Title: Regional analysis of temporal trends and horizon scanning of commercial alien species

Abstract: Biological invasions by alien species represent one of the major current threats to diversity. The commercial uses of alien species for recreational or ornamental uses are main pathways for deliberate introduction. The main objective of my thesis is to obtain a scientific analysis of the historical trends for the use of alien species with commercial value in Spain and the prediction of potential related future threats that allows us to carry out preventive actions.



The first chapter is at a quite advanced stage. We conducted an ‘horizon scanning’ analysis of outdoor gardening plants commercially available in Spain. For this purpose we compiled a database which includes the vast majority of plant species sold in the market (919) and we classified them according to (1) its invasive status in Spain, including if regulated, (2) its invasive status elsewhere, (3) its climatic suitability for Spain, and (4) its potential ecological and socio-economic impacts. This database will be transferred to the national environmental authorities as the bases for Horizon scanning on potential invasive species in Spain which introduction could be avoided.

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