IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)

Time 2020-09-18 19:04:31

Web Name: IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)

WebSite: http://issg.org

ID:51324

Keywords:

Invasive,SSC,IUCN,

Description:

Latest News Toward an IUCN standard classification of the impact of invasive alien species A Motion on the development of an IUCN standard classification of the impacts of invasive alien species was one of 112 Resolutions and Recommendations adopted by the Members’ Assembly during the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) Hawai'i 2016. You can read more following the link below, including all comments made during the electronic discussion, the various versions produced during the online discussion and in contact groups at the Congress, as well as the versions as approved by the IUCN Membership.IUCN study draws attention to the critical state of freshwater biodiversity in the Eastern Mediterranean The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) presents alarming findings from the most comprehensive freshwater biodiversity assessment in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The study aims at raising the current low profile of freshwater biodiversity conservation in this region, promoting integrated water resource management practices, and providing reliable and up-to-date data for decision makers. Smith, K.G., Barrios, V., Darwall, W.R.T. and Numa, C. (Editors). 2014. in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cambridge, UK, Malaga, Spain and Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. xiv+132pp. Excerpt related to Invasive alien species "Over a fifth (21%) of all threatened and Near Threatened freshwater fish species are currently being threatened by invasive alien species (Figure 3.5). At least 20 species of alien freshwater fish are introduced and established to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Species such as Carassius auratus, Carassius gibelio, Chelon haematocheilus, Gambusia holbrooki, Hemiculter leucisculus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Lepomis gibbosus, Poecilia latipinna, Pseudorasbora parva, and Rhinogobius similis are all invasive and have expanded their ranges within the region and are believed to negatively impact native fish communities where they exist...." More >>> The IUCN World Parks Congress will be held between the 12th and the 19th of November 2014. This global forum on protected areas will share knowledge and innovation on protected areas conservation. The theme of the congress is "Parks, people, planet: inspiring solutions From the 12th November until 12th December 2014, free access to "Plant Invasions in Protected Areas" by Foxcroft, L.C., Pyšek, P., Richardson, D.M., Genovesi, P. (Eds.) is offered by Springer SBM to the participants of the IUCN-World Parks Congress 2014. When downloading this ebook, participants agree that it is for their personal usage only. Any comments, questions or book project proposals should be directed to Alexandrine Cheronet (alexandrine.cheronet[at]springer.com), senior editor for the Springer Environmental Sciences program. More >>> November 11th 2014 Throughout 2014 we are celebrating the significant contribution of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in guiding conservation action and policy decisions over the past 50 years. The IUCN Red list is an invaluable conservation resource, a health check for our planet – a Barometer of Life. The IUCN Red List is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species and their links to livelihoods. Far more than a list of species and their status, the IUCN Red List is a powerful tool to inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive. It provides information on population size and trends, geographic range and habitat needs of species. Many species groups including mammals, amphibians, birds, reef building corals and conifers have been comprehensively assessed. However, there is much more to be done and increased investment is needed urgently to build The IUCN Red List into a more complete ‘Barometer of Life’. To do this we need to increase the number of species assessed from the current count of 71,576 to at least 160,000 by 2020, improving the taxonomic coverage and thus providing a stronger base to enable better conservation and policy decisions. More >>> October 2014 Islands and their surrounding near-shore marine areas constitute unique ecosystems often comprising many plant and animal species that are endemic—found nowhere else on Earth. The legacy of a unique evolutionary history these ecosystems are irreplaceable treasures. They are also key to the livelihood, economy, well-being and cultural identity of 600 million islanders—one-tenth of the world’s population.... More >>> May 22nd 2014 Science first, say 235 experts on the EU proposal on invasive alien species A Joint Call by IUCN, Birdlife and Neobiota Today a group of 235 individual experts and organisations from 36 countries, including 23 EU Member States, published a joint statement calling on the European institutions to adopt a science-based approach for the EU-wide legislation on invasive alien species. The Call was coordinated jointly by BirdLife Europe, IUCN European Union Representative Office and Neobiota. “Invasive alien species have great impacts on biodiversity – at times determining dramatic declines in species’ populations. The latest scientific data on invasives needs to be taken into account when prioritising action by the EU. It is essential to know where and how species arrive into Europe, how they are spreading, and their actual and potential impact to ensure that action is effective”, said Piero Genovesi, Chair of IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. “We support the creation of a Scientific Review Group to assist the implementation of the legislation”. The Joint Call for a science-based approach on the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on invasive alien species was signed by representatives of universities, research institutes and conservation organisations. Together they unite many of the leading experts on invasive alien species in Europe and beyond. The signatories welcome the important step taken by the Commission with its proposal and recognise that a coordinated international framework is essential for effective action at EU and national levels. However, they believe that strategies and policies on invasive alien species should be guided by the latest knowledge to ensure that action is taken where most needed. Failing to effectively address invasives would mean failing to meet the Convention on Biological Diversity and EU targets for 2020, and would represent a missed opportunity to address a major driver of biodiversity loss. More >>> November 28th 2013 Just published- Issue 33 of Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin We are pleased to bring you Issue 33 of the ISSG's Newsletter- Aliens- The Invasive Species Bulletin The cover features the 100th of 'the Worlds Worst Invasive Alien Species' Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) Some of the articles in this issue Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta): the 100th among some of the worst p. 9 Managing the impacts of feral camels in Australia p. 12 Goats eradicated from Aldabra Atoll p. 18 The practicalities of eradicating