Invasive potential of the pied crow (Corvus albus) in eastern Brazil: best to eradicate before it spreads

Abstract

Biological invasion is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem damage. Invasive species are difficult to eradicate and prevention is considered the best approach. The pied crow (Corvus albus) was recently recorded in eastern Brazil (South America). This African bird species is being considered as a “native invader” in South Africa, and has the potential of causing serious ecological impacts. Therefore, it is important to identify the potential suitable areas and entry points of this species in Brazil. This sort of information allows for a better assessment of where surveillance is needed and if eradication procedures are required. We used ecological niche models to assess the potential distribution of the pied crow in Brazil. Models predicted high suitability for the Southeast, Central and Northeast regions of Brazil, mainly in the Atlantic Forest region. Pied crow occurrence was associated with human infrastructure. Binary models failed to include published records for C. albus in Brazil. However, suitable areas are found 46 km away from known occurrence records. We argue that ports are non-intentional points of entry and that surveillance measures should be put into place to prevent novel propagules from arriving and establishing in Brazil.

Keywords

• Ecological niche models
• Invasion biology
• Corvids
• Potential ecological impacts