Global Call to Combat Invasive Alien Species Threatening Biodiversity

Researchers emphasize the need for immediate action against invasive alien species, highlighting the role of human activities and climate change in their spread. A new paper offers evidence-based options for control, calling for global collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities to protect biodiversity.

Researchers worldwide have issued an urgent call to combat the rising threat of invasive alien species, long regarded as a significant danger to biodiversity.

A paper published in Nature Ecology and Evolution underscores that as the number of these non-native species grows, substantial evidence-backed strategies are necessary for immediate and sustained action.

Leading the call, Helen Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology stresses the importance of cross-border and internal collaborations to mitigate the issue.

According to the paper, which draws on the IPBES thematic assessment report on invasive alien species, human activities have introduced over 37,000 alien species globally, with approximately 200 new species emerging yearly.

These species will continue to expand their range, causing detrimental effects on new ecosystems. Compounding the issue, factors like climate change are intensifying these biological invasions.

The paper notes that climate warming facilitates the establishment of these species into previously inhospitable regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic.

In mountainous regions, climate change has doubled the rate at which invasive species spread to higher elevations compared to native species.

The authors advocate for comprehensive action plans involving multiple stakeholders, including governments and the private sector, to address the issue effectively.

Collaborating with Indigenous Peoples and local communities is deemed crucial to the success of these efforts.

Anibal Pauchard, co-chair of the IPBES assessment, highlights the inclusivity and high standards of the report, aimed at providing critical insights for all involved stakeholders.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)