Pink salmon, Purple Asian clams, marine invertebrates that form spaghetti-like colonies and a nematode worm that causes extensive deaths of trees are among the new entries in experts’ watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten Great Britain in the next 10 years.
Pink salmon, Purple Asian clams, marine invertebrates that form spaghetti-like colonies and a nematode worm that causes extensive deaths of trees are among the new entries in experts’ watchlist of invasive non-native species that could threaten Great Britain in the next 10 years.
The latest version of the watchlist, which again includes known problem species such as the yellow-legged (Asian) hornet, raccoon and twoleaf watermilfoil, has been produced by experts led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and commissioned by Defra.
The experts identified 145 non-native animals and plants that have the potential to become invasive in the near future, impacting biodiversity and ecosystems and also, in some cases, human health and/or the economy. Some of these species, from a diverse range of taxonomic groups and habitats, have already been recorded in Britain but are not established, meaning they have not managed to sustain populations so far. Others have yet to arrive.
Read More: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa). (Photo Credit: George Chernilevsky, Public domain)