an extremely invasive cactus: Hudson pear Cylindropuntia rosea in the Valencia region (East Spain) p. 23 An overlooked biosecurity concern? Back-loading at islands supporting introduced rodents p. 28 Breynia disticha, a new invasive alien for tropical Africa p. 32 The eradication of feral cats from Dassen Island: a first for Africa? p. 35 The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis, in Europe: horticultural pest or environmental disaster? p. 38 Recent introduction and spread of Indian bullfrog Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1802) into the Andaman Islands p. 42 Banning squirrels from the pet trade in Italy p. 44 And New Publications and Events Please click on this link to download Issue 33- Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin 28 October 2013 Rat predation on seabird chicks Studies have shown that of the 3 species of invasive rats, Black rat (Rattus_rattus) had the largest mean impact on seabirds followed by Norway rat (R. _norvegicus) and ship rat ( R._exulans) (Jones i et al /i 2008) (See the video clip below) " Pianosa Island -Tuscan Archipelago (July 2013) Scopoli's/Cory's shearwater (Calonectris_diomedea) chick being attacked by a black rat Project implemented with funding from the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and the Tuscany Regional Government. (Jones H. P, Tershy B. R, Zavaleta E. S, Croll D. A, Keitt B. S, Finkelstein M. E, Howald G. R. (2008) Severity of the effects of invasive rats on seabirds: a global review. Conserv Biol. 2008 Feb;22(1):16-26. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2007.00859.x). October 9 2013 European Commission move to tackle invasive species a good start but more needed The new legislative proposal released yesterday by the European Commission aims to ensure coordinated action at the EU level to curb the impacts of invasive alien species. IUCN, uniting some of the leading experts on this subject in Europe, welcomes the new proposal but highlights some concerns. The proposal by the European Commission paves the way for more, better and coordinated action in Europe and its overseas entities to tackle invasive alien species, said Luc Bas, Director of IUCN European Union Representative Office. The prevention, early-warning systems, eradication and control measures included in the proposal, and supported by IUCN experts, go in the right direction. However, there are some elements which still need to be clarified, such as the process for identifying priority species. According to the legislative proposal, a list of invasive alien species of EU concern will be developed. A cap of 50 species to be included in this list is being proposed. A Committee, including representatives from EU national governments and institutions, is to be set up to take decisions on additions or deletions to this list. The cap proposed by the European Commission is far too low to achieve the EU and global biodiversity targets. Also, the proposed timeline of five years for the possible revision of such list does not guarantee the flexibility required for early response to new threats, said Piero Genovesi, Chair of the Invasive Species Specialist Group of IUCN Species Survival Commission. The process for adding species to the list is crucially important. It should be science-based and time-efficient. Decisions should be taken following risk assessment recommendations and not be based on political interests. IUCN calls for the involvement of stakeholders and scientists in the proposed Committee. ... September 9 2013 More >> The latest update of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ shows worrying declines for conifers – the world’s oldest and largest organisms – freshwater shrimps, cone snails and the Yangtze Finless Porpoise. The Santa Cruz Pupfish, a lizard known as the Cape Verde Giant Skink and a species of freshwater shrimp have been declared Extinct. With this update, 4,807 species have been added to The IUCN Red List bringing the total of assessed species to 70,294, of which 20,934 are threatened with extinction. “Thanks to the IUCN Red List, we now have more information on the state of the world’s biodiversity than ever before,” says Jane Smart, Global Director, IUCN Biodiversity Conservation Group. “But the overall picture is alarming. We must use this knowledge to its fullest – making our conservation efforts well targeted and efficient - if we are serious about stopping the extinction crisis that continues to threaten all life on Earth.” The update includes the first global reassessment of conifers. According to the results, 34% of the world’s cedars, cypresses, firs and other cone-bearing plants are now threatened with extinction – an increase by 4% since the last complete assessment in 1998. The conservation status of 33 conifer species has declined, including California’s Monterey Pine- the world’s most widely planted pine valued for its rapid growth and pulp qualities. The tree has moved from Least Concern – a category used for species at relatively low extinction risk - to Endangered, with main threats including feral goats and attacks by an invasive pathogen. Another conifer species previously classified as Least Concern, the Atlas Cedar – native to the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco – is now Endangered due to over-exploitation. Its reduced population is threatened by various pests.... July 2 2013 More>> A new strategy to fight sea invaders in the Mediterranean As alien species from the Red Sea, the Atlantic Ocean and beyond find new habitats in the Mediterranean, the new guide by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation provides the clues to the most dangerous invasive marine fauna and flora and pinpoints towards best management options to control and eradicate them from marine protected areas. Around half a hundred species are mapped in this practical guide to assist marine protected area managers in monitoring and controlling the spread of invasive alien marine species. The guide advises on how to monitor and identify forty-seven highly invasive species and what can be done to prevent their establishment and spread in marine protected areas (MPAs).... Read more in English, French and Spanish Otero, M., Cebrian, E., Francour, P., Galil, B., Savini, D. 2013. Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): A strategy and practical guide for managers. Malaga, Spain: IUCN. 136 pages. The Guide is available in English, French and Spanish June 19th 2013 Giant aquatic fern replaces Rinderpest virus on the '100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species' List The Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), an aquatic fern has been added to the list of '100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species'. Compiled by the IUCN Species Survival Commission Invasive Species Specialist Group, (ISSG) the list aims to increase awareness about invasive alien species and to help prevent further invasions. Recently the Rinderpest virus was removed from the list and a review was conducted to decide which invasive species should be added. The review involved more than 650 experts from 63 countries. More than 10,000 invasive species were assessed in terms of their capacity to spread and their potential ecological or economic impact. Native to Brazil, the Giant Salvinia is a floating aquatic fern that thrives in slow-moving, nutrient-rich, warm, freshwater. A rapidly growing competitive plant, it has spread throughout the tropics and subtropics. It doubles in abundance within days, forming dense, floating mats that reduce water-flow and lower the light and oxygen levels in the water. This stagnant dark environment negatively affects the biodiversity and abundance of freshwater species, including fish and submerged aquatic plants. Its spread can also impede water-based transport and clog irrigation and power generation systems. By being added to the list it is hoped that this heightened focus on the species will increase awareness and stimulate more conservation action to reduce its impact, and more in general on the severe impacts caused by biological invasions worldwide... Read more on Giant Salvinia in the species profile on the Global Invasive Species Database More in English More in Spanish June 10th 2013 Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations IUCN/SSC (2013). Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations. Version 1.0. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN Species Survival Commission, viiii + 57 pp These Guidelines and their Annexes were developed by a Task Force of the Reintroduction and Invasive Species Specialist Groups, working between 2010 and 2012. The finished Guidelines and Annexes cover a wider array of situations and solutions, with their opportunities and risks, than the 1998 Guidelines. Hence, review and revision were entirely justified, and the Task Force hopes that this contribution will promote and help responsible translocation as an essential tool for conservation in the present era of acute challenges for the world’s biodiversity. June 5th 2013 From words to action – key organizations team up to stop the extinction crisis With unprecedented species declines and more than 20,000 of the species assessed on The IUCN Red List threatened with extinction, IUCN and other organizations come together to support the achievement of a global biodiversity target to prevent further species loss. The partnership – Friends of Target 12 – will guide countries in their efforts to prevent further extinctions of threatened species and improve the conservation status of those disappearing most rapidly. This will help them achieve the so-called ‘Target 12’ – one of 20 ‘Aichi Biodiversity Targets’ adopted under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Japan in 2010. About Friends of Target 12 The purpose of this partnership is to support Government Parties to the CBD and others to achieve Aichi biodiversity Target 12 by providing practical guidance and raising awareness of initiatives and programmes that contribute to the implementation of the activities needed to bring about the recovery of threatened species and stem the tide of species’ extinctions. Some Friends of Target 12 partners have already made specific commitments as part of the initiative and more are soon to be announced... ...Out of 65,518 species currently assessed by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, 1,173 are Extinct or Possibly Extinct and 20,219 are threatened. More>> International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) IUCN/ISSG will start on a new series of 'Invasive Species of the Week' that will focus on extinctions in which invasive alien species were one of the major causes of decline in populations. The first one is on the predatory rosy wolf snail (Euglandina rosea) Of the 795 species that are known to be Extinct (EX) on the IUCN Red List, 324 (just over 40%) are Molluscs (281 Gastropods and 29 Bivalves). Of the 63 species that are Extinct in the Wild (EW) 14 are Gastropods. The majority of Mollusc extinctions have taken place on Oceanic Islands and a third of them most likely to have been caused by the introduction of the predatory rosy wolf snail. Partulid snails (Polynesian tree snails) from French Polynesia have suffered the most losses with more than 50 species classified as EX and EW, most population declines occurring after the introduction of the rosy wolf snail to French Polynesia in the 1970’s. The predatory rosy wolf snail is one of the significant threats to the survival of the Critically Endangered (CR) Oahu tree snails (Achatinella spp) in Hawaii. Of the 39 Achatinella species assessed on the IUCN Red List 15 are listed as EX and 24 CR. The other threats include habitat degradation due to the spread of invasive alien plant species such as Grevillia, strawberry Guava, Lantana etc. The 'Invasive Species of the Week' button can be featured on your site by inserting a one line script. Please get in touch with s.pagad@auckland.ac.nz, if you want the script sent to you. 28 May 2013 The impacts of invasive alien species in Europe Biological invasions are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss. Invasive alien species (IAS) may have far-reaching and harmful effects on the environment and natural resources for generations. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness among key stakeholders, decision-makers, policymakers and the general public about the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of IAS. Twenty-eight dedicated species accounts are provided to highlight the various types of impacts. These species accounts are based on thorough, up-to-date scientific information from recent research and studies, and highlight the multifaceted impacts of IAS at both the global and regional levels. The impacts of invasive alien species in Europe.pdf [25.5 MB] Technical report No 16/2012 Published by EEA (European Environment Agency) Dec 12 2012 Biodiversity's Ticking Time Bomb: Understanding and Addressing the Problem of Invasive Species in Europe On 21 February 2013, IUCN and BirdLife, with the support of the European Habitats Forum, will organize a high-level debate at the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss the issue of invasive alien species in Europe and the development of a EU policy instrument to tackle them. The event is hosted by MEP Pavel Poc, Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists Democrats (S D). ...Intervening at the event: amongst others are Julia Marton-Lef vre, Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Dr Piero Genovesi, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and Chair of IUCN SSC Specialist Group on Invasive Alien Species Agenda More>> 28 January 2013 European Code of Conduct for Zoological Gardens and Aquaria on Invasive Alien Species The Bern Convention and the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) of the IUCN, in collaboration with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) have developed the European Code of Conduct for Zoological Gardens and Aquaria on Invasive Alien Species (IAS). This document is in line with the current European policy on IAS according to which the identification of pathways and the implementation of best practices and voluntary measures to prevent the threats posed by IAS are recognised as critical issues. The code has been formally approved at the last Standing Committee meeting of the Bern Convention on 30 November 2012. At the same meeting the Standing Committee also adopted the Recommendation No.161 (2012) to invite all contracting parties to implement the code. The development of this code has been also formally acknowledged at the recent CBD COP11 at Hyberabad. European Code of Conduct for Zoological Gardens and Aquaria on Invasive Alien Species 6 December 2012 Revised Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC) Reintroduction Specialist Group (RSG) and the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) has published revised Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations. Translocations of organisms outside of their indigenous range are considered to be especially high risk, given the examples of those species becoming invasive. Social, economic and political factors also should be considerations in decisions about translocations. According to the publication, the design and implementation of conservation translocations should follow specific guidelines, be fully documented, and their outcomes made available to inform future conservation planning. Finally, translocated species will need to comply with international requirements, as for example the movement of species on Appendix I, II or III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) must comply with CITES requirements. Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations Annexes 28 November 2012 The Global Invasive Alien Species Information Partnership New deal to tackle invasive species Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Jane Smart, Global Director IUCN Biodiversity Conservation Group; and Piero Genovesi, Chair of the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group sign the agreement.[Photo: Piero Genovesi] A new agreement signed this week has pledged the support of the IUCN SSC (Species Survival Commission) Invasive Species Specialist Group to help combat invasive alien species that are threatening ecosystems and livelihoods. As governments and scientists gather in Hyderabad, India, to discuss solutions to the world s current biodiversity crisis, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at the launch of the Global Invasive Alien Species Information Partnership. The initiative is chaired by Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and supported by a number of international partners, including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI). The Memorandum of Cooperation, which is co-signed by; Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias; Jane Smart, Global Director IUCN Biodiversity Conservation Group; and Piero Genovesi, Chair of the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), formally acknowledges that ISSG will support the work of the CBD on invasive species. The ISSG have committed to provide information and data on invasive species to support the CBD Parties to meet the provisions of Aichi Target 9 that calls on states to strengthen work on invasive species. ISSG offers considerable expertise to this role and hosts the Global Invasive Species Database which is globally acknowledged as the most authoritative information source on invasive species More> 10 October 2012 Latest from IUCN World Conservation Congress at Jeju, Korea The IUCN members' assembly at WCC 2012 adopted on 12the September Motion 021, on invasive alien species. The Motion calls on countries to identify invasive species for priority control, enforce stringent regulatory measures to prevent introduction of invasives, encourage voluntary measures, and promote eradication campaigns. It also calls the Director General DG of the IUCN and its Commissions to strengthen work on invasive species at the international level; improve invasive species knowledge products; improve collaboration between the Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), and to strengthen support to invasive species work through its secretariat and regional programmes. Text of Motion 021 What is very encouraging, is that the motion was voted with 494 votes, and supported by 100% of Governments and 99% of NGOs. The highest score of all motions so far adopted at WCC!!!! The IUCN World Conservation Congress is taking place between the 6th and 15th of September, in Jeju, Republic of Korea More>> 13 September 2012 Just published- Issue 32 of Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin We are pleased to bring you Issue 32 of the ISSG's Newsletter- Aliens- The Invasive Species Bulletin The cover features the California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiane) Issue 32 includes an article on the management and control of the California kingsnake in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands): a Life+ project on pg. 20 Wild Hippos in Colombia pg. 8 Identification and distribution of non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean Sea: the Italian challenges pg. 13 Aerial broadcast of rodenticide on the island of Sa Dragonera (Balearic Islands, Spain). A promising rodent eradication experience on a Mediterranean islands pg. 29 Rodent eradication on Molara Island and surrounding islets (NE Sardinia): from success to the riddle of reinvasion pg. 33 Pl@ntInvasion: collaborative identification and information platform on invasive plants in French Overseas Territories pg. 39 Occurrence of major invasives in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India: perspective and prospective pg. 42 Please click on this link to download Issue 32- Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin 1 September 2012 WTO Seminar Calls for Enhanced Collaboration to Protect Biodiversity from Invasive Species A World Trade Organization (WTO) seminar has recommended a series of actions to control invasive alien species (IAS) more effectively, including improved coordination among relevant international organizations, and among national ministries and agencies, in implementing the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). Co-organized by the WTO Standards and Trade Development Facility, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the seminar aimed to: raise awareness about the mutually beneficial goals of the SPS Agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and effective SPS systems to prevent the entry of IAS; foster collaboration between the SPS and CBD communities at both regional and national levels; and review initiatives that aim to build national and regional capacities to manage the entry and spread of IAS. The seminar highlighted the role of SPS capacity in managing IAS risks, and recommended key actions to control such species more effectively, including: enhancing collaboration among relevant international organizations in implementing the SPS Agreement and global biodiversity conventions; ensuring better implementation of existing international standards and developing new standards where needed; boosting countries’ ability to undertake scientific risk analysis and other studies; improving coordination between relevant ministries and agencies within countries, as well as between countries and within regions; enhancing cooperation between governments and industry; and studying potential risks associated with the growth in Internet trade, and how to address them. The Seminar took place from 12-13 July 2012, in Geneva, Switzerland. More>>13 July 2012 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: France ranks fifth worldwide In the latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ published on 19 June, France ranks 5th in the world for hosting the largest number of endangered plant and animal species. Most of these species