Tuesday, July 7, 2026

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Room BE.0.18

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Details

The conservation-invasion paradox (CIP) represents one of the most underexamined phenomena in modern biodiversity conservation. This paradox emerges when species threatened with extinction in their native ranges become successful and problematic invaders in introduced regions. This creates a fundamental conflict in conservation practice and ethics, where the ecology of the species or its utilization by humans drives both its endangerment and its invasiveness. Empirical evidence demonstrates that the phenomenon can be found in animals, but there is much less information on plants and other species groups. As climate change accelerates and globalization increases species translocations, the CIP will likely become increasingly prevalent across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems throughout Europe and beyond. The paradox generates complex questions at the intersection of conservation biology, invasion ecology, invasive species management, and policy: Should non-native populations of threatened species be protected or controlled? How do we balance ecosystem restoration with species survival? How can ex situ conservation initiatives contribute to addressing this paradox without exacerbating invasion risks? Furthermore, the paradox illuminates critical gaps in our understanding of the ecological mechanisms underlying invasibility, species establishment, and the relationship between native biodiversity and invasion success across spatial scales. Symposium Goals and Content This symposium brings together researchers, conservation practitioners, and managers to synthesize current knowledge about the conservation-invasion paradox and develop integrated, transdisciplinary solutions. We will examine: 1.Ecological mechanisms driving the paradox—exploring how environmental conditions, competitive interactions, enemy release differ between native and introduced ranges, and how these factors interact with climate change. 2.Case studies beyond Europe, examining species and ecosystems where the paradox creates particular management challenges, including mammals, plants, aquatic organisms, and marine invasives. 3.Conservation strategies and governance frameworks that address competing objectives, including innovative approaches that bridge ex situ conservation, invasive species management, and habitat restoration.

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Speakers and Presentation Titles

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Organiser