A mechanistic statistical approach to infer invasion characteristics of human-dispersed species with complex life cycle

The rising introduction of invasive species through trade networks threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, we have a limited understanding of how transportation networks determine patterns of range expansion. This is partly because current analytical models fail to integrate the invaders life-history dynamics with heterogeneity in human-mediated dispersal patterns. And partly because classical statistical methods often fail to provide reliable estimates of model parameters due to spatial biases in the presence-only records and lack of informative demographic data. To address these gaps, we first formulate an age-structured metapopulation model that uses a probability matrix to emulate human-mediated dispersal patterns. The model reveals that an invader spreads along the shortest network path, such that the inter-patch network distances decrease with increasing traffic volume and reproductive value of hitchhikers. Next, we propose a Bayesian statistical method to estimate model parameters using presence-only data and prior demographic knowledge. To show the utility of the statistical approach, we analyze zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) expansion in North America through the commercial shipping network. Our analysis underscores the importance of correcting spatial biases and leveraging priors to answer questions, such as where and when the zebra mussels were introduced and what life-history characteristics make these mollusks successful invaders.