are located in the French overseas territories. With 983 globally threatened species, France has a major responsibility at global and European level to fight against biodiversity loss. The main threats to species are degradation of natural habitats, overfishing, invasive species, pollution and climate change. France comes after Ecuador, Malaysia, USA and Indonesia, and ahead of Mexico, India, China, Australia and Brazil. It is mainly the French overseas territory, leading with New Caledonia and French Polynesia, which put France so high in the rankings. In fact, almost all of the French overseas territories are located in global biodiversity hotspots – areas rich in species but also highly threatened: the Caribbean Islands, the Indian Ocean islands, Polynesia -Micronesia, New Caledonia. Many endangered species are also present in French Guiana.... more>>22 June 2012 Securing the web of life: The latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species The source of our food, medicines and clean water, as well the livelihoods of millions of people may be at risk with the rapid decline of the world’s animal, plant and fungi species. The latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, released today on the eve of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, shows that of the 63,837 species assessed, 19,817 are threatened with extinction, including 41% of amphibians, 33% of reef building corals, 25% of mammals, 13% of birds, and 30% of conifers. The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity.... ....Invasive alien species are one of the leading and most rapidly growing threats to food security, human and animal health and biodiversity. A recent analysis of IUCN Red List data highlighted invasive alien species as the fifth most severe threat to amphibians, and the third most severe threat to birds and mammals. Together with climate change, they have become one of the most difficult threats to reverse. For example, Water Hyacinth (Eichnornia crassipes) is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, but in Africa its rapid spread poses a significant threat to water supplies and the use of inland waters for fishing or transportation. The economic impacts may be as much as US$ 100 million annually across all of Africa. Solutions incorporating awareness and prevention measures, as well as early warning and rapid response systems that include containment, control and eradication programmes, need to be implemented on both a regional and global scale in order to reduce the negative effects of alien species.... more>>19 June 2012 2012 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species update for birds released today by BirdLife International Threat to the Amazon’s birds is greater than ever The risk of extinction has increased substantially for nearly 100 species of Amazonian birds, reveals the 2012 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ update for birds released today by BirdLife International. The new assessment is based on models projecting the extent and pattern of deforestation across the Amazon. Of particular concern are species with longer life spans, such as Rio Branco Antbird (Cercomacra carbonaria), for which even moderate rates of deforestation can be important. Some species, such as Hoary-throated Spinetail (Synallaxis kollari), appear likely to lose more than 80% of their habitat over the coming decades and have been placed in the highest category of extinction risk – Critically Endangered. “BirdLife are providing essential information to guide policy and conservation action for birds,” says Jane Smart, Global Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group. “It is clear that conservation works, but more action is needed if we are to protect these magnificent species which play an integral role in maintaining healthy ecosystems on which both birds and humans depend.”.. ...There are also examples of a species’ fate being turned around despite insurmountable odds. In the Cook Islands of the Pacific, the sustained recovery of Raratonga Monarch (Pomarea dimidiate), once one of the world’s rarest birds, has led to it being downlisted to Vulnerable. Intensive conservation action, particularly through control of alien invasive predators like black rats, has saved the species from extinction. The bird’s population is now about 380 individuals—over ten times larger than at its low point, although continued conservation efforts are still required. “Such successes show the remarkable achievements that are possible where effort and dedication by conservationists and local communities are backed up with political support and adequate resources,” says Dr. Stuart Butchart, BirdLife’s Global Research Coordinator. “But the worrying projections for the Amazon emphasize the urgent need for governments to meet their international commitments by establishing comprehensive protected area networks that are adequately funded and effectively managed.” Total number of species recognised by BirdLife in the 2012 Red List update is 10,064. Number of species by category as follows: Extinct 130; Extinct in Wild 4; Critically Endangered 197; Endangered 389; Vulnerable 727; Near Threatened 880; Least Concern 7,677; Data Deficient 60 more>>7 June 2012 Biological invasions: a growing threat to biodiversity, human health and food security. Policy recommendations for the Rio+20 process drafted by IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group and IUCN's Invasive Species Initiative Planet Under Pressure 2012 was the largest gathering of global change scientists leading up to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) with a total of 3,018 delegates at the conference venue and over 3,500 that attended virtually via live webstreaming. The first State of the Planet Declaration was issued at the conference. Following the conference and declaration several ISSG members were concerned with the limited attention being paid to the issue of biological invasions and invasive alien species in the Rio+20 process. Members proposed the development and submission of a policy paper highlighting the growing threat of biological invasions on biodiversity, human health and food security for the Rio+20 process. After extensive consultation with the membership, the ISSG with the IUCN's Invasive Species Intitiative (ISI) developed and submitted a policy brief (link below) related to biological invasions and invasive alien species to the IUCN. This brief will be included in the IUCN documentation for Rio+20 and text be reflected in the umbrella position paper (which will form the basis of IUCN’s statement to the Rio+20 conference). Biological invasions: a growing threat to biodiversity, human health and food security. Policy recommendations for the Rio+20 process drafted by IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group and IUCN's Invasive Species Initiative The Rio+20 Conference will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 June to 22 June, 2012, in order to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also called the “Rio Earth Summit”. The conference will focus on two themes: 1) a Green Economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and 2) the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. 