What are Invasive Species?
Introduced species have a major impact on biodiversity. When non native species become invasive they can transform ecosystems, and threaten native and endangered species.
The impacts of invasive species on Irish biodiversity are widely demonstrated by competition (e.g. grey and red squirrels), herbivory (sika deer), predation (Gammarus pulex on freshwater invertebrates), alteration of habitat (Spartina anglica), introduction of parasites (eel swimbladder nematode) and pathogens (squirrel poxvirus) or dilution of native gene pools (Spanish bluebell).
Alien species that become invasive are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss across the globe. In addition, alien species have been estimated to cost economies across the world hundreds of billions of dollars each year. This has been recognised in international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and European and national legislation.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Lagarosiphon major – An Aggressive Invasive Species in Lough Corrib. Joe Caffery, Central Fisheries Board.
In those areas where Lagarosiphon is well established in Lough Corrib, preliminary studies have revealed that it has a significant negative impact on indigenous macrophyte communities. It is anticipated that the impact on natural indigenous fish communities in the lake will also be significant ... Click here to download the case study and read more on the Lagarosiphon issue in Lough Corrib, County Galway.
Case Study 2: Impact an invasive species has on a charasmatic native species - a tool for acceptance of more effective control programmes. Jamie Dick, Queens University Belfast.
Here is a little biological equation. What do you get when you add grey squirrels to red squirrels? The answer is not pink squirrels! The result is much more sinister and not for the faint hearted. If you are brave, click here.
Case Study 3: Scottish Natural Heritage Public Consultation on the control of invasive alien species. Peter Cosgrove, EnviroCentre.
Conservation managers understand that public support for their activities can be key to the success or failure of the projects they undertake. This is especially true when control or eradication projects are being undertaken to remove invasive non-native species. Click here to access a summary of the SNH study into the public attitude towards control programmes of invasive alien species.
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