The global re-shuffling of species

Franz Essl

Welcome to the Anthropocene! For the first time in planetary history, one species has become the dominating biophysical force. Consequently, humans are driving the redistribution of biota at an unprecedented scale, with enormous and rising consequences – for the future of biodiversity and human livelihoods alike. While many species are declining and heading towards extinction, other species are being moved around the globe by humans, essentially changing global biogeography. This human-induced introduction of species into new regions – so called biological invasions – have become a defining signature of the Anthropocene.

In may talk, I will synthesize key insights into global patterns and drivers of biological invasions. I will highlight likely future trajectories of this phenomenon, present main advances in invasion science, and identify new avenues to improve the understanding of alien species spread and impacts. Finally, I will provide a perspective on priority questions for biogeography and biodiversity conservation resulting from the global re-shuffling of species.