Understanding invasive species in polar and alpine regions

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In these times of rapidly accelerating global changes, our world’s biodiversity is trying to adapt. For many species, this means adjusting their life cycle, interactions and distributions as a reaction to the occurring changes of their habitats, e.g. changes in habitat characteristics, pollution, biological invasions and climate change. Altogether, these rapid changes are creating extra pressures on the native communities already struggling with local changes. Two areas particularly vulnerable to these dynamics are the poles and alpine regions, which host most of the world’s last remaining wilderness ecosystems. These ecosystems are disproportionately affected by climate change, and thus suffer from an increased influx of new species originating from more warm regions of the globe. Due to the poles’ high and largely undisturbed native diversity, these regions provide huge opportunities for science, recreation and spirituality. It is imperative that these outstanding ecosystems are preserved as they comprise a role model for the wellbeing of the planet.