The influence of invasive earthworms on indigenous fauna in ecosystems previously uninhabited by earthworms

(Uploaded by Plazi for the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment) Recent studies on earthworm invasion of North American soils report dramatic changes in soil structure, nutrient dynamics and plant communities in ecosystems historically free of earthworms. However, the direct and indirect impacts of earthworm invasions on animals have been largely ignored. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of earthworm invasion on other soil fauna, vertebrates as well as invertebrates.