Urgent need for action to tackle invasive alien species
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
Environmental science for a better world, where people and nature prosper
A new paper highlights the major and growing threat of invasive alien species and calls for immediate action.
But the authors stress that while urgent, tackling this global issue is achievable.
The evaluation in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution by the authors of the 2023 IPBES #InvasiveSpeciesAssessment emphasises that the impacts of invasive species observed today are likely to underestimate the magnitude of future impacts.
Every year, approximately two hundred new alien species are now being introduced globally by human activities to regions they had not been recorded before. Even without the introduction of new species by human activities, already established alien species will continue to naturally expand their geographic ranges and spread into new countries and regions, with many causing negative impacts
The diverse group of experts with perspectives from around the world drew the same conclusions about the need for urgent action on the major and growing threat of invasive alien species, said lead author Professor Helen Roy from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and the University of Exeter .
“Interdisciplinarity is key to the success of IPBES assessments." - co-author Peter Stoett
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"This is not only the most comprehensive global assessment on invasive alien species to date, but also the selection of experts and the evidence gathering was done under the highest standards of inclusivity, resulting in a report which provides critical insights for all stakeholders.” Co-author Aníbal Pauchard
The paper also recognises that the engagement of the general public through awareness raising campaigns, education and community science platforms also contributes to establishing shared responsibilities in managing biological invasions. Community science initiatives, supported by digital identification tools are important for the rapid detection of invasive alien species. For example, records submitted through the Asian Hornet Watch app in the UK are making a major contribution to Vespa velutina (Asian hornet) early warning and rapid response.