Unravelling the extent and impacts of plant invasion in the last pristine landscapes of Europe: the role of species interactions

Biological invasions of anthropogenic origin pose significant threats to biodiversity. Studies on their drivers and impacts have grown exponentially in the past 30-years, yet most of these tend to focus on a single set of invaders and a limited number of drivers. Moreover, mountain regions remain understudied despite the establishment of multiple invasive

species at increasingly higher elevations under rising anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Surprisingly, we still know very little about how climate change, human disturbance, and interspecific biotic interactions mediate multiple invasions and their effects on native communities. In particular, co-occurring invaders may facilitate spread,

eventually leading to "invasion meltdown". Novelty and timeliness A long-term monitoring project was recently established in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains to meet this challenge. This highly biodiverse region is home to the most significant remaining old-growth and virgin forest in Europe.

Unfortunately, the region is also experiencing increased levels of invasion by alien species, flooding disturbance is increasing under climate change, and growing human activity is altering habitats. Despite these multiple pressures, the spatiotemporal drivers and biodiversity implications of the ongoing spread of multiple species into

protected areas remain largely unknown. Objectives We aim to answer two main research questions: How do abiotic factors locally determine the multiple-invasion success and its effect on native species? How do biotic interactions between invasive and native species impede or facilitate invasion dynamics? This PhD will address these

questions by combining field studies in the Carpathian Mountains with cutting edge population modelling techniques. The student will be embedded within a larger monitoring project, offering an opportunity to pursue alternative lines of research as their interests develop.