C·I·B researchers Ana Novoa (C·I·B Post-doc) and Dave Richardson (C·I·B Director) together with colleagues from the University of Vigo, in Spain, identified that the seeds of cactus plants can be used as an effective way of detecting invasive cacti.
Invasive species risk assessments have been developed to identify species that pose an invasion risk. Unfortunately, risk assessments tend to be expensive and time consuming, and due to a lack of resources (data, skills and funding) many resource poor nations cannot implement these tools. For developing nations, a useful alternative approach may be to develop watch lists of invasive species.
Globally, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are considered to be one of the major threats to native biodiversity. In Europe, there are about 12,000 alien species, 11% of which are invasive, causing environmental, economic and social damage. Given Global trends, it is reasonable to expect that the rate of biological invasions into Europe will increase in the coming years.
Antarctica is regarded as one of the most pristine environments on Earth. There is, however, a growing concern that the icy continent is being threatened by alien species that are accidentally being brought to the continent in the luggage of tourists and scientists.