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The researchers relied on data spanning 1891 to 2021, including spatial distribution information and reports of invasive earthworms captured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Machine learning analysis of species richness reveals that exotic earthworms are probably the dominant species on 73% of the continent, and 28% of North America currently lacks original earthworm species .
Overall, the researchers identified 70 unique species of invasive earthworms, with the majority originating from Europe and Asia. Partly due to the use of earthworms as fishing bait and the sale of vermi-composted materials, earthworms tend to enter the continent from areas with beaches and airports, the researchers wrote.
The environmental changes brought about by new arrivals can range from occupying areas with few native earthworms to driving changes in the plant composition of forests and other areas.
Earthworms are often seen as a positive force in their native habitats, but invasive species can have the opposite effect, researchers say. The invaders’ slow movements and feeding habits can cause soil compaction, stunt plant growth, reduce biodiversity, allow invasive plant takeover, and damage trees such as sugar maples. .
“Since it is virtually impossible to eliminate established invasive earthworm populations, the best management option is to focus on prevention and early detection,” the researchers wrote. They call for policies to prevent future spread of invasive earthworms, noting that climate change is likely to cause future invasions.
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