4 May 2012 Worrying declines for world’s seabirds The status of the world’s seabirds has deteriorated rapidly over recent decades and several species and populations are now perilously close to extinction, according to a new review by BirdLife International, a partner of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. Across the globe, commercial fisheries pose the most serious threat to seabirds. The review reveals that seabirds are now more threatened than any other group of birds. Of the 346 seabird species, 97 (28%) are globally threatened, and a further 10% are listed as Near Threatened. Almost half of all seabird species are known or suspected to be experiencing population declines. The albatross family is especially imperiled, with 17 of the 22 species currently threatened with extinction. “This new data details the rapid deterioration of creatures that provide a crucial window onto the condition of the oceans,” says Jean-Christophe Vié, Deputy Director, IUCN Global Species Programme. “We must now use this information to enact changes that will reverse the loss of such an important group of species.” Human activities lie at the heart of the staggering decline of seabird populations. At sea, commercial fisheries have depleted fish stocks, an important food source for seabirds, and caused the death of innumerable seabirds through accidental bycatch. On land, the introduction of invasive species has destroyed many breeding colonies... more>> 9 March 2012 Invasive alien species a significant conservation threat to Antarctica especially with a changing climate Invasive alien species are thought to be a significant conservation threat to Antarctica especially with a changing climate. Chown et al 2012 undertook a comprehensive continent-wide evaluation of the risks posed by invasive alien plant species by sampling, identifying, mapping and assessing the likelihood of establishment of vascular plant propagules carried by visitors to the Antarctic during the International Polar Year's first season (2007-2008). Propagule establishment likelihood was based on the identity and origin of the propagule and on the spatial variation of Antarctica's climate. Results indicate that alien species establishment is currently most likely for the Western Antarctic Peninsula. The authors observe that their findings are corroborated by the discovery of recent founder populations of several alien species in this area. They state that "With climate change, risks will grow in the Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea, and East Antarctic coastal regions". Chown, et al 2012 Continent-wide risk assessment for the establishment of nonindigenous species in Antarctica 7 March 2012 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species- natures early warning system! How can we save biodiversity if we don’t know the threats facing our species and what the priorities are? The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is going from strength to strength in providing the world with the information needed to guide conservation action from the local to global level. Far more than a list of species and their status, the Red List is a powerful tool providing information on population size and trends, geographic range and habitat needs of species. Through the Red List we can find out if a species is being over-hunted, whether it is considered sacred, or whether it is protected by international law. We can find out whether biological traits such as a slow reproductive rate make it susceptible to overharvesting or whether its restricted range makes it vulnerable to climate change. We can also find out if a species is of particular value to people as a source of food, medicine or livelihood... more>>8 January 2012 Jane Smart, Director of IUCN's Biodiversity Conservation Group explains what needs to be done in 2012 to make sure that conservation work scales up and leads to real impacts on the ground. January 2012 Island Invasives: Eradication and Management. Proceedings of the International Conference on Island Invasives. Edited by C. R. Veitch, M. N. Clout, and D. R. Towns. This 542 page volume stems from a conference held in Auckland in 2010 and attended by 240 delegates from at least 20 countries. The conference content covered any aspect of invasive species relating to natural insular ecosystems. This diverse array of subject matter is divided into four sections in the book. The first section deals with overviews and planned or attempted eradications. The second section introduces new technologies and approaches to eradications, such as dealing with multiple invasive species. Papers in the third section concentrate on the results and outcomes of eradications, especially responses by native species. The final section covers the roles and approaches that involve people, policy and invasion prevention (biosecurity). The major purposes of holding the conference, and publishing these 95 peer-reviewed papers, are to encourage and assist the management of invasive species, particularly on islands. Managers, and potential managers, of invasive species will all find information on this book which will assist their endeavours to conserve natural ecosystems. This book is available for purchase from Manaaki Whenua Press for the special price of NZ$88 up to the end of December. After that the price returns to NZ$110.00. You can read or print any of the papers via the links on the Publications page 12 December 2011 European Environment: alarming decline in plants, molluscs and freshwater fish Europe's natural heritage is showing an alarming decline, according to new research published today. The European Red List, a part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, assessed a considerable portion of Europe’s native fauna and flora, finding that a large proportion of molluscs, freshwater fish and vascular plants now fall into a threatened category. The assessment of some 6,000 species reveals that 44% of all freshwater molluscs, 37% of freshwater fish, 23% of amphibians, 20% of a selection of terrestrial molluscs, 19% of reptiles, 15% of mammals and of dragonflies, 13% of birds, 11% of a selection of saproxylic beetles, 9% of butterflies and 467 species of vascular plant species are now under threat... Freshwater fish are also highly threatened, especially as a result of pollution, overfishing, habitat loss and the introduction of alien species. Sturgeons are particularly at risk, with all but one of the eight European species now Critically Endangered.. But there is some positive news and the assessment highlights the success of well-designed conservation measures. Many species protected under the EU Habitats Directive and included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas now have an improved chance of survival. Centranthus trinervis, a plant endemic to Corsica, has been downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered due to strict protection of its single known site. Additionally, the control of invasive species such as plants, goats and rats for example has benefited the majority of threatened land snails in Madeira over the past 10 years... more>>22 November 2011 Action Plan for information on invasive alien species Implementation ‘roadmap’ commits key partners to harmonize data needed to tackle threat to biodiversity from invasives Global Biodiversity Information Facility Press release Government experts meeting under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have endorsed a wide-ranging programme to strengthen information available to decision-makers on the spread of invasive alien species (IAS). The plan, presented to the CBD’s Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) in Montreal, arose from a workshop held at the GBIF Secretariat in Copenhagen in September, where experts agreed on an unprecedented level of collaboration on the means to share global IAS data. The Joint Work Programme (JWP, see document UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA/15/INF/14, available at http://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=sbstta-15) unites eight information service providers behind nearly 50 action points aimed at combining and harmonizing data on IAS from a wide range of different databases and networks. The aim is to contribute towards Target 9 of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets agreed in Japan last year, which commits parties to the CBD to eradicate priority invasive alien species by 2020, and control pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment... more>>16 November 2011 As a leading provider of global invasive alien species data and information the IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group is very pleased with this implementation 'roadmap' and will play a key role in the implementation of the nearly 50 action points aimed at combining and harmonizing data on invasive alien species from a wide range of different databases and networks. This will enable our global stakeholders to have access to current science, innovation, data and information that underpins and informs management action including prevention of spread, eradication and control. Related links: Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) CABI Invasive Species Compendium (CAB ISC) FishBase Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe (DAISIE) European Network on Invasive Alien Species (NOBANIS) Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN) Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network Invasives Information Network (IABIN) IUCN ISSG and the CBD to cooperate to promote the achievement of Aichi Target 9 on invasive species. A supplementary agreement for the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 regarding invasive species has been signed by Jane Smart, Global Director, Biodiversity Conservation Group, of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)... “Invasive alien species are a global issue; however, existing capacity at the local level is not adequate enough to stop it,” says Ahmed Djoghlaf, CBD Executive Secretary. “Both IUCN and the CBD are strongly committed to assist Parties in gaining the tools and training to halt biological invasions.” To support the effort against invasive species, IUCN and the CBD have recognized that scientific data and cooperation is needed for the early detection and rapid response to invasive species. Therefore the IUCN Species Survival Committee Invasive Species Specialist Group and IUCN Invasive Species Initiative have agreed to work together with the Secretariat of the CBD to promote the achievement of Target 9 and support initiatives concerning invasive species... more> Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Communique 8 November 2011 Related link: Aichi Targets New national Red List highlights species at risk of extinction Six of Ireland’s 15 native fish species (40%) and one of its three amphibians (33%) have been classified as Threatened on the recently published Red List of Irish Amphibians, Reptiles and Freshwater Fish... Of Ireland’s 15 native fish species, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), was listed as Critically Endangered and five more were found to be Vulnerable; one was assessed as Near Threatened. One of the five native amphibians and reptiles assessed, the Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita), was found to be Endangered, while the remaining four are Least Concern. For the first time, an objective assessment of the status of non-native fish that have become naturalised in Ireland has been completed. Two of these established non-native fish were identified as invasive species requiring management... Water pollution, the spread of invasive species, overfishing, unsympathetic river management and climate change are among a number of widespread threats affecting Irish species. Barriers to upstream migration are of particular importance to lampreys and shads, while habitat loss is the main concern for the Natterjack Toad. more>> 11 October 2011 Collateral damage: Western Ghats freshwater species in peril Freshwater species in the Western Ghats, India, are being sacrificed as collateral damage in the race for rapid economic development. For the first time, comprehensive data are available on the conservation status and distribution of all freshwater fishes, molluscs, dragonflies, damselflies and aquatic plants across peninsular India. Water pollution from agricultural and urban sources, overharvesting and invasive species are the major threats that have led to 16% of freshwater species in the region for which we have sufficient data being classified as threatened with extinction on The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. more>> 22 September 2011 Communique from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity Struggle against invasive species remains important goal for global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity: Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity supports recent statement by conservation organizations Montreal, 1 August 2011 – The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity has expressed support for a recent call from conservation organizations for continued action against invasive species. On 22 July, the magazine Science published a letter from senior leaders of the world most authoritative conservation organizations entitled “Invasives: A Major Conservation Threat”. The purpose of the letter was to respond to recent positions that have argued against the struggle against invasive species... “Invasive species are a subtle threat to the natural balance of species and ecosystems, but can suddenly occur in explosive outbreaks. For this reason, the global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 includes a specific target on this issue” said Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary to the Convention on Biological Diversity. He added that: “We warmly welcome the letter published in Science – signed by an impressive list of leaders of conservation organizations – because it confirms the commitment of the conservation community to address this threat. Preventing and mitigating the negative effects of invasions is indeed a huge challenge, and the cooperation of the NGOs is of crucial importance.” more>> 28 July 2011 A unique international partnership to restore islands and crucial seabird habitats The MV Aquila, will complete a 27,000km voyage of conservation. The Aquila will sail to Palmyra Atoll (USA), the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA, Kiribati) and then Henderson Island (UK), restoring crucial seabird habitats at every stop by removing the introduced rats that have proved so devastating. Palmyra is one of the Northern Line Islands. The Phoenix Island Protected Area (PIPA) is a 408,250 sq.km expanse