Potential range expansion of Senecio inaequidens in Sardinia (IT)
Senecio inaequidens (Asteraceae: EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants) is a perennial species native to South Africa. It is widespread in the EPPO region. In Italy, the species is currently distributed across all regions (including Sardinia and Sicilia), where it is predominantly considered invasive. S. inaequidens was originally reported in Sardinia in 1990 on Mount Limbara (1359 m asl.). It has since spread along roads and in fallow land, dry pastures and clearcut woodland, and more natural habitats such as scrubland. There is the potential for further expansion of the species on the island. Data on the distribution of S. inaequidens in Sardinia has been collected since 1991 and this data was combined with the global distribution data to model the potential current and future distribution of the species. The results suggest that under the current climate, S. inaequidens has the potential for range expansion to coastal regions in the west and south-west of Sardinia. In addition, small islands off the coast of Sardina are also climatically suitable for the species. This contrasts with the current higher altitudinal range of the species. When factoring in climate change scenarios, the potential distribution of S. inaequidens doubles compared to its current distribution and if taking into account the worst case climate change scenario, the increase in suitable habitat is 83 % by 2040. The potential spread of S. inaequidens to new habitats, including coastal areas should be carefully monitored. Control and eradication measures targeting the expanding populations should be implemented.
Sources
Bazzato E, Calvia G, Marignani M, Ruggero A, Lozano V (2024) Senecio inaequidens DC. will thrive in future climate: A case study in a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot. Ecological Informatics 82, 102783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2024.102783