Co-ordinator: Mike Sutton-Croft
Supported by: What is an invasive non-native species?
In Great Britain refers to species that appeared here since the Neolithic era with the aid of humans, reproduces rapidly and causes “significant change in composition, structure, or ecosystem processes, or cause severe economic losses to human activities” (Copp et al. 2005).
Only a minority of non-native species become invasive!
Many non-native species have benefits (usually economic).
Why should we care about invasive non- native species?
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide. Directly, through grazing and trampling by herbivores or direct predation upon native species by alien predators. Introduced species could be pathogens or parasites.
May alter habitat form or function rendering habitat unsuitable for native species. Genetic impacts. Can cause increased erosion. Increases risk of flooding.
Do we want a homogenous selection of species worldwide or do we value each geographically distinct area having a unique suite of species? Why should we care about invasive non- native species?
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Globally, the cost of damage caused by invasive species has been estimated to be £1.5 trillion per year – close to 5% of global GDP. In GB the invasive species are predicted to cost our economy £2 billion a year. Across the EU it has been estimated that damage caused by invasive alien species and necessary control measures cost at least EUR 12 000 million annually. Why should we care about invasive non- native species?
HEALTH AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The larvae of oak processionary moth, a major defoliatior of oak in Europe, are covered in thousands of irritant hairs that can cause severe skin irritation and allergic reactions. The sap of giant hogweed is poisonous and can cause blistering. Aquatic weeds such as Crassula helmsii and floating pennywort form dense mats of vegetation on waterbodies, restricting activities such as fish and navigation by boats. What is being done about the problem?
New high level framework strategy published in May 2008. Built on foundations set by comprehensive policy review of 2003. The Norfolk Non-native Species Initiative
Launched by the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership in September 2008. Four principal aims: Collating and monitoring data on the distribution and spread of non-native species in the county; Developing action plans to address the species of most urgent concern; Facilitating control and eradication projects at high priority sites; and Promoting awareness of the risks and impacts associated with non-native species. Collating and monitoring data on the distribution and spread of non- native species in the county Non-native Species Database
Japanese knotweed
Himalayan balsam Crassula helmsii
Parrot’s feather Floating pennywort Developing action plans to address the species of most urgent concern Status Report and Action Plan
First draft produced in September 2009. Following consultation, final draft produced in February 2010. Available on the Initiative’s website! Facilitating control and eradication projects at high priority sites
Floating pennywort on the Waveney Giant hogweed on the River Yare
Project area stretches along the River Yare, from Cringleford to Strumpshaw Fen. Builds on the eradication carried out by Norwich City Council at Cringleford. Surveys carried out last year. Spraying begins in April 2010! Control and Eradication projects
Many other strategic control and eradication projects beginning in 2010: Eradication of Japanese knotweed in the River Wensum SAC Control (and eventual eradication) of Himalayan balsam at Swannington Upgate Common Eradication of parrot’s feather at Sutton Garden Centre Control of Crassula helmsii at Winterton- Horsea dunes And more…….!
Day of Action 2010 Promoting awareness of the Picturerisks of andpublic impacts associated with non-native species.
Crayfish in the UK
Native white-clawed crayfish populations are in decline nationally. Decline is due to crayfish plague and competition from non- native crayfish (mainly signal crayfish). Crayfish on the River Glaven
Surveys carried out in 2006-2007 revealed a healthy population of white-clawed crayfish on the River Glaven. Unfortunately, a population of signal crayfish was also discovered in ponds adjacent to the Water Lane tributary of the Glaven.
Crayfish on the River Glaven
Rapid action is essential if we are to protect the population of white-clawed crayfish in the River Glaven. Site visit with crayfish expert Stephanie Peay in January 2010 helped plan the way forward. Crayfish on the River Glaven
Biocide treatment of the source population. Modifications to the outflow of the tributary to prevent the movement of crayfish in to the main body of the river.
A slightly less ambitious project than originally planned, but still very important!
Thank you for listening!
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 01603 228977 www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/nonnativespecies