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Freshwater systems are among the most affected by the introduction of exotic species. The pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus, a centrarchid native to eastern North America, is listed among the top ten introduced freshwater fishes with the greatest ecological impact globally. Despite this, genetic and evolutionary studies of the species are still scarce. Here, we analyzed the genetic variability of introduced populations of L. gibbosus using three mitochondrial genes (COI, d-loop, and ND1). In addition, we used species distribution modeling to compare the niche of introduced versus native populations to assess the present and potential future distribution of the species under different climate change scenarios. Compared with the native populations, introduced ones present a lower level of genetic variability, indicating these populations originated from a small number of individuals from the native (Atlantic) population in the USA and Canada. The low variability was likely driven by a founder effect and subsequent bottleneck, as often occurs in invasive species. Our modeling results suggest not only that L. gibbosus modified its niche during the invasion process in Europe but also the possible global expansion of the species under future climatic conditions, which could facilitate its establishment in almost all continents.

Freshwater systems are among the most affected by the introduction of exotic species. The pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus, a centrarchid native to eastern North America, is listed among the top ten introduced freshwater fishes with the greatest ecological impact globally. Despite this, genetic and evolutionary studies of the species are still scarce. Here, we analyzed the genetic variability of introduced populations of L. gibbosus using three mitochondrial genes (COI, d-loop, and ND1). In addition, we used species distribution modeling to compare the niche of introduced versus native populations to assess the present and potential future distribution of the species under different climate change scenarios. Compared with the native populations, introduced ones present a lower level of genetic variability, indicating these populations originated from a small number of individuals from the native (Atlantic) population in the USA and Canada. The low variability was likely driven by a founder effect and subsequent bottleneck, as often occurs in invasive species. Our modeling results suggest not only that L. gibbosus modified its niche during the invasion process in Europe but also the possible global expansion of the species under future climatic conditions, which could facilitate its establishment in almost all continents., Depto. de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Fac. de Ciencias Biológicas, TRUE, pub

Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), leading to multi-faceted ecological, economic and health impacts worldwide. The Iberian Peninsula comprises an exceptionally biodiverse Mediterranean region with a high number of threatened and endemic aquatic species, most of them strongly impacted by biological invasions. Following a structured approach that combines a systematic review of available information and expert opinion, we provide a comprehensive and updated multi-taxa inventory of aquatic NIS (fungi, macroalgae, vascular plants, invertebrates and vertebrates) in Iberian inland waters. Moreover, we assess overall patterns in the establishment status, introduction pathways, native range and temporal introduction trends of listed NIS. In addition, we discuss the legal coverage provided by both national (Spanish and Portuguese) and European NIS regulations. We inventoried 326 aquatic NIS in Iberian inland waters, including 215 established, 96 with uncertain establishment status and 15 cryptogenic taxa. Invertebrates (54.6%) and vertebrates (24.5%) were the groups with the highest number of NIS, with Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Chordata being the most represented phyla. Recorded NIS originated from diverse geographic regions, with North and South America being the most frequent. Vertebrates and vascular plants were mostly introduced through intentional pathways (i.e. release and escape), whereas invertebrates and macroalgae arrived mostly through unintentional ways (i.e. contaminant or stowaway). Most of the recorded NIS were introduced in Iberian inland waters over the second half of the 20th century, with a high number of NIS introductions being reported in the 2000s. While only 8% of the recorded NIS appear in the European Union list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, around 25% are listed in the Spanish and Portuguese NIS regulations. This study provides the most updated checklist of Iberian aquati

As the number of introduced species keeps increasing unabatedly, identifying and prioritising current and potential Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has become essential to manage them. Horizon Scanning (HS), defined as an exploration of potential threats, is considered a fundamental component of IAS management. By combining scientific knowledge on taxa with expert opinion, we identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula, i.e., those with the greatest geographic extent (or probability of introduction), severe ecological, economic and human health impacts, greatest difficulty and acceptability of management. We highlighted the 126 most relevant IAS already present in Iberian inland waters (i.e., Concern list) and 89 with a high probability of being introduced in the near future (i.e., Alert list), of which 24 and 10 IAS, respectively, were considered as a management priority after receiving the highest scores in the expert assessment (i.e., top-ranked IAS). In both lists, aquatic IAS belonging to the four thematic groups (plants, freshwater invertebrates, estuarine invertebrates, and vertebrates) were identified as having been introduced through various pathways from different regions of the world and classified according to their main functional feeding groups. Also, the latest update of the list of IAS of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 includes only 12 top-ranked IAS identified for the Iberian Peninsula, while the national lists incorporate the vast majority of them. This fact underlines the great importance of taxa prioritisation exercises at biogeographical scales as a step prior to risk analyses and their inclusion in national lists. This HS provides a robust assessment and a cost-effective strategy for decision-makers and stakeholders to prioritise the use of limited resources for IAS prevention and management. Although applied at a transnational level in a European biodiversity hotspot, this approach is designed for pot

