Loki
09-07-2013, 03:16 PM
Invasive alien species threaten urban environments (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23936489)
Europe's towns and cities are particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by invasive species, say experts.
They say urban areas are at higher risk from invasive alien species (IAS) as a result of more transport links.
IAS are non-native plants or animals that have no natural predators, spread rapidly and overwhelm an area's native flora and fauna.
Next week, the European Commission is expected to outline its plans to tackle the continent's invasive species.
"These non-indigenous species represent one of the main threats to the world's biodiversity," explained Chantal van Ham, European program officer for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
"This threat is set to increase unless meaningful action is taken to control their introduction and establishment," she added.
"The problem is that invasive species take over resources and space from the indigenous species.
"Urban areas are quite vulnerable to these species. Often they are introduced, for example, through the trade in plants but also through accidental arrivals in ports and airports."
Europe's towns and cities are particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by invasive species, say experts.
They say urban areas are at higher risk from invasive alien species (IAS) as a result of more transport links.
IAS are non-native plants or animals that have no natural predators, spread rapidly and overwhelm an area's native flora and fauna.
Next week, the European Commission is expected to outline its plans to tackle the continent's invasive species.
"These non-indigenous species represent one of the main threats to the world's biodiversity," explained Chantal van Ham, European program officer for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
"This threat is set to increase unless meaningful action is taken to control their introduction and establishment," she added.
"The problem is that invasive species take over resources and space from the indigenous species.
"Urban areas are quite vulnerable to these species. Often they are introduced, for example, through the trade in plants but also through accidental arrivals in ports and airports."