Following the snail trail–reconstructing the invasion route and world-wide distribution of the New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Mollusca, Caenogastropoda)

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems support nearly 10% of the Earth’s known species, making them vital biodiversity hotspots. However, this biodiversity and its associated critical functions are threatened by anthropogenic pressure, including invasive species. The New Zealand mud snail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, is a prominent invader of freshwater ecosystems, having rapidly expanded across several continents in the last two centuries and presenting substantial ecological and economic challenges. Its invasion success has been attributed to its adaptability to environmental variables and its clonal reproductive mode, yet its chronological expansion on a global scale has not previously been synthesized. Here, we compiled a total of 148,803 biogeographic records of P. antipodarum from 43 countries on six continents, focusing on historical data drawn from the literature. By mapping these records and analysing first introduction times, we compared invasion patterns of this snail worldwide. Our analysis revealed detailed insights into the snail’s invasion speed and geographic expansion over time, identifying both periods of rapid advance and slower spread. This study also highlights the challenges of monitoring invasive species, particularly in regions with limited data availability. By investigating dynamics of this invasion, our research underscores the importance of continuous, systematic monitoring to mitigate the ecological impacts and prevent further spread. The findings provide a foundation for understanding key factors driving the species’ widespread success and offer insights into predicting freshwater regions most vulnerable to future invasions.

Bibliographic Information