Local and regional abundance of exotic plant species on Mediterranean islands: are species traits important?

摘要: Aim We assess the importance of three relevant and readily obtainable lifehistory traits (dispersal syndrome, stem height growth form) biogeographical origin (European vs. non-European) on local regional abundance over 400 exotic plant species across eight Mediterranean islands. Location The islands Lesbos, Rhodes, Crete, Malta, Corsica, Sardinia, Majorca Minorca. Methods adopt two criteria for each species: proportion in which occurs (regional abundance), a qualitative estimate within five (local abundance). Subsequently, we relationship between abundance, as well role key life-history both abundance. These analyses were undertaken separately European exotics non-European exotics. Results Only 10.9% occur more than four islands, only are present all Both abundances higher species. Local positively correlated, particularly with origins. Wind-dispersed tended to have dispersed by other means but this trend occurred - Corsica Majorca. Neither species' form nor its explained trends or Conclusions Although wind-dispersed widespread Mediterranean, appear play lesser invasion success area origin. In general, abundant at scales. Invasion patterns should be interpreted scales, stochastic nature biological invasions may limit deterministic interpretations patterns, especially if studied isolation.