Transient impacts of invasive species

Biological invasions are not static processes. While some non-native species cause severe impacts shortly after establishment, many others remain inconspicuous for decades before suddenly becoming damaging. Understanding why and when such transitions occur remains a central challenge in invasion ecology.

This Working Group focuses transitions between quiescent and damaging states of established non-native species. We aim to synthesize current knowledge on the abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic drivers that trigger changes in invasion impacts over time, including interactions with climate change and forest management. We also probe the role that humans have on these transitions and the signifikance of impact transitions on social perceptions of invasions and their management.

The group will consider non-native species across taxonomic groups, including insects, plants, and forest pathogens, and examine both ecological and economic consequences of their impacts. By integrating perspectives across disciplines, we seek to identify common mechanisms underlying transient invasion impacts, as well as key data gaps and priorities for future research.

Through collaborative synthesis, the Working Group aims to advance conceptual understanding of invasion dynamics and contribute to a more predictive framework for assessing risks posed by established and emerging invasive species in terrestrial ecosystems.