What Do We Know About Non-Native, Invasive, and Transplanted Aquatic Mollusks in South America?

Abstract

Introduced species are a major driver of biodiversity loss, with significant impacts on the environment and effects on the economy and human well-being. Aquatic mollusks play a vital role in ecosystems by influencing food webs and nutrient cycling. They also hold economic importance—positively, through aquaculture, and negatively, as contributors to macrofouling. Since 2016, a team of 29 experts from seven South American countries has collaborated to study and manage introduced species. Their research has identified 41 non-native and 18 transplanted aquatic mollusk species, contributing to a deeper understanding of mollusk bioinvasions in South America.