Non-native Plants in the Andes Ecoregions: Current Patterns and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Human activities and climate change have increased Andean mountains’ vulnerability to biological invasions, yet there remains gaps in our understanding of various facets concerning non-native plants and their invasions in Andean ecoregions. In this chapter, we review and discuss current knowledge regarding non-native plants in Andean ecoregions, delving into their distribution patterns, pathways, drivers of invasions, impacts and management. We also compared the distribution of richness and density of non-native plant species across Andean ecoregions according to the literature review with the pattern obtained from GBIF database. Significant disparities exist in non-native plant species richness and density between literature and GBIF, with the latter revealing approximately seven times greater richness and fifty times greater density. Richness is notably higher in South Andean ecoregions, while density is greater in North Andean ecoregions. The significance of invasion drivers in the Andes is shifting; while livestock historically played a major role, its declining use suggests diminishing impact, with tourism and climate change emerging as influential factors. Ecological effects of invasive plants are poorly documented, primarily focusing on adverse impacts on native flora within limited ecoregions. A balanced research agenda and concrete management strategies are essential for addressing non-native and invasive plants in the Andean region.