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Aquaculture's role in addressing food security has grown, with a spotlight on Asian carp species. Polyculture, i.e. cultivating multiple fish species in a single system, is being increasingly adopted for its resource efficiency and economic benefits. This practice for Asian fish for food and ornamental purposes is gaining traction in Europe despite their invasive potential. Rising temperatures due to climate change offer an opportunity for thermophilic Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis). Using GIS modeling (Maxent), we identified the possible settlement of Asian carp in Northern Europe amidst climate change. We analyzed carp global distribution centers, assessed the potential carp spread in Europe, and evaluated their potential suitability for polyculture systems. By 2050, H. molitrix may extend its range to 58–62° N latitude, with a potential 1.7-fold habitat increase, while A. nobilis, which are more heat-tolerant, may move north to 52–58° N latitude, with a 1.3-fold potential increase. Despite the slight ecological differences in their native habitats, niche modeling indicates that these carp can occupy similar niches in Europe (proven statistically). The eventuality of using Asian species for polyculture in Europe presents both opportunities and challenges in the face of a changing climate as long as invasion risks are prevented. Envisaging such polyculture, yet very carefully for the protection of ecosystems, can help food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of thermophilic invasive species are spreading and becoming naturalized in Eastern Europe, at least partially due to recent climate change. This can be exemplified by current expansion of the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta, in Latvia and Ukraine. We collected 44 records of the species in Latvia and 79 in Ukraine. Two of the three subspecies have been found - T. s. elegans and T. s. scripta. In both countries courtship behavior and egg-laying have been observed. Individuals successfully surviving the winter in the wild have been recorded. Due to climate change, it is likely that this species has the potential to establish itself in Latvia and Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater ecosystems are exceptionally vulnerable to biological invasions. The introduction of non-native species of fish to Europe has been a common practice, including the introduction of the North American pumpkinseed, Lepomis gibbosus. The range expansion of this species has continued across the continent, with new areas occupied in Ukraine. Using a species distribution modelling approach, predictions are made of the geographic range of the fish based on presence records and environmental variables from the Near-global environmental information for freshwater ecosystems database likely to be associated with habitat suitability and important for the possible further expansion of L. gibbosus. Results show the current widespread distribution of L. gibbosus in Ukraine and prospects for future expansion of the species into Belarus and the Baltic countries. In Latvia, at the potential range edge of L. gibbosus, chances for a spontaneous invasion are relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of phytophagous pests are often associated with global warming. These species may be of interest in terms of biological indications of climate change. We considered the locust digitate leafminer P. robiniella. In Ukraine it was first recorded in 2003. In 2020–2021, we found areas of massive R. pseudoacacia leaf damage caused by the pest on Trukhaniv island (Kyiv) and some places in the region. Using 592 georeferenced records of P. robiniella across Europe and a Bayesian additive regression trees algorithm, we modeled the distribution of the moth. As predictors, a current climate (WorldClim v.2) and a black locust habitat suitability map were employed. Western and south-western regions of Ukraine and Transcarpathia are considered the most favorable for the pest. Amongst the factors determining its niche, summer moisture and warm conditions are the most important for facilitating the spread and naturalization of the moth. Under progressing climate change, the species is expected to move eastward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibians are greatly affected by invasive species through direct predation and competition. Being triggered by climate change, the invasion of Perccottus glenii (the Chinese sleeper) in Eurasia may have detrimental consequences for the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). The invader can feed upon B. bombina toads and juveniles and compete for food. We used correlative species distribution models (SDMs) to infer competitive interaction between the invader and native species. As a result, a significant level of correlation (r=0.636) between both SDMs was found. It means that there is a considerable overlap of areas of similar habitat suitability related to the species and a potential for competition. For strategical management of both species in Latvia for nature conservation purposes, we mapped areas in the country according to two main criteria: 1) the lesser chances of negative interactions between species, and 2) a possibility to avoid unwanted contact and/or competition between the fish and the toad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]