Niche Dynamics of Alien Plant Species in Mediterranean Europe.
Alien plants reshape their niches in Mediterranean Europe, with high trait variability and long-distance dispersal driving niche shifts, but niche conservatism and residence time matter more for invasion success.
This study examined the niche dynamics of 80 widespread alien plant species in the Mediterranean Basin. The researchers found that niche shifts were common, often driven by species failing to occupy all suitable environments in their invaded range. Niche expansion was more likely in species with high intraspecific trait variability, long-distance dispersal, and a narrow native niche. Interestingly, invasion success correlated more with niche conservatism and residence time than with niche expansion. The findings highlight the importance of understanding how species traits relate to niche dynamics, as this can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying biological invasions.