Avaliação do potencial invasivo de Poecilia reticulata peters, 1859 (pisces: poeciliidae)

Abstract

Poecilia reticulata (Pisces: Poeciliidae) is a native fish from South America and Central America, which was introduced in all continents, except Antarctica, due to the aquarium market and to biological control of mosquito larvae. Such biological invasions cause ecological impacts that are often irreversible. The best strategy to mitigate this impact is to predict species with high invasive potential, to recognize potential donors and recipients regions and future dispersal routes. The species niche models have been widely used for this purpose. In this study, the MaxEnt software was used for modeling the potential distribution invasive of Poecilia reticulata worldwide. Two approaches were used: a model from the native range and another one using both native and invaded range. Comparing the potential generated prediction of the two models, it was noted that both native and invaded range was more predictive model. Based on the results of this model, it was found that the species has a high invasive potential with increased suitability for invasion areas in the tropics.