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17th September 2010
Wildlife charity welcomes scientist’s call for legislation to prevent further “alien invasion”
A call by leading experts on invasive alien species for EU wide legislation to deal with the problem of “alien invaders” has been welcomed by one of Britain’s leading wildlife charities, the European Squirrel Initiative.
Scientists meeting at the Neobiota Conference in Copenhagen (14th - 17th of September) are demanding European wide legislation to be in place by next year to ensure that the problems caused by invasive species does not worsen.
“This is very welcome news”, said Miles Barne chairman of the European Squirrel Initiative. “Invasive alien species, such as the grey squirrel, represent a huge cost economically, environmentally and in terms of human health. Legislation to deal with this growing problem is the only way forward”.
The conference heard that a European inventory in 2008 found more than 10,000 alien species in Europe with 1,300 having some kind of impact. Numbers are on the rise, alien species in Europe have increased by 76% in the last 30 years. Invasive, non –native animals, plants and microorganisms cause at least 12 billion Euros of damage in Europe each year.
Piero Genovesi, chair of the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) said that this estimate does not include any assessment of the economic value of lost biodiversity caused by non-native species. He also singled out the grey squirrel as being a particular threat to biodiversity.
“It is vital that we draw to the attention of government, and the public, the damage caused by invasive species such as the grey squirrel and the long term impact it and others has on our countryside. The native red squirrel is under threat and action needs to be taken to ensure that it and other species are not lost forever, “added Mr Barne.
