Introduction pathways and socio‐economic variables drive the distribution of alien amphibians and reptiles in a megadiverse country

• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12920
• Publication Date: 2019-04-12T09:38:42Z
• Authors: Érica Fonseca; Camila Both; Sonia Zanini Cechin
• Keywords: Alien species

Abstract Aims We identify alien reptiles and amphibians, invaders or not, in Brazil evaluate the following: (a) which species are found country; (b) where they originate from; (c) how distributed; (d) why were introduced; (e) factors affect record incidences local richness of these species. Location Brazil. Methods conduct a comprehensive survey different data sources to collect records amphibians reptiles. then use causal model approach influence space, climate, anthropogenic predictors, introduction pathways on number records. Results find total 2,292 136 amphibians. Although from many regions world can be found, most snakes, lizards anurans originating Americas. throughout Brazil, concentrated more economically developed areas. Socio‐economic measures have both direct indirect relationship over distribution all pathways, key explaining species’ distribution. Pet trade was directly related diversity, while three contributed explain Main Conclusions reveal high diversity widespread an already megadiverse country. The finding that occurs highly populated wealthy areas it is linked pet helps efforts towards surveillance prevention spread A higher incidence associated with introduced accidentally for human consumption, mainly represented by few invasive species, impairing management measures.