The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L

Abstract Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae), a European-origin invasive plant, has established widespread populations in China since the nineteenth century, posing both ecological and health-related threats due to its herbicide resistance, toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and broad habitat adaptability....

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Main Authors: Enxiang Zhang, Xinshuai Wang, Bo Lei, Yongwei Han, Jun Sun
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08144-6
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author Enxiang Zhang
Xinshuai Wang
Bo Lei
Yongwei Han
Jun Sun
author_facet Enxiang Zhang
Xinshuai Wang
Bo Lei
Yongwei Han
Jun Sun
author_sort Enxiang Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae), a European-origin invasive plant, has established widespread populations in China since the nineteenth century, posing both ecological and health-related threats due to its herbicide resistance, toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and broad habitat adaptability. Despite being classified as a Level 4 invasive species in China, its potential risk remains underestimated. In this study, we applied an optimized MaxEnt model using occurrence data from both native (Europe) and invasive (China) ranges to predict the species’ potential distribution. Our results revealed high environmental suitability in central, eastern, southwestern, and northeastern China, with human activity, temperature, and precipitation as dominant predictors. Niche analysis indicated that S. vulgaris in China occupies environmental conditions largely overlapping with its native niche, demonstrating niche conservatism rather than expansion. These findings suggest that even moderately ranked invasive species can maintain ecological stability while gradually expanding, especially under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results underscore the need for targeted monitoring and preemptive management in agriculturally sensitive regions. This study provides a practical framework for assessing and managing adaptable invasive plants beyond those classified as high risk.
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spelling doaj-art-e39bd4d356714e109a5c4ac46ac519922025-08-20T03:04:38ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111010.1038/s41598-025-08144-6The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris LEnxiang Zhang0Xinshuai Wang1Bo Lei2Yongwei Han3Jun Sun4Chongqing Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (Southwest Branch of Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences)University of Chinese Academy of SciencesChongqing Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences (Southwest Branch of Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences)Chinese Research Academy of Environmental SciencesChina Academy of Natural Resources EconomicsAbstract Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae), a European-origin invasive plant, has established widespread populations in China since the nineteenth century, posing both ecological and health-related threats due to its herbicide resistance, toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and broad habitat adaptability. Despite being classified as a Level 4 invasive species in China, its potential risk remains underestimated. In this study, we applied an optimized MaxEnt model using occurrence data from both native (Europe) and invasive (China) ranges to predict the species’ potential distribution. Our results revealed high environmental suitability in central, eastern, southwestern, and northeastern China, with human activity, temperature, and precipitation as dominant predictors. Niche analysis indicated that S. vulgaris in China occupies environmental conditions largely overlapping with its native niche, demonstrating niche conservatism rather than expansion. These findings suggest that even moderately ranked invasive species can maintain ecological stability while gradually expanding, especially under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results underscore the need for targeted monitoring and preemptive management in agriculturally sensitive regions. This study provides a practical framework for assessing and managing adaptable invasive plants beyond those classified as high risk.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08144-6Invasive plantMaxEnt modelNichePotential distributionS. vulgaris
spellingShingle Enxiang Zhang
Xinshuai Wang
Bo Lei
Yongwei Han
Jun Sun
The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L
Scientific Reports
Invasive plant
MaxEnt model
Niche
Potential distribution
S. vulgaris
title The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L
title_full The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L
title_fullStr The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L
title_full_unstemmed The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L
title_short The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L
title_sort potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant senecio vulgaris l
topic Invasive plant
MaxEnt model
Niche
Potential distribution
S. vulgaris
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-08144-6
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