Last week marks Invasive Species Week throughout Great Britain. This is a Defra initiative which ran from Monday 27th March – Sunday 2nd April, and aimed to raise awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) issues and the things people can do to prevent or slow INNS spread.
As a RSPB species champion for the nightingales, Kelly is keen to support this campaign to reduce human assisted species movement that pose problems to our natural eco-system. Invasive non-native species (INNS) can cause problems for native wildlife in several ways:
- Predation – introduced species may prey on native species, which have often evolved in the absence of predators and are not able to adapt quickly enough.
- Competition – introduced species may outcompete native species for resources such as food and breeding sites.
- Introduction of new diseases – non-native species may bring with them diseases that were not previously present in an area, which can have serious consequences in cases where the native species have not developed immunity.
- Hybridisation – some species are capable of breeding with another related but distinct species, creating hybrids. Over time, the unique genetic diversity of one species can be lost and the species can become extinct.
Increased global trade means more species are being moved around (trade is the single most important pathway for INNS transfer), and climate change is making it easier for many of these species to establish in the wild in areas where they are not native.
Prevention of new invasions, as opposed to control once a species has established, is the most cost effective approach.
Kelly said,
“This is a welcome and important initiative to help protect our native species from the threats posed by invasive species.
“non-native species such as the American mink and the Himalayan Balsam have caused widespread damage to our natural environment, with some of our most-loved species now under threat.
“I am pleased to lend my support to this action as a species ambassador and will look forward to prevent proposals being put forward.”