Achieving the impossible: prevention and eradication of invasive plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

Abstract

An in-depth analysis of the mechanistic processes underlying the evolution and ecophysiology of typical invasive plants such as Carpobrotus spp., Acacia spp., Agave spp., and Opuntia spp. in Mediterranean-type ecosystems shows very sophisticated, complex, and efficient strategies for invasion success, particularly in fragmented habitats. Propagule pressure at both geographical and temporal scales and the establishment of long-term seed banks are determinant for invasion success. A two-sword strategy based on long-term prevention and eradication is proposed for the management of Mediterranean-type ecosystems. Eradication of invasive plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems appears to be extremely difficult nowadays and, at least for some invaders like Carpobrotus spp., long-term approaches that ultimately culminate in the elimination of seed banks is the only path for success.

Keywords: environmental management; eradication; invasion biology; invasive plants; prevention; spatiotemporal approaches.