Pöckl, Grabowski, Grabowska et al. 2011
Pöckl, Grabowski, Grabowska et al. 2011
PÖCKL, M., M. GRABOWSKI, J. GRABOWSKA, K. BACELA-SPYCHALSKA & K.J. WITTMANN, 2011. Large European rivers as biological invasion highways. In: Habersack, H., B. Schober & D. Walling (eds.), International Conference on the Status and Future of the World’s Large Rivers, 11‐14 April 2011, Vienna; Conference Abstract Book: 215 (Tribun EU, Vienna, ISBN 978-80-7399-518-8).
Over the past centuries, the potential for aquatic species to expand their ranges in Europe has been enhanced through the construction of navigable canals, and in recent decades through the increase of international trade. Now, a complex network of inland waterways connects some previously isolated catchments of large European rivers in eastern (Volga, Don, Dnieper, Pripyat), central (Bug, Vistula, Odra), western (Rhine, Main, Elbe) and southern (Danube, Rhône, Seine) Europe. Such waterways act as true invasion highways enabling fast range extensions and exchange of exotic species among the basins. Altogether, the present number of non-indigenous species is estimated in this paper. Animal groups dominating in species numbers are crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Concerning the pathways and vectors predominantly used, definitely navigation is the most important one, followed by construction of waterways, overland transport of boats and stocking. Apparently, the invaders are not a random selection of species, but exhibit some special biological and ecological features. Several species, mostly of Ponto-Caspian origin, have entered the river systems through peculiar invasion gateways, such as oligohaline coastal waters, predominantly in the Black and Caspian seas. Summarizing the data upon the distribution of non-indigenous species in European river systems, three main invasion corridors involving the largest European rivers may be defined: Northern Corridor along Volga and Don; North Central Corridor along Dnieper, Vistula, and Odra; South Central Corridor along Danube and Rhine. Regarding the later three main branches are distinguished: an eastern branch via Mittellandkanal and adjacent waters to the Baltic, a western one via Rhine, Meuse, and Seine to the Atlantic, and a southern one via Saône and Rhône to the Mediterranean. Strikingly, prevailing a number of the invaders restrict their distribution to these invasion highways, enabling part of the native communities to persist in smaller tributaries. A summary is given for the knowledge about alien aquatic species spread and associated risks in main waterways of Continental Europe.
biological invasions; invasion corridors; pathways; neobiota; continental Europe; rivers
Dikerogammarus villosus; Hemimysis anomala; Limnomysis benedeni