Non-native species increase

NE’s new report, Horizon Scanning for New Invasive Non-Native Animal Species in England, was published on 22 May and identifies the potential for a number of non-native animal species to increase in number in England and become invasive. NE is hoping to identify potential problem species, so that early action can be taken to prevent their spread.

“It is no exaggeration to say that our native wildlife is increasingly exposed to its own particular form of globalisation as non-native species gain a greater foothold,” explained Poul Christensen, acting chairman of NE. He added: “Non-native invasive species compete for food and habitat and sometimes carry viruses which our native wildlife often cannot fight off. This report highlights that new arrivals and the steady expansion of non-native species could have signifi cant impacts on native wildlife, disrupting the normal functioning of natural environment.”