Anthropogenic factors overrule local abiotic variables in determining non-native plant invasions in mountains

The factors that determine patterns of non-native species richness and abundance are context dependent in both time space. Global change has significantly boosted plant invasions mountains, therefore, understanding which the invasion at what scale they operate fundamental for decision-making conservation mountain ecosystems. Although much evidence been gathered on ecosystems, little is known about specific abiotic, biotic, or anthropogenic driven such patterns. Here, we assessed importance anthropogenic, abiotic two spatial scales as drivers along three roads south-central Chile. We sampled abundance, each these explanatory factors, in-situ 60 transects disturbed areas adjacent undisturbed vegetation. Low elevation were most invaded, with mainly by explaining between 20 50% variance roads. Only road Malalcahuello National Reserve, biotic more important (45% variance). At regional scale, was again explained best (24% variance), yet strongly soil nitrogen content pH (15% Our results confirm conclusions from experimental studies override local mountains currently not limited climate.