The invasion continues: Alien species expected to increase by 36% until 2050

Compared to the year 2005, the number of alien species is expected to increase by 36% by the middle of this century. The majority of these newcomers are insects. These are the results of a study by an international team of researchers led by Dr Hanno Seebens of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Center in Germany.

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Read more about the article Scientists warn of increasing threats posed by invasive alien species
The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is an ambrosia beetle that is native to Asia and was first recorded in South Africa in 2017. This beetle and an associated fungus pose substantial threats to both native and alien trees in the country. At least 80 tree species, including 35 native, are known to be attacked. This invasion has already caused huge damage by killing large trees in urban areas. The full extent of impact of this invader on the South African urban environment will only be ascertained over time. Municipalities already face the costly removal of many heavily infested street trees. Photos: Samantha Bush, Trudy Paap

Scientists warn of increasing threats posed by invasive alien species

Invasive alien species are one of the top five threats to biodiversity and ecosystems globally, yet only a handful of countries regard biosecurity measures as a priority.

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Read more about the article Identifying invasion syndromes to improve our capacity of understanding and managing biological invasions
Framework explaining the concept of invasion syndromes

Identifying invasion syndromes to improve our capacity of understanding and managing biological invasions

For decades, invasion scientists have been trying to identify generalisations that can allow us to understand which species will become invasive in the future, where and how they will be introduced, which impacts they will have in the invaded areas, and how we can efficiently manage them.

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