The Non-native Animals in China: Species Diversity, Spatial Distribution and Invasion Pattern

Abstract The global patterns of non-native species attract substantial concern especially due to the global changing environment. The inventory of the non-native species in a given region provides basic information for further exploration of biological invasions. We first compiled a checklist of the non-native animals in China and then analyzed their species diversity and invasion patterns. In total, 885 species of non-native animals were recorded in China, belonging to 8 phyla, 87 orders and 612 genera. Asia and North America dominated most species of non-native animals, while 125 species originated in China. The spatial distribution of non-native animals showed a decrease from coastal areas to inland regions, and inland borders had noteworthy regions (Guangxi and Xinjiang) with more records of non-native species. Additionally, the species number of non-native animals has experienced an exponential increase since 1900. Actinopterygii and Insecta were the two major groups, and Coleoptera was the largest group of Insecta. Most species of non-native insects had polyphagous and multivoltinism traits, which may be invasion indictors. Non-native animals were most likely introduced into China by stowaway and contaminant. The overview of the non-native animals in China provides comprehensive horizon of the invasion pattern, helping us to master the dynamics of non-native animals, and contributing to a balanced understanding of their global patterns.