Expanding invasive species impact assessments to the ecosystem level with EEICAT

Carneiro, Laís and Pincheira-Donoso, Daniel and Leroy, Boris and Bertolino, Sandro and Camacho-Cervantes, Morelia and Cuthbert, Ross N. and Bang, Alok and Catford, Jane A. and South, Josie and Cooke, Steven J. and Angulo, Elena and Courchamp, Franck (2026) Expanding invasive species impact assessments to the ecosystem level with EEICAT. PLOS Biology, 24 (3). e3003665. ISSN 1545-7885

Preview

Text - Published Version Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

The ecological impacts of biological invasions vary widely in type, scale, and severity, highlighting the need for consistent assessment tools. The Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) provides a standardized framework for assessing their effects, but focuses mainly on population-level impacts. We introduce the Extended EICAT (EEICAT), which incorporates impacts across three ecological dimensions, from individuals to ecosystems, with an impact-based approach. EEICAT enables classification of 19 impact types at the invasion-event level, making it suitable for primary research, synthesis, and management. This framework aims to improve the detection, comparison, and communication of complex ecological impacts caused by biological invasions.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Carneiro, Laís and Pincheira-Donoso, Daniel and Leroy, Boris and Bertolino, Sandro and Camacho-Cervantes, Morelia and Cuthbert, Ross N. and Bang, Alok and Catford, Jane A. and South, Josie and Cooke, Steven J. and Angulo, Elena and Courchamp, Franck
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences > Economics > Economics of land & energy > Other natural resources > Biological resources Social sciences > Law > Labor, social, education & cultural law > Miscellaneous social problems and services > Environmental protection Natural Sciences > Life sciences; biology > Ecology
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bhopal > Arts and Sciences
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7744
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3003665

Actions (login required)

View Item