Biodiversa+ – The European Biodiversity Partnership – Invasive Alien Species Subpilot (Horizon Europe 101052342, 2023-2027)
Annotation: The species monitoring sub-pilot consists of two modules. Module 1 focuses on plants, and Module 2 focuses on insects. The main focus is on invasive alien species, but additional emphasis is put on the wider group of non-native species whose impacts are not fully understood. This wider scope should prepare for the detection of future invasive alien species. Both modules employ image recognition using computer vision and deep learning models for cost-efficient and rapid detection of species of concern. These methods rely on training data of the species of concern to function effectively. Such data is available in GBIF and pilot projects from Denmark (plants and insects), France and Switzerland (plants). However, additional data needs to be collected as part of this pilot program to ensure accurate detection models for the future. For module 1, there is an effort to monitor both introduction and spread. In this way, the pilot program will be relevant in the context of introduction sites and for collecting additional training data to improve image recognition models. Project website: https://www.biodiversa.eu/biodiversity-monitoring/pilot/.
Non-native Tree Species as Ecosystem Disruptors: Impacts on Trophic Levels and Biodiversity (VEGA 2/0005/2026–2029)
Annotation: The aim of the project is to comprehensively investigate the effects of non-native tree species on biodiversity and the structure of trophic levels in forest ecosystems. We will employ the twin-plot method and analyse multiple trophic groups of plants and animals across spatial and temporal scales. The project focuses on: (1) comparing non-native and native forests in terms of species richness, ecological structure, and functional trait composition of communities; (2) assessing the cascading effects of forest management on food-web dynamics; and (3) selecting and testing sensitive indicator groups of animals for monitoring the impacts of non-native tree species. The project will generate new insights into the mechanisms driving ecological change, including microclimate modification and disruption of interactions with pollinators and seed dispersers. It will also contribute to testing ecological hypotheses (resistance and homogenisation) and provide evidence to support the development of management measures for sustainable forest management.
River corridors as a vector for the spread of non-native plants: spatio-temporal studies (VEGA 2/0022/251, 2025-2028)
Annotation: Relationships between diversity/species composition of vegetation and spatio-temporal changes in environmental conditions will be studied in the river corridors of the Carpathian-Pannonian area, with a special focus on non-native vascular plant species. We aim to identify vegetation-ecological patterns in different space and time gradients using several case studies carried out directly in rivers, non-forest and forest riparian and alluvial vegetation. We also attempt to determine the influence of selected invasive plant groups on vegetation structure and composition and soil characteristics, as well as to elucidate the spread of the unique pentaploid cytotype Solidago gigantea along river corridors.
Evolutionary and ecological outcomes of plant invasions: What are the potential consequences of post-invasion hybridization and polyploidization on the invasiveness of Solidago taxa in Europe? VEGA 2/0024/23, 2023-2026
Annotation: Because of the complexity of biological invasions and post-invasion processes (such as mating interactions with native species), a better understanding of the underlying factors and their management is challenging. Members of the genus Solidago represent exceptionally successful invaders in Europe. In this project, we aim to determine the impact of hybridization and introgression in alien-hybrid-native S. canadensis–xniederederi–virgaurea populations and polyploidization in S. gigantea populations on the evolutionary and invasive potential of newly formed genotypes within the invaded range in Europe. We will take an integrative approach combining relative DNA content screening, assessment of population genetic structure by up-to-date molecular markers and measurements of reproductive potential and fitness parameters. We expect to bring new insights into the microevolutionary processes and their impact on further invasiveness and provide a baseline for nature conservation and management decisions.