Unravelling the extent and impacts of plant invasion in the last pristine landscapes of Europe: the role of species interactions

Biological invasions of anthropogenic origin pose significant
threats to biodiversity. Studies on their drivers and impacts
have grown exponentially in the past 30 years, yet most of
these tend to focus on a single set of invaders and a limited
number of drivers. Moreover, mountain regions remain
understudied despite the establishment of multiple invasive
species at increasingly higher elevations under rising
anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Surprisingly,
we still know very little about how climate change, human
disturbance, and interspecific biotic interactions mediate
multiple invasions and their effects on native communities.
In particular, co-occurring invaders may facilitate spread,
eventually leading to "invasion meltdown".
Novelty and timeliness
A long-term monitoring project was recently established in
the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains to meet this challenge.
This highly biodiverse region is home to the most
significant remaining old-growth and virgin forest in Europe.
Unfortunately, the region is also experiencing increased
levels of invasion by alien species, flooding disturbance is
increasing under climate change, and growing human
activity is altering habitats. Despite these multiple
pressures, the spatiotemporal drivers and biodiversity
implications of the ongoing spread of multiple species into
protected areas remain largely unknown.
Objectives
We aim to answer two main research questions: How do
abiotic factors locally determine the multiple-invasion
success and its effect on native species? How do biotic
interactions between invasive and native species impede or
facilitate invasion dynamics? This PhD will address these
questions by combining field studies in the Carpathian
Mountains with cutting edge population modelling
techniques. The student will be embedded within a larger
monitoring project, offering an opportunity to pursue
alternative lines of research as their interests develop.