Advances in the Knowledge and Study of Invasive Alien Species in Bolivia

Abstract

The value of knowledge about the negative effects of invasive alien species (IAS) on biodiversity, ecosystems, national economies, human health, and climate change mitigation is increasingly important. Bolivia considered the problem of IAS in the Biological Invasions, Invasive Information Network I3N–IABIN workshop, which generated an IAS database for different countries detailing the location of species, their economic and ecological impacts, as well as entry routes, and propagation, although for the most part, only lists of plant and animal IAS can be derived from national scientific collections. Here, we feature several plant and animal species with more detailed information. Finally, due to the consequences of IAS on the country's native biodiversity, human health, and economic activities these systematization initiatives informed national policy. In Bolivia, there are at least 150 species considered as introduced or exotic, including crop species, information that needs to be refined and updated.