Climate Change and Jump Dispersal Drive Invasion of the Rosy Wolfsnail (Euglandina rosea) in the United States

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The research topic, while not entirely new, offers unique insights into the specific case of Euglandina rosea in the United States. The article engages with a variety of sources, yet there is potential for a more extensive integration of recent scholarship to enhance its contextual depth. Although the research design is outlined, it could be improved by more deeply explaining the rationale behind the methodological choices, which currently leaves some ambiguity. Below are some specific comments

Abstract:

• Line 7: Emphasize the scientific name of the species, Euglandina rosea, in italics for correct scientific nomenclature.

Introduction:

• The introduction effectively sets the context and scope of the paper, providing a descriptive and appropriate entry point for potential readers.
• Line 37; Line 82: Recommend revising to third-person narrative to maintain academic formality.
• Line 38: Again, italicize the scientific name of the species.

Materials and Methods:

• The methods section is explanatory and understandable, but the headings could better reflect the content within each subsection.
• Suggest including a detailed table with information on the 33 bioclimatic variables initially used, results from the correlation analysis, and the final variables included. Clarify the rationale behind the selection of variable temporality.
• The subtitle "Satellite Population Persistence in Nashville, TN" seems misaligned with the content, which appears more focused on the species' presence in the area and community surveys.
• Lines 106; 126: Modify the acknowledgment of co-authors to a more impersonal format, using surnames as appropriate.
• Line 118: Italicize 'et al.'
• Line 128: Propose changing “Search Methods” to “Species Data Collection and Recording” for clarity, possibly combining this with the "Obtaining Data" section.

Data Collection and Processing:

• Line 145: Include the GBIF access link, date of consultation, and citation guidelines.
• Line 160: Provide the full GBIF citation as per their instructions.
• Lines 161-167: Enhance the referencing of the data source for the parameters used, including source links and download dates.
• Include links and dates for the access and use of data processing tools.
• Line 184; Line 2012: Clarify the discrepancy in the final number of occurrences reported.
• Line 192: Avoid self-referential language in academic writing.
• Line 207: Include software download/consultation link and access date.
• Line 218: Define the 'AICc' acronym upon first use.
• Line 233: Provide references for 'AUC' and 'Boyce Index'.

Results:

• Discuss whether the species' hibernation during frost and adaptation to rising temperatures is a novel discovery.
• Line 276: Italicize the species name.
• Lines 287-299: Address the discrepancy in temperature ranges mentioned and consider whether this aspect should be a focal point of discussion and contribution to the field.
• Line 315: Clarify the naming and identification of variables in Table 2.
• Figures 3 and 4: Improve figure descriptions for clarity, particularly regarding acronyms and methodology.

Discussion and Conclusion:

 

• The discussion is well-conducted and descriptive. However, consider adding a conclusive section summarizing the main findings and contributions to the field.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

the present manuscript examines the effects of climate change on the distribution of an invasive invertebrate species. this study is devoted to a particularly urgent topic for ecology and conservation, which is compounded by the fact that the species studied has high capacity for invasivity and can exert severe pressure in the ecosysems it reaches. The manuscript has a structure robust, yet simple, with precise language and adequately supported by the non-textual elements. There are, however, minor aspects to be observed and adjusted, as presented below. I also have a few questions to raise to the authors.

 

Line 37-8: "Euglandina rosea" is mising italics

line 379: "Cornu aspersum" is missing italics

Lines 232-3: AUC represents "area under the curve", not being an acronym for the Receiver Operation Characteristic curve (ROC). It is necessary to make explicit that AUC represents the measure of the area.

Figure 1: the legend represents temperature solely on "degrees", without the unit. Assuming by the numbers that represent mean temperature during the coldest month, I believe that these are in Fahrenheit. Temperature should be represented in Standard Units (Celsius) to be in line with the presentation of temperatures in the rest of the manuscript, and made clear of its unit of measurement either in the map itself, or in the legend text.

Lines 297-9: does the species/genus present aestivation behavior that could corroborate the possibility (i.e: do the species/genus present aestivation behavior as a response to cold temperatures)?

given that the population in Nashville is likely a hitchiker population that has been capable of persisting in time, possibly by being able to exploit microhabitats and environmental conditions provided by human urban activities, could urban areas in the periphery of the current (and future) distribution act like stepping-stones to facilitate the dispersion and invasion of new areas beyond what would be expected by climate change and environmental conditions alone? Is it plausible that, with climate change, other satellite populations could be established in urban areas further north/west?

Climate change affects pluviosity patterns. Do the trends in rainfall regime change in the region represent a potential hindering/promoting factor to the expansion of E. rosea's habitat?

Is there the possibility that the changes in climate patterns could make areas within the original distribution of E. rosea unsuitable for the persistense of the species?

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf