From soil to stream and sea: species richness and distribution of alien invertebrates in Romania
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Biological invasions represent a major threat to global biodiversity, yet alien invertebrates remain among the most understudied taxonomic groups despite their severe ecological and socio-economic impacts. At European level, the EU Regulation 1143/2014 emphasizes the need for coordinated monitoring and management of invasive alien species, but implementation is hindered by the scarcity and fragmentation of information, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. To tackle these shortcomings, we compiled a comprehensive, FAIR-compliant dataset detailing alien invertebrate occurrences in Romania, using data from scientific literature (1865–2023), field surveys (2020–2022), and citizen science observations (up to 2023). This dataset encompasses 23415 records of 297 alien species, of which 212 are terrestrial (71.38%), 27 are freshwater (9.09%), and 58 are marine species (19.53%). Our results show that 170 species (57%) were recorded by only one source, whether scientific literature, fieldwork, or citizen science, while the remaining 127 species (43%) were documented by two or more sources combined. Scientific literature yielded the highest number of species (241), but 119 of these were not confirmed by our recent fieldwork or citizen-science observations. Citizen scientists reported 60 alien species, eight of which were recorded solely through this approach. The dataset also emphasizes spatial clustering around major urban areas in Romania and waterways, reflecting introduction pathways and sampling bias. In terms of management priorities, three species of EU concern, i.e., Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817), Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017, and Eriocheir sinensis (H. Milne-Edwards, 1853), exhibit sparse occurrence records despite their invasive potential. By mobilizing existing data into standardized and openly accessible formats, we promote evidence-based implementation of policies at national and international levels. Moving forward, comprehensive management of biological invasions requires enhanced coordination among researchers, citizen scientists, and policymakers, supported by interoperable information systems that facilitate rapid data flows.
Source: NeoBiota
Authors: Cristina Preda, Costică Adam, Ioana Cristina Constantinescu, Oana Paula Popa, Luis Ovidiu Popa, Maxim-Jean Bâlcu, Andreea Maria Brezeanu, Maria-Magdalena Dascălu, Andreea-Cătălina Drăghici, Carla Flavia Gavrilescu, Athanasios Alexandru Gavrilidis, Voichița Gheoca, Elena Iulia Iorgu, Ionuț Ștefan Iorgu, Ana Maria Krapal, Sanda Maican, Cosmin-Ovidiu Manci, Nicolae Manta, Minodora Manu, Rozalia Magda Motoc, Iulian M. Niculae, Ana-Maria Petrescu, Alexandru-Mihai Pintilioaie, Alexandra Florina Popa, Ioan Alexandru Rădac, Laurentiu Rozylowicz, Adrian Ruicănescu, Tiberiu C. Sahlean, Victor Surugiu, Cecilia Șerban, Andrei Ștefan, Levente Székely, Ioan Tăuşan, Marius Skolka
Institutions: Ovidius University, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, University of Bucharest, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava, Institute of Biology Bucharest, Romanian Academy, West University of Timişoara, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati
Language: English
Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $970
Awards: G1773298322, G2204628679
OpenAlex ID: W7167063452