Climate change may boost the invasion of the Asian needle ant.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_5F9355EDE67E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Climate change may boost the invasion of the Asian needle ant.
Journal
PloS one
ISSN
1932-6203 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
1932-6203
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2013
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
8
Number
10
Pages
e75438
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Publication Status: epublish
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
Following its introduction from Asia to the USA, the Asian needle ant (Pachycondyla chinensis) is rapidly spreading into a wide range of habitats with great negative ecological affects. In addition, the species is a concern for human health because of its powerful, sometimes deadly, sting. Here, we assessed the potential of P. chinensis to spread further and to invade entirely new regions. We used species distribution models to assess suitable areas under current climatic conditions and in 2020, 2050 and 2080. With a consensus model, combining five different modelling techniques, three Global Circulation (climatic) Models and two CO2 emission scenarios, we generated world maps with suitable climatic conditions. Our models suggest that the species currently has a far greater potential distribution than its current exotic range, including large parts of the world landmass, including Northeast America, Southeast Asia and Southeast America. Climate change is predicted to greatly exacerbate the risk of P. chinensis invasion by increasing the suitable landmass by 64.9% worldwide, with large increases in Europe (+210.1%), Oceania (+75.1%), North America (+74.9%) and Asia (+62.7%). The results of our study suggest P. chinensis deserves increased attention, especially in the light of on-going climate change.
Keywords
Animals, Ants/physiology, Asia, Climate Change, Ecosystem, Europe, Geography, North America
Pubmed
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
27/03/2015 15:19
Last modification date
06/02/2024 14:09