Crossing the line: Alien species in the Antarctic

Abstract

Biological invasions threaten biodiversity in every biome on the planet1 2. If we are to preserve biodiversity, we must reduce the frequency and impact of invasions. However, before we can manage invasions, we must first understand them. Traditionally, the process of invasion has been broken down into a series of barriers, each one representing a particular suite of ecological or physiological challenges an organism must overcome3. What we do not yet fully understand is what type and quantity of organisms cross each of these barriers. Using the South African National Antarctic Programme logistics operation as a model system, we investigate the various stages of an invasion, identifying biosecurity weaknesses and suggesting possible management solutions.