As the number of introduced species keeps increasing unabatedly, identifying and prioritising current and potential Invasive Alien Species (IAS) has become essential to manage them. Horizon Scanning (HS), defined as an exploration of potential threats, is considered a fundamental component of IAS management. By combining scientific knowledge on taxa with expert opinion, we identified the most relevant aquatic IAS in the Iberian Peninsula, i.e., those with the greatest geographic extent (or probability of introduction), severe ecological, economic and human health impacts, greatest difficulty and acceptability of management. We highlighted the 126 most relevant IAS already present in Iberian inland waters (i.e., Concern list) and 89 with a high probability of being introduced in the near future (i.e., Alert list), of which 24 and 10 IAS, respectively, were considered as a management priority after receiving the highest scores in the expert assessment (i.e., top-ranked IAS). In both lists, aquatic IAS belonging to the four thematic groups (plants, freshwater invertebrates, estuarine invertebrates, and vertebrates) were identified as having been introduced through various pathways from different regions of the world and classified according to their main functional feeding groups. Also, the latest update of the list of IAS of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 includes only 12 top-ranked IAS identified for the Iberian Peninsula, while the national lists incorporate the vast majority of them. This fact underlines the great importance of taxa prioritisation exercises at biogeographical scales as a step prior to risk analyses and their inclusion in national lists. This HS provides a robust assessment and a cost-effective strategy for decision-makers and stakeholders to prioritise the use of limited resources for IAS prevention and management. Although applied at a transnational level in a European biodiversity hotspot, this approach is designed for pot

Loaches of the genus Sabanejewia are model organisms for many ichthyologic studies focusing on morphological and colour variation. The bright lateral spots—a part of the mimicry of this fish—cause a taxonomic puzzle. Common practice is that morphometric and molecular studies lack habitat assessments of species originating from different environments. In this study, we analysed body shape and colour variation within two species of Sabanejewia in order to reveal whether they are more affected by phylogeny or environmental conditions. The environmental parameters were obtained using satellite mapping tools, body shape using geometric morphometry, and the molecular identification of specimens using an analysis of mitochondrial DNA (sequence of the cytochrome b gene). Generalized linear mixed models were used for the analysis of lateral spot numbers, and principal components analysis to describe the changes in landmark position defined by the permutation tests. Results show a significant impact of the locality elevation and specimen’s sex on the change of the body shape. We identified significant differences in the number of lateral spots, which are considered mimicry variation across an elevation gradient. Morphological differences of Sabanejewia spp. vary with ecological factors along the river continuum.

One of the objectives of LIFE INVASQUA project is to develop tools that will be more efficient the Early Warning and Rapid Response (EWRR) framework for Invasive Alien Species in the Iberian Peninsula. Horizon scanning for high-risk IAS is basic in implementing measures to reduce new invasions, developing Alert lists, and to focus effort in the species already established, for instance making a Black list. We developed a trans national horizon scanning exercise focused on inland waters of Spain and Portugal in order to provide a prioritized lists (Black list and Alert list) of aquatic IAS that may pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems and socio economic sectors in the future. We followed a step approach of existing information about IAS (Plants, Freshwater Invertebrates, Estuarine Invertebrates and Vertebrates; 127 established taxa in Black list; 90 non established taxa in Alert list) combining with an expert scoring of prioritized taxa. IAS established in the Iberian aquatic system consistently highlighted as the worst included vertebrates (e.g. Cyprinus carpio, Gambusia holbrooki, Silurus glanis), freshwater and estuarine invertebrates (e.g. Procambarus clarkii, Dreissena polymorpha, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Ficopomatus enigmaticus, Callinectes sapidus, Corbicula fluminea) and plants (e.g. Eichhornia crassipes, Azolla filiculoides, Ludwigia grandiflora). Amongst taxa not yet established (Alert list), expert pointed to Perna viridis, Hydroides dirampha, Dreissena bugensis, Procambarus fallax f. virginallis, Perccottus glenii with higher risk of invasion, ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Over 20.6% of the taxa in the preliminary black list received no votes (no prioritization) by experts, 17.8% in the innitial alert list. Our horizon scanning approach is inclusive of all-taxa, prioritizes both established and emerging biological threats across trans-national scales, and considers not only the ecological impact, but also potential direct economic consequences as

