Invasive Species May Dominate Wetlands as the Climate Changes

It turns out that as the climate changes, wetlands may be far more vulnerable to invasive species. Scientists have discovered that invasive species may have the advantage as temperatures shift.

In order to understand how climate might impact wetlands, the researchers used plant species and biomass surveys. They also employed real-time measurements of water levels and water temperatures, and statistical modeling of long-term plant abundance and growing conditions at 24 sites.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) actually projects that surface-water temperatures in the Southeast will increase by one to five degrees Celsius by the year 2100. Increased evaporation will reduce surface water base flows, while a 5 to 30 percent increase in precipitation will cause pulsed hydrology, which is sudden, short-term rises in water levels.

"Changing surface-water temperatures, rainfall patterns and river flows will likely give Japanese knotweed, hydrilla, honeysuck, privet and other noxious invasive species an edge over less adaptable native species," said Neal Flanagan, the lead researcher, in a news release.

How will they be given a leg-up? Native species' germination rates will decline, which means that invasives will be given the opportunity to move in and fill the void. This, in turn, means that as the climate changes, the ecosystem will also change.

"These findings underscore the need for us to better understand the interaction between climate, land use and nutrient management in maintaining the viability of native riparian plant communities," said Curtis Richardson, one of the researchers.

As the climate changes, it's crucial to implement conservation measures. This latest study could help pinpoint areas that need attention as temperatures rise.

The findings are published in the journal Ecological Applications.

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