The Link Between Invasive Alien Species and Extinction

Invasive alien species (IAS) can cause extinction of native species. However, debate continues over the significance of IAS as drivers of extinction globally, the level of threat IAS poses to endangered species, and whether conservation efforts against IAS should take priority over other factors, such as habitat loss or climate change. This study investigates the link between IAS and extinction and provides new insights from the IUCN Red List, focusing on species classified as extinct or extinct in the wild linked exclusively to IAS. However, many extinction events are caused by multiple synergistic threats, including IAS, but their relative contribution is unknown. We suggest using Structural Equation Models (SEM) to tease out the impact of IAS and other synergistic factors on threatened species, to better understand the role of IAS in potential extinction.