PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity; competing with native species for food and habitat. Associated problems include reductions in the populations of native species and decreased genetic diversity within populations. Non-native species can also act as reservoirs of infectious diseases that can lead to the extinction of some rare or endemic (not found elsewhere) species.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the INVASEP project was to halt the loss of biodiversity associated with invasive alien species on the Iberian Peninsula, thereby contributing to the aims of the European Commission’s 2020 Biodiversity strategy. In particular, the aim was to enhance cooperation between Spain and Portugal. INVASEP was the first trans-boundary project launched in the EU to tackle invasive alien species.
RESULTS
The INVASEP project helped to halt the loss of biodiversity associated with invasive alien species (IAS) on the Iberian Peninsula, by promoting trans-boundary cooperation between Spain and Portugal. Specifically, the project identified current and potential IAS occurring in the Tajo and Guadiana river basins (Spain and Portugal), assessed the impact of invasive alien species on native species and their habitats, and tested and implemented new methods to eradicate or prevent the entry of the most damaging invasive alien species.
The project beneficiaries elaborated a study of the distribution and habitat characterisation of the invasive alien tree species Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima in Extremadura. They evaluated the impact of these species on natural habitats, developed new control techniques using saprophyte fungi, and elaborated management protocols.
An inventory and maps were produced for invasive alien plant species in the Guadiana river basin in Extremadura, and assessments made of their impact on biodiversity, along with an overview of existing tools to control them. On the basis of this, a manual of invasive plant species was produced and management priorities established. For example, the project team created control protocols for the invasive water fern Azolla filiculoides.
The project beneficiaries developed distribution maps for invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and created protocols to prevent its introduction into new areas. Eight disinfection stations were purchased, which are currently operating in the two rivers in Spain (Tajo and Guadiana) and one in Portugal (Guadiana), and 60 panels installed with information on the preventive measures to be adopted for this species.
An evaluation of the invasive alien species in the Alqueva dam (Portugal) led to the project team elaborating a long-term monitoring programme, an inventory and maps of invasive species and the risks they pose, and measures for their early detection.
The project team elaborated two voluntary codes of conduct for trade in plants and animals, agreed with representatives of the wholesale industry in Spain.
A regional control plan for American mink (Neovison vison) was developed and implemented by the project. This included a distribution map, and the drawing up and official approval of the "Plan for the control and eradication of the American Mink in Extremadura". The project team also built capacity to enhance control measures by purchasing equipment and training personal, and developed field campaigns that captured more than 150 mink.
A study on the biology and distribution of the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) in the Guadiana river and the existing tools for its control was carried out. On the basis of this, the project team tested innovative control methods for their efficiency in natural and artificial systems. As a result, treatments in natural environment were dismissed, and hydrogen peroxide was recommended for artificial systems. In addition, the project beneficiaries tested 10 trapping systems for an invasive turtle, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta), resulting in over 500 individuals captured. They also produced an updated distribution map with invasion risk by area, and drafted a control protocol for this turtle.
The beneficiaries developed effective dissemination activities, including media campaigns, educational workshops (some 50 000 participants in Spain and Portugal) and training courses, presentations at national and international events, the organisation of an international workshop, and the production of visual guides on invasive alien species.
In policy terms, the project contributed to the aims of the EU 2020 Biodiversity strategy. As a result of the project, the Iberian Working Group on IAS was set up, chaired by the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition.
The project enabled the removal from habitats of significant numbers of American mink and red-eared slider, with direct environmental benefits, and boosted the setting up of action plans, such as the one for zebra mussel. By removing invasive species, the project has established the grounds for the recovery of natural habitats. The project has a clear demonstrative value relevant to all four main pillars of the management of IAS: prevention, early warning, control, and monitoring. The project’s actions and methodologies are replicable in similar circumstances, for example, the methodology for capture of American Mink has been replicated elsewhere in the Guadiana river basin.
As IAS cause important direct economic losses, the project solutions can bring significant socioeconomic benefits. The project has helped put in place cost-effective and environmentally-friendly means to control IAS, for instance, the assay developed for the control of Asian clam in irrigation systems, thus delivering savings for stakeholders. The project also raised awareness among key stakeholders and the general public about IAS.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
