Human land use promotes the abundance and diversity of exotic species on Caribbean islands

• DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14334
• Publication Date: 2018-05-31T07:46:00Z
• Authors: Wendy A. M. Jesse; Jocelyn E. Behm; Matthew R. Helmus; Jacintha Ellers
• Keywords: Caribbean region

Abstract Human land use causes major changes in species abundance and composition, yet native exotic can exhibit different responses to change. Native populations generally decline human‐impacted habitats while often benefit. In this study, we assessed the effects of human on reptile diversity, including functional which relates range habitat strategies biotic communities. We surveyed 114 communities from localities that varied structure impact level two Caribbean islands, calculated richness, overall abundance, evenness for every plot. Functional diversity indices were using published trait data, enabled us detect signs filtering associated with impacted habitats. Our results show environmental variation among sampling plots was explained by Principal Component Analysis ( PCA ) ordination axes related (i.e., forest or nonforest) addition man‐made constructions such as roads buildings). Several significantly correlated axes, but showed opposing responses. reached highest forests, absent habitat. an increase no significant associations. nonforested environments both further increased St. Martin establishment functionally unique Habitat structure, rather than impact, proved be important agent traits, causing divergent values across forested environments. illustrate importance considering various elements when studying its spread species.