20 No 5-44 Department of Integrative Biology University of California Universidad San Francisco de Quito Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica Coordenação de Pesquisas em Ecologia Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 School of Geography University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Department of Wetland Ecology Institute of Geography and Geoecology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - KIT, Josefstr 1 Biogeochemistry Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Hahn-Meitner Weg 1 Departamento de Botânica Instituto de Pesquisas Científicas e Tecnológicas Do Amapá - IEPA Campus Do IEPA da Fazendinha, Rodovia JK Km 10 AMAP IRD Cirad CNRS INRA Université de Montpellier, TA A-51/PS2, Bd. de la Lironde Science and Education Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive Coordenação de Dinâmica Ambiental Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 Jardín Botánico de Missouri Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP Instituto de Biociências - IB, Av. 24 A 1515 Centro de Biociências Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho 3000 Divisao de Sensoriamento Remoto - DSR Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais - INPE, Av. dos Astronautas 1758 Herbario Vargas Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad Del Cusco, Avenida de la Cultura, Nro 733 Departamento de Geografia Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Extas - IGCe Departamento de Biologia Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Rodovia BR 364 s/n Km 9.5 Center for Tropical Conservation Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia - PPG-Bionorte Universidade Federal de Rondônia Campus Porto Velho, Km 9.5 Instituto Boliviano de Investigacion Forestal Santa Cruz, Av. 6 agosto 28 Km 14,Doble via La Guardia Casilla, 6204 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação Universidade Do Estado de Mato Grosso Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana - IIAP, Av. A. Quiñones km 2.5 Geography College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Departamento de Ciencias Forestales Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Calle 64 x Cra 65 Agteca-Amazonica Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno Santa Cruz Prédio da Botânica e Ecologia Embrapa Recursos Genéticos Biotecnologia Parque Estação Biológica, Av. W5 Norte Projeto Dinâmica Biológica de Fragmentos Florestais Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis da Amazônia (EDTA) Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane Fiocruz, Rua Terezina 476 Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade Saúde Instituto Oswaldo Cruz IOC/FIOCRUZ Pav. Arthur Neiva, Térreo Av. Brasil 4365 Centro de Investigaciones Ecológicas de Guayana Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guayana Calle Chile, urbaniz Chilemex Laboratorio de Ecología de Bosques Tropicales y Primatología Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18a- 10 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia (Botânica) Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904 Programa de Ciencias Del Agro y El Mar Herbario Universitario (PORT) UNELLEZ-Guanare Endangered Species Coalition, 8530 Geren Rd MAUA Working Group Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 Inventory and Monitoring Program National Park Service, 120 Chatham Lane Center for Conservation Education Sustainability Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, Suite 3123 Biologia Vegetal Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Caixa Postal 6109 Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences University of Edinburgh, Mayfield Rd Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20a Inverleith Row Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia - INPA, Av. André Araújo 2936 Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group Wageningen University Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 3, P.O. Box 47 Natural Capital and Plant Health Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Ecosistemas Biodiversidad y Conservación de Especies Universidad Estatal Amazónica, Km. 2 1/2 vía a Tena (Paso Lateral) Museo de Historia Natural Noel Kempff Mercado Universidad Autónoma Gabriel Rene Moreno Santa Cruz, Avenida Irala 565 Casilla Postal 2489 Centro de Biociências Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte Campus Universitário Department of Biology University of Miami Coral Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Coral Instituto de Biociências Dept. Ecologia Universidade de Sao Paulo - USP, Rua do Matão, Trav. 14, no. 321 Diretoria de Pesquisas Científicas Instituto de Pesquisas Jardim Botânico Do Rio de Janeiro Escuela de Biología Herbario Alfredo Paredes Universidad Central, Ap. Postal 17.01.2177 International Center for Tropical Botany (ICTB) Department of Biological Sciences Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, OE 243 Grupo de Ecología de Ecosistemas Terrestres Tropicales Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Amazonía Institute of Biological and Health Sciences Federal University of Alagoas, Av. Lourival Melo Mota, s/n Museu Universitário Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Natureza Laboratório de Botânica e Ecologia Vegetal Universidade Federal Do Acre Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM, Km 7 via Muyuna Cirad UMR Ecofog AgrosParisTech CNRS INRA Univ Guyane Campus Agronomique Iwokrama International Programme for Rainforest Conservation Department of Biological Sciences Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd Servicios de Biodiversidad EIRL, Jr. Independencia 405 Herbario Nacional de Bolivia Universitario UMSA, Casilla 10077 Correo Central Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299 School of Environmental Sciences University of East Anglia Laboratoire Evolution et Diversité Biologique CNRS Université Paul Sabatier UMR 5174 EDB Department of Forestry Management Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina, Avenido La Molina, Apdo. 456 School of Geosciences University of Edinburgh, 201 Crew Building, King's Buildings Biology Department Center for Energy Environment and Sustainability Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Rd Department of Anthropology University of Texas at Austin, SAC 5.150, 2201 Speedway Stop C3200 Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program Madre de Dios Fundación Puerto Rastrojo, Cra 10 No. 24-76 Oficina 1201 Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales-COCIBA Galapagos Institute for the Arts and Sciences-GAIAS Universidad San Francisco de Quito-USFQ Department of Wildlife Ecology Conservation University of Florida, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall Fundación Estación de Biología, Cra 10 No. 24-76 Oficina 1201 Embrapa Amazônia Oriental Trav. Dr. Enéas Pinheiro S/no Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Apartado, 7945 Amazon Conservation Team, Doekhieweg Oost #24 Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Medio Ambiente Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad Del Cusco, Jirón San Martín 451 Laboratory of Human Ecology Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas - IVIC, Ado 20632 Departement EV Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, 16 rue Buffon Instituto de Ciência Agrárias Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Av. Presidente Tancredo Neves 2501 PROTERRA Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP), Av. A. Quiñones km 2 5 ACEER Foundation, Jirón Cusco No 370 Universidad Autónoma Del Beni José Ballivián Campus Universitario Final, Av. Ejercito Regional Norte Amazónico Centro de Investigación y Promoción Del Campesinado, C/Nicanor Gonzalo Salvatierra No 362 Environmental Change Institute Oxford University Centre for the Environment Dyson Perrins Building, South Parks Road School of Agriculture and Food Sciences ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions CEED University of Queensland Instituto de Investigaciones para El Desarrollo Forestal (INDEFOR) Universidad de Los Andes, Conjunto Forestal, C.P. 5101 School of Environmental and Forest Sciences University of Washington University of Nottingham, University Park Geography and the Environment University of Texas at Austin, 305 E. 23rd Street, CLA building Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense, Av. Alberto Lamego 2000 Department of Biology University of Maryland GeoIS, El Día 369 y El Telégrafo, 3o Piso Environmental Science and Policy Northern Arizona University FOMABO Manejo Forestal en Las Tierras Tropicales de Bolivia Escuela de Ciencias Forestales (ESFOR) Universidad Mayor de San Simon (UMSS) Agricultural Services Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security Agricultural Services Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security Mauritius Herbarium Department of Bioscience Aarhus University, Building 1540 Ny Munkegade Ciencias Biológicas Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18a- 10 Medio Ambiente PLUSPRETOL Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability Smithsonian's National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave Tropenbos International, Lawickse Allee 11 PO Box 232 Instituto de Biodiversidade e Floresta Universidade Federal Do Oeste Do Pará Campus Tapajós, Rua Vera Paz Department of Biology University of Missouri Facultad de Biologia Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Pevas 5ta cdra School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent, Marlowe Building Herbario Nacional Del Ecuador Universidad Técnica Del Norte Ecology and Biodiversity Group Utrecht University, Padualaan 8 Systems Ecology Free University, De Boelelaan 1087 Departamento de Ecologia Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP Instituto de Biociências - IB, Av. 24 A 1515 Departamento de Geografia Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Extas - IGCe CAPES: 407232/2013-3-PVE CNPq: 407232/2013-3-PVE Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação: 407232/2013-3-PVE Ministério da Educação: 407232/2013-3-PVE

