Biotemas (Feb 2016)
Ten years after the Brazilian survey on invasive alien species: advances, gaps, and future directions
Abstract
In 2004, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment issued a call for projects for a national survey on invasive alien species aimed at collecting, organizing and disseminating information on invasive alien species in Brazil. In this paper we review the existing scientific knowledge and legal regulations on biological invasions in Brazil prior to the National Survey, the progress made since then, the gaps persisting ten years later, and make recommendations for future work. We found 143 scientific papers and 65 legal regulations on invasive alien species published between 1999 and 2014. Data indicate the National Survey is a milestone on the subject in Brazil, as the publication of regulations and articles increased significantly after 2005. Although numerous advances were identified, they are not sufficient for the topic to be considered consolidated in Brazil. Advances made were greatly due to the mobilization of civil society organizations and research groups working separately. More ambitious and relevant research and management projects are required in upcoming years to ensure the advancement of invasion science in Brazil in ways that may also contribute internationally. Finally, consolidating management practices and actions into an integrated legal framework is key to effectively enable the prevention, management and control of biological invasions.
