Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Jon Paul. La amenaza de las especies exóticas para la conservación de la biodiversidad suramericana. INCI [online]. 2001, vol.26, n.10, pp.479-483. ISSN 0378-1844.

The challenge posed by exotic species to the conservation of South American biodiversity is described. First, examples are given of the effect of exotic species on human health, economic well-being, ecosystem function, and the survival of native species. Next, some general characteristics of biological invasions and their main global geographical patterns are presented. The final section is an analysis of the impact of exotic species on South American animals. Prior research suggests that aliens are a relatively minor threat, especially when compared to the impact of overexploitation and habitat conversion. Given that the connection of North and South America, 3 million years ago, led to a massive biotic exchange between these two landmasses, those taxa whose participation in the exchange was minor, such as continental fishes and amphibians, lack prior exposure to exotic species and should be more sensitive to the current wave of invasions. The results discussed agree with this hypothesis and identify the aquatic communities of the Andes as priority ecosystems for future research.

Keywords : Especies Amenazadas ; Especies Exóticas ; Impacto Humano ; Invasiones Biológicas ; Suramérica.