Productive development policies (PDPs) are notoriously hard. They involve a daunting level of technical detail, require public-private collaboration, are in constant danger of capture, and demand time consistency hard to achieve in a politically volatile region. Nevertheless, the potential of PDPs to revitalize the region’s economic performance and spur productivity growth cannot be ignored. This book takes an in-depth look at 17 cases involving productive development agencies from Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Uruguay, identifying key features of institutional design and agency-level practices that make success more likely in this difficult policy arena. Careful study of these experiences might help successful productive development policies gain currency across the region. The cases in this book should not be seen as the exceptions that prove the rule of lackluster PDP performance, but rather as examples that demonstrate the rule can be broken.

The increasing movement of people and resources around the planet has allowed numerous organisms to avoid natural dispersal barriers and become introduced to new sites. In some cases, introduced species become invasive, rapidly expanding their populations and becoming extremely noxious, causing significant ecological impacts and economic harm. Despite the many examples of negative ecological, social, and economic impacts from invasive species, their management may not be beneficial for all affected stakeholders. Perceived benefits for some stakeholders can complicate invasive species control and management and frustrate policy interventions if diverse stakeholders have opposing views about their positive or negative impacts.

Some non-native plant species present the potential to outcompete native plants and have the capacity to spread quickly and colonize recipient areas, becoming invasive. One of the most known and widely tested mechanisms promoting invasive plant colonization is allelopathy or the potential that certain plant species have to produce chemical compounds that inhibit germination or growth of native species. Despite of the wide range of plant habitats and ecological levels where allelopathy has been recorded to occur, there are comparatively very few studies detailing the presence of this explanatory mechanism in one of the most invaded biomes of the globe, oceanic islands.