Range extensions of Ponto-Caspian aquatic invertebrates in continental Europe

摘要

The dispersal of Ponto-Caspian aquatic invertebrates outside their historic geographical range during the past 200 years was mainly caused by the construction of canals between previously separated biogeographic regions and to unintentional transport via ballast water of vessels. In addition, intentional introductions outside their native range facilitated further spread of Ponto-Caspian species. Since the beginning of 1990 their spread has been accelerated by the opening of the Main-Danube Canal in southern Germany. Four main migration corridors can be distinguished: a northern corridor connecting the Rivers Don and Volga with the Baltic Sea, a north central corridor, connecting the River Dnieper with the Baltic Sea region and the River Rhine basin, a south western corridor, connecting the River Danube with the Rhine and neighbouring basins, and a southern corridor through the Mediterranean.