Especies exóticas invasoras de agua dulce y sistemas estuarinos: sensibilización y prevención en la Península Ibérica. La diversidad natural en ríos, lagos y estuarios en España y Portugal está seriamente amenazada por la presencia de Especies Exóticas Invasoras (EEI). Después de la destrucción del hábitat, son la principal causa de la pérdida de biodiversidad y causan graves perjuicios en la economía y en la salud humana. LIFE INVASAQUA es un proyecto europeo cuya finalidad es concienciar al público en general y a los sectores interesados e involucrados en la problemática de las EEI sobre los ecosistemas acuáticos de la Península Ibérica. Contribuirá a mejorar la gestión y reducir los impactos de las EEI aumentando la difusión de información y el intercambio de conocimientos sobre soluciones y prácticas ambientales exitosas. Pretende apoyar y facilitar la puesta en marcha de la normativa europea sobre EEI. También aumentar y mejorar la capacidad de España y Portugal para la detección temprana y gestión de EEI acuáticas mediante la sensibilización y formación de grupos clave. Además busca sensibilizar al público en general sobre los impactos ambientales, socioeconómicos y sanitarios causados por EEI acuáticas.

Especies exóticas invasoras de agua dulce y sistemas estuarinos: sensibilización y prevención en la Península Ibérica. La diversidad natural en ríos, lagos y estuarios en España y Portugal está seriamente amenazada por la presencia de Especies Exóticas Invasoras (EEI). Después de la destrucción del hábitat, son la principal causa de la pérdida de biodiversidad y causan graves perjuicios en la economía y en la salud humana. LIFE INVASAQUA es un proyecto europeo cuya finalidad es concienciar al público en general y a los sectores interesados e involucrados en la problemática de las EEI sobre los ecosistemas acuáticos de la Península Ibérica. Contribuirá a mejorar la gestión y reducir los impactos de las EEI aumentando la difusión de información y el intercambio de conocimientos sobre soluciones y prácticas ambientales exitosas. Pretende apoyar y facilitar la puesta en marcha de la normativa europea sobre EEI. También aumentar y mejorar la capacidad de España y Portugal para la detección temprana y gestión de EEI acuáticas mediante la sensibilización y formación de grupos clave. Además busca sensibilizar al público en general sobre los impactos ambientales, socioeconómicos y sanitarios causados por EEI acuáticas.

Gambusias, percasoles, siluros, mejillones cebra, camalotes, azolas… y otras especies abandonan el Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN) del CSIC para «invadir» la red y mostrar a los ciudadanos de todo el mundo los impactos que provocan las Especies Exóticas Invasoras (EEI) en el medio ambiente, la economía y la salud. Se trata de la exposición virtual ¡Cuidado! Invasoras Acuáticas. Conoce las especies exóticas invasoras acuáticas más problemáticas de la península ibérica. Descubre a través de 25 paneles informativos los rasgos significativos de cada especie invasora, su grado de amenaza sobre la fauna y/o flora autóctonas y el impacto económico, social y sanitario derivado de su expansión. Desarrollada como parte de las actividades de divulgación y difusión científica del proyecto LIFE INVASAQUA 17/GIE/ES/00015 “Especies exóticas invasoras de agua dulce y sistemas estuarinos: sensibilización y prevención en la Península Ibérica”, en esta exposición se podrá encontrar información de las principales especies invasoras relacionadas con el medio dulceacuícola y de sus amenazas sobre la fauna y flora autóctona, así como de los problemas económicos, sociales y sanitarios que conllevan. Igualmente, se mostrará qué podemos hacer como ciudadanos para evitar la aparición de nuevas especies exóticas invasoras en nuestro medio natural. La exposición irá acompañada de talleres específicos para colegios, en los que se dará a conocer los problemas causados por las especies invasoras en nuestro medioambiente. En estos talleres, los escolares se convertirán en Sheriff INVASAQUA, defensor/a de las especies autóctonas de la Península Ibérica.

