Evolutionary Genetics of Invasive Mammal Species Introduced in Argentina

Evolutionary genetics of invasive species has been unexplored in Argentina. Invasive alien species (IAS) have a wide geographical distribution, characteristic life cycles and great ability to adapt, establish and spread in a new environment. Recent advances in novel molecular technologies, the use of higher resolution genetic markers, and the research development on genetic variation of invasive species consolidated the importance of genetic aspects in the invasion process. Undoubtedly, the growing concern for the disturbances generated by invasive species on biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems was also determinant for the inclusion of the Invasion Biology within the broad field of Evolutionary Biology including relevant examples that address the evolutionary genetic aspects of biological invasions. Recent studies suggest that the invasion success of many species depends on their ability to respond to natural selection. Although the number of invasive species registered in Argentina far exceeds 600, little research has been done on invasive mammal species and only five of them were hitherto genetically analyzed. Presuming that invasion genetics is incorporated into the agenda of control and management organizations, it would allow integrating the ecological, genetic, and evolutionary biology aspects for knowledge of invasive species widely distributed in Argentina. The objective of this article is to highlight the importance of evaluating the genetic structure of invasive species for their management and to inform about the invasive species of mammals that were introduced in Argentina and have been or are being analyzed genetically.