Ecological and human-induced factors driving the invasion of Neurada procumbens in a protected coastal dune ecosystem: insights from chorological analysis within an environmental management framework

Abstract

The management of invasive alien species represents a major challenge for the administration of protected natural areas. Understanding the factors that influence the spread of such taxa is essential for designing effective control and eradication strategies. This study investigates the interplay between abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors and the increasing distribution and abundance of Neurada procumbens, an invasive psammophilous plant species, within a protected arid aeolian sedimentary system subject to intensive tourist activity. Based on the comparative results of two chorological inventories conducted 16 years apart, we analysed the colonization dynamics of the taxon and contrasted these with the environmental factors considered to influence the colonization success of N. procumbens. Chorological cartography was applied to 417 UTM grid cells, and abundance increases were categorized to support statistical analysis. Eco-anthropic variables were derived from GIS-based zonal statistics, including aeolian sediment transport, vegetation density, and trail density. Correlation analyses revealed that aeolian sedimentary dynamics are the primary limiting factor for the expansion of the species in the Maspalomas dune field (Canary Islands, Spain). Vegetation density also showed a biotic resistance effect, while trail density indicates a propagule dispersal factor, particularly in newly colonized areas near urban access points. Given its dominance in stabilized dune areas and its expansion over 16 years, the inclusion of N. procumbens in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species is recommended. These insights are currently informing management actions for the monitoring and control of this invasive alien species in the Maspalomas Dunes Special Nature Reserve.