Potential invasion of exotic ambrosia beetles Xyleborus glabratus and Euwallacea sp. in Mexico: A major threat for native and cultivated forest ecosystems
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Media type:
E-Article
Title:
Potential invasion of exotic ambrosia beetles Xyleborus glabratus and Euwallacea sp. in Mexico: A major threat for native and cultivated forest ecosystems
Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>We analyze the invasive potential of two Asian ambrosia beetles, <jats:italic>Xyleborus glabratus</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Euwallacea</jats:italic> sp., into Mexico and the southern United States. The fungal symbionts of these beetles have been responsible for damage to trees of the family Lauraceae, including <jats:italic>Persea americana</jats:italic> and other non-cultivated tree species on both coasts of the United States. We estimate their potential threat using ecological niche modeling and spatial multi-criteria evaluation protocols to incorporate plant and beetle suitabilities as well as forest stress factors across Mexico. Mexico contains higher climatic and habitat suitability for <jats:italic>X. glabratus</jats:italic> than for <jats:italic>Euwallacea</jats:italic> sp. Within this country, the neotropical region is most vulnerable to invasion by both of these species. We also identify a corridor of potential invasion for <jats:italic>X. glabratus</jats:italic> along the Gulf of Mexico coast where most Lauraceae and native <jats:italic>Xyleborus</jats:italic> species are present; dispersal of either <jats:italic>X. glabratus</jats:italic> or <jats:italic>Euwallacea</jats:italic> sp. into this region would likely lead to major disease spread. However, the overall potential damage that these beetles can cause may be a function of how many reproductive hosts and how many other ambrosia beetles are present, as well as of their capacity to disperse. This work can also alert relevant managers and authorities regarding this threat.</jats:p>