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Introduction Introduction Authors: Jana Kus Veenvliet, Maarten de Groot, Andreja Kavčič, Aleksander Marinšek, Nikica Ogris, Dušan Jurc, Tim Adriaens, Rachel Farrow, Elena Tricarico 1 Invasive alien species THE INVASION PROCESS - FROM INTRODUCTION TO INVASIVENESS The movement of animals and plants invasive alien species. A variety of target goes far back into the history of groups is being informed of the negative humankind. For centuries, we have environmental impacts of invasive alien transported useful species between species and are encouraged to handle countries and continents, which, as a them responsibly in order to prevent result of their origin, are called alien their spread into the environment. species. Many of these species are still Unfortunately, data show that the important food resources. However, preventive measures are insufficient and during recent decades we have become the number of alien species continues Phase 1: an introduction Phase 2: the species is Phase 3: the species is spreading increasingly aware of a downside to the to grow. Within Europe alone, they of a new species which is established in the new quickly and causing damage to movement of species. Some alien species annually cause several billions of euros deliberately or uninten- environment, it is reproducing native species and ecosystems, have managed to establish themselves of costs. Massive levels of international tionally introduced to an area and forming permanent sometimes also to the economy - in natural environments and thrive trade remain a continuous source of new outside of its native range. populations - it is established. the species is invasive. without any human assistance. Having introductions. no natural enemies and diseases, they are able to spread and cause damage to Once alien species are established and the environment and to the economy. start spreading, eradication is often not These species are termed invasive alien feasible. To mitigate their impacts, an species. early warning and rapid response For many years, invasive alien species (EWRR) system should be set in place. did not receive much attention. Data on This increases the likelihood that new their distribution were not systematically alien species are detected at the early collected and they were recorded more or stages of invasion and that measures can less sporadically as interesting findings. be taken to prevent that these species In many countries the spread of invasive form permanent or expanding popu- alien species continued unnoticed and lations, which may cause damage. no measures were taken to prevent their spread. a) b) KEY TERMS However, in recent years our attitude towards alien species has evolved rapidly. Alien species: any living organism We have become aware of their presence which has been deliberately or and of their impacts on the environment unintentionally introduced to an area and the economy (figure 1). At the same outside of its native range which it time, it has become clear that, for the could not reach without the help of effective management of alien species, we humans. should pay more attention on preventing their arrival and spread. Various legal Invasive alien species: an alien instruments are now in place to prevent species that threatens ecosystems, introductions, for example a ban on the habitats and species. Many also have import and possession of some invasive negative impacts on the economy and human health. alien species. There is also complex plant c) and animal health legislation, imposing d) checks of consignments at borders with Native species: a species living within Figure 1. Invasive alien species have various impacts on forests: a) tree-of-heaven the aim of preventing the unintentional its (past or current) native range, even (Ailanthus altissima) overgrows forest margins, b) the fungal disease ash dieback introduction of alien species with if it is present there only sporadically. (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) causes dieback of ash trees, c) Asian longhorn beetle goods. There are a growing number (Anoplophora glabripennis) bores tunnels in wood, d) bark stripped by grey squirrel of awareness-rasing campaigns on (Sciurus carolinensis). 2 3 Early warning and rapid response 2. Identification of alien species is TIPS ON EARLY DETECTION sometimes not straightforward because A DIAGRAM OF THE EARLY WARNING they may be new and unknown to the AND RAPID RESPONSE SYSTEM An "early warning and rapid response" Alien species can appear anywhere, observer. They are often not described (EWRR) system consists of several but because of their pathways and in local identification guides. This field activities: ecological characteristics, we should guide was developed to specifically especially pay attention: 1. Early warning can include active enable identification of alien species. searching for new alien species. This • in areas, where primary vegetation These are compared with the most is challenging, because it may not be has been removed and soil is similar other alien and/or native species. Discovery of an alien species possible to predict which new species partially exposed (industrial areas, 3. Reporting of data: EWRR systems appear, and where. In initial stages, construction sites, field margins); should enable fast and efficient reporting there are sometimes only few individuals • in forest clearings, especially where of data which are then collected in a present. This makes them difficult to the soil has been damaged by central system. This is usually done via detect. It is therefore imperative to set forestry machinery; web and mobile based applications. In priorities. We should pay extra attention some of these applications, data are to invasive species which are already • along roadsides and railroad verified by experts. This greatly improves spreading and which are likely to increase embankments; the reliability of data. their distribution. Species such as these • in the surroundings of airports and Identifying the species 4. Risk assessment: After the discovery may be placed on alert lists. harbours; of a new alien species, experts should In the framework of the LIFE ARTEMIS • in the vicinity of tree nurseries, perform a risk assessment, based on project, we compiled an alert list for botanical gardens, cemeteries and the available scientific literature and alien species in forests, which also in city parks, consultation with experts from other served as a basis for this guide. For this • on wasteland, disused quarries and countries. In this process, it is assessed app English edition, we have added several in their surroundings, how likely a species is to become invasive species which are relevant for European in an area and which negative impacts it temperate forests. Because this guide is • along rivers and streams, especially Reporting the finding through an may have. appropriate channel meant as a tool for early detection, many where banks are not entirely widespread invasive alien species are not vegetated. 5. Rapid response: When a species is included. discovered in the early stages of invasion We may suspect that an observed and the results of the risk assessment Priority areas to search for invasive species is alien to an area when we: provide evidence that the species poses alien species may be places where serious threat to the environment or the invasive alien species are likely to appear • suddenly see large numbers (clumps economy, eradication measures are set (see the box on the right), areas with of plants, groups of animals) that we out. If the species is already established Data verified by experts suitable conditions for certain species, did not notice before, and eradication is no longer feasible, mea- and protected areas where we aim to sures to control the species and prevent • find a species in the garden which safeguard biodiversity. These activities further spread should be determined. we did not plant; may be carried out by experts carrying When determining these measures, it is out phytosanitary measures, or who are • see a plant in nature, which we important that they are accepted by the in charge of biodiversity monitoring and know as an ornamental plant and is public, and are ethical and economically forest management. not native to the country; and politically acceptable. This requires In addition to this, for effective EWRR it is • notice the dieback of trees (dying efficient communication with landowners Conducting a risk assessment very important to have a broad network of leaves, necrosis, dieback of and key target groups as well as inform- of observers, who can provide random branches, cracks on the trunk and ing the public. observations from a wide area. Anyone branches, thickened calluses on interested can keep an eye on their bark); one tree species or several surroundings and learn to recognise may be affected; alien species. With the rise of new • observe mammals (especially technologies, it is now easy to report data squirrels) which are tame and do Implementing over mobile applications. This has given rapid response measures not run away. rise to many citizen-science initiatives. For an overview see pages 6–8. 4 5 SELECTED TOOLS FOR RECORDING ALIEN SPECIES Finvasive LIFE-project: laji.fi/vihko/MHL.53(selection of IAS) Natural Resources Institute Finland: lomakkeet.luke.fi/vieraslaji (invasive mammals) In recent years, many projects have emerged in Europe which use a citizen science approach towards collecting data on invasive alien species (IAS). Many FRANCE online portals and smartphone
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