How do invasion species affect biodiversity and ecosystem functions of floodplain forests?

Anastasia Ievleva

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Biological invasion is a significant issue that affects various biotopes, including alluvial forests. Despite its prevalent negative effects on biodiversity, a comprehensive evaluation would be beneficial for the broader understanding of the topic. The following thesis aims to review and analyze both negative and positive effects caused by the spread of invasive plant species in alluvial ecosystems. It is divided into two main topics: i) examination of effects of plant invasion on diversity and ecosystem functions of floodplain forests with consideration of different responses by different taxonomic groups; and ii) exploration of anthropogenic and natural factors affecting the invasive plants themselves. A new database consisting of articles from the year 1994 to the year 2019 was created, analyzed through descriptive statistics and reviewed. The results confirmed that negative effects of invasive flora’s presence prevail. Positive effects were mainly focused on abiotic parameters of ecosystem and certain groups of invertebrates: arthropods and detritovores. Invader’s responses to different natural and anthropogenic factors varied greatly. Urbanization proved to be beneficial for invaders presence. Removing techniques were majorly unsuccessful unless scarification technique was used. In many cases, impact of plant invasion was highly dependent on invasive species and side factors of studied ecosystems.Further research on the relationship between invasive plant species and avian, bacteria and mammal communities are highly recommended, as well as the research that would take in consideration invasive species differences and side factors, affecting alluvial ecosystems.

Keywords

floodplain forest, invasion, biodiversity, alluvial forest, species richness, management techniques

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 6. 2020

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Jan Douda, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Bachelor programme / field:
Environmental Sciences / Applied Ecology