Land use and climate change interaction triggers contrasting trajectories of biological invasion

• Climate and land use change were used to model habitat suitability of Rhododendron. Land climate interaction may the invasiveness South-western north-eastern Wales experience R. ponticum invasion by 2030. The study demonstrates significance using policy-driven projections. Global drivers such as changes are known interact in their effects on biodiversity. impact these global biodiversity is increasingly evident many forms including spread invasive species. affect introduction, colonization species affecting niche availability dispersal potential. We tested combined current future Rhododendron a MaxEnt-based ecological model. two projections for Wales, combination with General Circulation Models Representative Concentration Pathways derive eight different scenarios. In seven out scenarios, likely reduce However, eighth scenario representing an extreme where greenhouse gas emissions both accelerate, forces increase . highlights importance considering effect regional policy-based test potential expand or retreat future.