Scientific article
OA Policy
English

Do non-native species contribute to biodiversity ?

ContributorsSchlaepfer, Martinorcid
Published inPLOS Biology, vol. 16, no. 4, e2005568
Publication date2018
Abstract

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasises the role of biodiversity in delivering benefits essential for all people and, as a result, seeks to safeguard all life-forms. The indices that are used to measure progress towards international conservation and sustainability goals, however, focus solely on the ‘native' component of biodiversity. A subset of non-native species can cause undesirable economic, social, or biological effects. But non-native species also contribute to regional biodiversity (species richness and biotic interactions) and ecosystem services. In some regions and cities, non-native species make up more than half of all species. Currently, the contributions of these species to biodiversity and ecosystem services are overlooked. Here, I argue that biodiversity and sustainability indices should include all species. This is not only consistent with definitions of biodiversity but also will promote the idea that long-term, sustainable, human well-being is intricately tied to benefits derived from nature.

Keywords
  • IPBES
  • Biodiversity
  • Non-native
  • Invasive
Citation (ISO format)
SCHLAEPFER, Martin. Do non-native species contribute to biodiversity ? In: PLOS Biology, 2018, vol. 16, n° 4, p. e2005568. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005568
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Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Additional URL for this publicationhttp://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2005568
Journal ISSN1544-9173
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