A dataset of records of alien vertebrates in mountains of the World

Abstract

Mountains host highly diverse biota that are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures around the globe. Although biological invasions are a well-recognized driver of global change, the available information on the distribution of alien species in mountains remains fragmented. To advance in filling this gap, we present a comprehensive dataset focused on alien vertebrates that contain roughly 425,000 records of over 700 species reported across ~3,000 mountains of the World. The dataset can be downloaded or visualized through interactive maps that facilitate access to species-specific occurrence records, mountain-specific lists of alien vertebrate species and mountain characterizations based on environmental and anthropogenic features. A workflow for the customized compilation of alien species records for specific taxonomic groups or study areas is also available at the RAVeM repository. Ours is a dynamic dataset open to continuous development based on user feedback, that has the potential to facilitate and support future studies and monitoring efforts of alien vertebrates in mountains worldwide.

Marcelo Araya-Salas

Research Associate

My research interests include evolutionary behavioral ecology, cultural evolution, scientific programming and all possible combinations of them.