Biological Invasions Laboratory

Organization: The Chilean State

What we found: The impact generated by the presence of invasive species is often judged according to human criteria, such as economics, aesthetics, ecological function, ecosystem processes, and the health and well-being of individuals, and these criteria may change according to social customs. The problem of invasive plants is not a new one for Chile, and there are numerous species which cause production losses or represent a serious threat to the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

What we did: We founded the Biological Invasions Laboratory (LIB) in conjunction with the Universidad de Concepción, where we have produced databases of exotic species in Chile and carry out continuous monitoring and spatial modelling of biological invasions, with a view to establishing cooperation between the academic world and the public and private bodies responsible for controlling them.

The future: The LIB is an ongoing project and has provided support on numerous occasions to the country’s public institutions. Our mission is to continue along this course, providing information and education concerning the causes and consequences of biological invasions in Chile.

Visit the Biological Invasions Laboratory website (http://www.lib.udec.cl)