We studied the population genetic structure of Cobitis vettonica, an endangered fresh-water fish species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, in order to propose a biogeographic model of the responses of species to the multiple changes that occurred in the Iberian hydrological system during the Quaternary period. We also deciphered the relationship of C. vettonica with its sister species C. paludica, particularly in sym -patric areas, and provide genetic information for conservation purposes. To achieve this goal, we analyzed both mitochondrial and nuclear data (the cytochrome b and the nuclear recombination activating 1 genes) and a battery of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 248 individuals of C. vettonica or C. paludica from 38 localities, including some sympatric ones, covering the entire distribution area of C. vettonica. We highlight the important role played by the hydrogeomorphological processes and climatic changes that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula during the Quaternary on both the population structure of C. vettonica and its relationship with its sister species C. paludica. Our results support the genetic introgression of populations at the eastern limit of the distribution of C. vettonica. Furthermore, we postulate genetic introgres-sion in sympatric areas. Finally, we propose the establishment or expansion of four Operational Conservation Units (OCUs) for C. vettonica, and highlight the threat faced by its populations due to the low level of genetic diversity detected for some of its populations and genetic introgression with C. paludica, which could eventually dis -place C. vettonica, resulting in a loss of diversity in this species.

Este código de conducta pretende alertar de la venta y adquisición on-line de especies invasoras y fomentar una serie de recomendaciones que ayuden a reducir el riesgo que conlleva el comercio electrónico como vía de introducción de fauna y flora invasora. Los principales destinatarios de este código de conducta son: Profesionales dedicados al comercio de plantas y animales de compañía y a la acuariofilia: importadores (mayoristas), intermediarios (comercializadores y distribuidores) y tiendas (minoristas).Consumidores: aficionados y usuarios de jardinería, mascotismo o acuariofilia. Este código de conducta ha sido redactado en el marco del proyecto LIFE INVASAQUA (LIFE17 GIE/ES/000515) con la contribución de la Comisión Europea a través del programa LIFE. El proyecto LIFE INVASAQUA tiene entre sus objetivos facilitar y apoyar las políticas europeas sobre gestión de especies exóticas invasoras generando información útil para su implementación. Los códigos de conducta son documentos que pretenden fomentar una serie de recomendaciones y buenas prácticas para reducir la problemática asociada a la introducción de fauna y flora invasora. Esta versión 1.0 del documento tiene por objeto difundir la información entre organismos, asociaciones y entidades relacionadas para fomentar la adopción de sus recomendaciones y recoger nuevas aportaciones.

Foro sobre especies invasoras en las aguas continentales ibéricas, estado actual de conocimiento y prioridades de gestión. Las especies exóticas invasoras no sólo son uno de los principales impulsores de la pérdida de biodiversidad a nivel global, sino que también causan graves impactos en la economía y en la salud humana. Existe una falta de sensibilización de las sociedad española y portuguesa sobre la amenaza y problemática que supone las especies invasoras, lo que dificulta la movilización de sectores relevantes y otras partes interesadas para su gestión y control.

Se presenta una lista actualizada de las especies exóticas que se encuentran en etapa de establecimiento o de propagación de la invasión en aguas continentales de la península ibérica. La lista está basada en la evaluación sistemática de los datos en colaboración con un amplio equipo de expertos de España y Portugal. Esta lista de actualización es un instrumento de apoyo importante para la aplicación del Reglamento de la Unión Europea (UE) sobre las especies exóticas invasoras (EEI) y también proporciona una base objetiva para el examen de su aplicación. En última instancia, la información incluida puede utilizarse para supervisar el cumplimiento del objetivo de la Estrategia de la UE sobre diversidad biológica hasta 2030 para combatir las EEI, pero también para la aplicación de otras políticas de la UE con requisitos sobre especies exóticas, como las Directivas de Hábitats y Aves, la Directiva Marco sobre la Estrategia Marina (DMEM) y la Directiva Marco del Agua (DMA). Esta publicación es un informe técnico del Proyecto Europeo LIFE INVASAQUA (LIFE17 GIE/ES/000515). Ha sido redactado por un equipo de expertos en el marco del proyecto y tiene por objeto proporcionar apoyo, basado en pruebas científicas, al proceso de formulación de políticas europeas. La información científica aportada no implica una posición política de la Comisión Europea. Ni la Comisión Europea ni ninguna persona que actúe en nombre de la Comisión es responsable del uso que pueda hacerse de esta publicación.