Revision of the Status of Invasive and Non-Native Animal Species in Georgia (Sakartvelo) ინვაზიური და არაადგილობრივ ცხოველთა სახეობების სტატუსის რევიზია საქართველოში
Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, cilt.20, sa.2, ss.43-53, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 20 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Dergi Adı: Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Linguistic Bibliography, zbMATH
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.43-53
- Anahtar Kelimeler: alien, biodiversity, Georgia, invasive, Sakartvelo
- Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study presents a revised checklist of invasive and alien (non-native) animal species recorded in Georgia (Sakartvelo), based on a critical evaluation of published records, faunistic data, and evidence of establishment and spread. The analysis demonstrates that 88 species currently qualify as invasive or alien within the country, of which 51 are confirmed as invasive due to their established populations and documented ecological, economic, or genetic impacts. The remaining species are regarded as introduced or non-native taxa whose invasive status remains uncertain or context-dependent. The study also reassesses several previously reported taxa and excludes numerous species that represent native Caucasian fauna, natural range expansions, doubtful records, or taxa lacking reliable documentation. Particular emphasis is placed on the necessity of distinguishing true invasive species from merely introduced or newly recorded organisms in order to avoid conceptual inaccuracies in biodiversity assessments. Two insect species are reported from Georgia for the first time: Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) and Haritalodes derogata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The revised checklist provides an updated framework for future monitoring, conservation planning, and management of invasive fauna in Georgia. © 2026 Bull. Natl. Acad. Sci. Georg.