The second edition of the Checklist of Austrian Neophytes, led by Michael Glaser, has just been published in Preslia. This comprehensive update documents 1,615 taxa of alien vascular plants recorded in Austria since 1492 — an increase of almost 50 % compared to the first edition published just over two decades ago.
Key changes include the addition of 548 newly recognized taxa and an updated assessment of invasion status: most taxa are still casual, but more than 400 are already locally or widely established. Ruderal and segetal habitats host the majority of these plants, and escaping from cultivation remains the most common introduction pathway.
The results highlight a striking acceleration in the arrival and establishment of alien species, with two-thirds of all taxa recorded only since 1950 and almost one-third after 2000. This trend underlines the dynamic nature of Austria’s flora and the need for continued monitoring and research to understand and manage the impacts of plant invasions. The publication has already attracted interest beyond the scientific community, with several media outlets reporting on the new checklist and its implications for Austria’s flora.
Read the full article here!
Michael was also interviewed by Science ORF. Read the interview here [in German]: Zahl der Neophyten stark gestiegen
Reference: Glaser M., Gilli C., Griebl N., Hohla M., Pflugbeil G., Stöhr O., Pilsl P., Ehrendorfer-Schratt L., Niklfeld H., Walter J., Pagitz K. & Essl F. (2025) Checklist of Austrian neophytes (2nd edition). Preslia 97: 413–539, https://doi.org/10.23855/preslia.2025.413
