Data associated with 'Invasive alien shredders clear up invasive alien leaf litter'

Biological invasions have the potential to alter ecosystem processes. However, interactions between different invasive alien species, and their cumulative impact on ecosystem functioning remain poorly understood. Some invasive riparian plants (e.g. Rhododendron) deposit leaf litter in freshwaters, that may be unconsumed by indigenous species potentially affecting habitat heterogeneity and flow of energy to the food web. Invasive alien decapod crustaceans are effective consumers of leaf litter, and it was hypothesised that they would consume inputs of invasive riparian leaf litter. This study examined decomposition rates of one native and two alien leaf litter species in response to one native and two invasive alien decapod crustaceans. Invasive alien signal crayfish and mitten crabs broke down all types of leaf litter, including invasive alien Rhododendron at a higher rate than did the indigenous white clawed crayfish.Secondary products were more varied, with more fine particulate organic matter generated for less palatable alien leaf litter species.Impacts of riparian invasions on detritus accumulation in freshwaters are thus potentially buffered by invasive alien decapods