Is networking working? A global analysis of knowledge exchange on invasive non-native species

Invasive non-native species pose a global conservation challenge that transcends political borders, hence requiring effective networks of information exchange to manage. Despite efforts to build and maintain such networks, their effectiveness and long-term impact remain unclear. In 2020, we conducted a global online survey to assess the networking capacity of countries and organisations involved in research and management of invasive non-native species. Our analysis of 461 responses from organisations based in 122 countries revealed a modest degree of collaboration, with 13% of possible connections in the network being realized. Collaborativeness was higher among organisations from the same continent and those active on social media. We found that tackling invasive species is a global endeavour, but with a bias towards the Global North, which was more connected. By identifying gaps and research needs, our results emphasize the need to establish effective cross-country networks, critical to achieving ambitious international agendas on invasive species.