Grasping at straws: a re‐evaluation of sweepstakes colonisation of islands by mammals

Natural rafting is an easy, non‐evidence‐based solution often used to explain the presence of a variety of species on isolated islands. The question arises as to whether this solution is based on solid scientific grounds. It is a plausible colonisation route only if intricate networks of variables are considered and many different conditions satisfied. This review provides a descriptive account of some of the most critical issues underlying the...