Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.07.19.210880v1?rss=1 Authors: Bazzichetto, M., Massol, F., Carboni, M., Lenoir, J., Lembrechts, J. J., Joly, R., RENAULT, D. Abstract: AimTo investigate the local effect of environmental and human-related factors on alien plant invasion in sub-Antarctic islands. To explore the relationship between alien species features and dependence on anthropogenic propagule pressure to unravel key traits conferring invasiveness in the sub-Antarctic. LocationPossession Island, Crozet archipelago (French sub-Antarctic islands). TaxonNon-native vascular plants (Poaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Juncaceae). MethodsSingle-species distribution models were used to explore the effect of high-resolution topoclimatic and human-related variables on the occurrence of six of the most aggressive alien plants colonizing French sub-Antarctic islands. Furthermore, the interaction between alien species traits and their response to anthropogenic propagule pressure was analysed by means of a multi-species distribution model. This allowed identifying the features of species that were associated to low dependence on human-assisted introductions, and were thus potentially more invasive. ResultsWe observed two main invasion patterns: low-spread species strongly dependent on anthropogenic propagule pressure and high-spread species limited mainly by harsh climatic conditions. Differences in invasiveness across species mostly related to their residence time, life history and plant height, with older introductions, perennial and low-stature species being most invasive. Main conclusionsThe availability of high-resolution data allowed for a fine understanding of the role of environmental and human-related factors in driving alien species distribution on sub-Antarctic islands. At the same time, the identification of alien species features conferring invasiveness may help anticipating future problematic invasions. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info