Expanding invasive species impact assessments to the ecosystem level with EEICAT

PLoS Biology 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Laís Carneiro, Daniel Pincheira‐Donoso, Boris Leroy, Sandro Bertolino, Morelia Camacho‐Cervantes, Ross N. Cuthbert, Alok Bang, Jane A. Catford, Josie South, Steven J. Cooke, Elena Angulo, Franck Courchamp
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003665
Cited by: 6
References: 52

Abstract

The ecological impacts of biological invasions vary widely in type, scale, and severity, highlighting the need for consistent assessment tools. The Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) provides a standardized framework for assessing their effects, but focuses mainly on population-level impacts. We introduce the Extended EICAT (EEICAT), which incorporates impacts across three ecological dimensions, from individuals to ecosystems, with an impact-based approach. EEICAT enables classification of 19 impact types at the invasion-event level, making it suitable for primary research, synthesis, and management. This framework aims to improve the detection, comparison, and communication of complex ecological impacts caused by biological invasions.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies Ecology and biodiversity studies

Publication details

Journal / source
PLoS Biology
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Volume
24
Issue
3
Pages
e3003665–e3003665
Publication date
10 March 2026
Language
EN