Invasores Documentary Series: Chile’s Invasive Species Crisis | Page 6

Science Communication

INVASIONS BULLETINIssue 1 April 2025

DOCUMENTARY: Invasores

A documentary series developed by professionals and researchers from the Faculty of Communication and Image of the University of Chile, the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), the Laboratorio de Invasiones Biológicas (LIB) of the University of Concepción and UChileTV television channel.

«Invasores: Especies y territorios en pugna» (Invaders: Species and territories in conflict) is a documentary series that addresses the critical situation of six Chilean territories, from arid deserts to sub-Antarctic forests, affected by invasive alien species. Throughout the series, the documentary presents examples of biological invasions, including the scientific research and management surrounding them, and their impacts on socio-ecological processes. These examples include rural wetland areas with mink attacks (Neovison vison), desert ecosystems where dogs roam freely (Canis familiaris), extensive areas of the island of Chiloé dominated by Gorse (Ulex europaeus), the daily life of small farmers dealing with the European bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), centuries-old natural forests threatened by lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and sub-Antarctic ecosystems degraded by beavers (Castor canadensis).

The episodes were broadcast on public television (UChileTV) during the first half of 2024, and are now available in digital format (https://lib.udec.cl/en/invasiones-biologicas/serie-invasores/), allowing wide and free access for those who wish to delve deeper into the issue.

The Laboratorio de Invasiones Biológicas (LIB) has the mission to increase the knowledge of biological invasions, in order to reduce its impacts in the biodiversity and the ecosystems services, with an emphasis in natural areas in Chile. To learn more about their work, please visit their website: https://lib.udec.cl/en/.

INVASIONS BULLETINIssue 1 May 2025