When is an invasive not an invasive? Macrofossil evidence of doubtful native plant species in the Galápagos Islands

A groundbreaking study using macrofossil analysis reveals that six plant species previously classified as doubtful natives or invasive in the Galápagos Islands are, in fact, native to the archipelago. The research challenges long-held assumptions about the origin of these species and their impact on the islands' unique biodiversity. By examining sedimentary records, the study provides critical insights into the native flora of the Galápagos over the past 500-1000 years, offering a new framework for understanding and conserving the region's ecological heritage. This approach not only clarifies the status of these species but also sets a precedent for using palaeobotanical data to inform conservation efforts in other oceanic islands.

Coffey, E. E. D., Froyd, C. A., & Willis, K. J. (2011). When is an invasive not an invasive? Macrofossil evidence of doubtful native plant species in the Galápagos Islands. Ecology, 92(4), 805–812. https://doi.org/10.1890/10-1290.1