of marine and terrestrial habitats in the Southern Pacific Ocean. This is the first site in Kiribati to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. Henderson Island is part of the Pitcairn Island group (UK overseas territory in the south Pacific), it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1988 more>> 1 August 2011 Invasives: A Major Conservation Threat July 22 2011, Vol 333 SCIENCE A flurry of recent articles call upon the conservation community to embrace invasive species. Davis and coauthors propose downsizing the struggle against invasives (1). In the News Focus story “Embracing invasives” (18 March, p. 1383), G. Vince suggests that the Galápagos “embrace the aliens.” In The New York Times (2), H. Raffles accused environmentalists, conservationists, and gardeners targeting invasive species of being unreasoningly dogmatic and xenophobic. These articles imply that the concern with invasive species derives from the unreasonable desire to maintain pristine ecosystems and exclude all alien species. In fact, conservationists recognize that species distributions are constantly changing, that community structure is dynamic, that alien species enter and are introduced into natural communities, and that modified (and even degraded) ecosystems have conservation value. However, we also recognize an important distinction between alien species in general— which are introduced outside their natural range by humans, but which in many cases are harmless- and invasive species, which by definition not only are introduced outside their range but also cause substantial harm to biodiversity and human livelihood. Invasive species, not alien species, are indeed a major cause of biodiversity loss, implicated in the majority of extinctions (3), and this trend continues. Thus, they deserve aggressive intervention... more>> 22 July 2011 Baiting complete for Macquarie Island Pest Eradication The Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Brian Wightman, today welcomed news baiting has been completed on Macquarie Island, signalling a major step forward in the eradication of three pest species and the eventual restoration of the island’s significant natural values. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service staff and contractors have now completed two whole-of-island bait drops, with only small areas such as offshore rock-stacks left to complete. Mr Wightman said the project to eradicate the large numbers of rabbits, ship rats and house mice from the 12,800 hectare island was the largest yet attempted in the world for three pest species. Macquarie Island is a nature reserve and World Heritage Area located 1500 kilometres south-east of Tasmania. more>> 30 June 2011 We need to strengthen, not weaken, the struggle against harmful invasive species An ISSG response to recent articles calling us to re-think the struggle against biological invasions Read more>> 15 June 2011 A grain of hope in the desert: Updates of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species The Arabian Oryx, a species of antelope found only on the Arabian Peninsula, is locally known as Al Maha. It is believed the last wild individual was shot in 1972. This year, thanks to successful captive breeding and re-introduction efforts, the oryx has finally qualified for a move from the Endangered category to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List—the first time that a species that was once Extinct in the Wild has improved by three categories... In the case of New Caledonia’s endemic reptiles, which have been assessed for the first time, two thirds (67%) of species within this group for which we have sufficient data are at risk of extinction. Many of these reptiles are threatened by ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation as New Caledonia’s nickel mining industry continues to expand. This is compounded by the effects of introduced species; for example, deer and pigs damage remaining available habitat, and fire ants, which are invasive alien species, decimate lizard populations, leading to localized extinctions... more>> 16 June 2011 The Fight Against Invasives The words ‘invasive aliens’ tend to conjure up images of little green men flying in from outer space and waging war against Earth. Granted, if this were to occur it would be a rather frightening experience, but the fact is we have a far more serious and immediate issue to tackle: the invasive aliens that are already here. Biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate, with a whole host of factors contributing to the disastrous declines. Habitat destruction is well-documented as being one of the leading causes of species extinctions, but invasive alien species are also to blame... more>> 8 June 2011 African Freshwaters Under Threat Decision makers across Africa are now able to benefit from an online interactive map, released by IUCN, for each of the 7,079 river and lake sub-catchments across mainland Africa that reveals information on the distribution, conservation and ecological needs of 4,989 freshwater species, of which 21% are already threatened. This tool and the accompanying IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ report ‘The Diversity of Life in African Freshwaters: Underwater, Under Threat’ provide vital information to help plan development in ways that minimize or avoid impacts to freshwater species. Major threats to freshwater ecosystems in Africa are identified as loss and degradation of habitat associated with deforestation, agriculture and infrastructure development, unsustainable levels of water extraction, water pollution from domestic industrial and agricultural sources, the introduction of alien invasive species, sedimentation, mining and subsistence use and trade. Read more from the report ‘The Diversity of Life in African Freshwaters: Underwater, Under Threat’ more>> 9 June 2011 New international report to secure natural riches of North Africa and the Middle East An international conservation project has brought together botanists and scientists from the Middle East and North Africa - Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Syria and Tunisia - in an unprecedented bid to secure the future of the region’s wildlife. A new report published today by IUCN, Plantlife and WWF - Important Plant Areas of the south and east Mediterranean region: Priority sites for conservation - shows that there are more than 200 internationally significant areas for wild plants in the region, rivalling those found elsewhere in Europe and Asia for species richness, and supporting an extraordinary range of wildlife. In many of these countries, these species-rich landscapes also provide vital resources for local livelihoods. A total of 207 Important Plant Areas (IPAs) are listed in the report for the first time, including 33 in Syria, 20 in Lebanon, 20 in Egypt, 21 in Algeria, 13 in Tunisia and five in Libya, with teams from 11 countries around the south and east Mediterranean involved in the partnership project, meeting to discuss results and work together to carry out a rapid assessment of wild plants and wildlife-rich areas across the region. The main threats to the region’s IPAs include overgrazing (67% of sites are affected), deforestation, tourist development, intensive arable farming and unsustainable collection of plants for medicine and culinary uses. Invasive species are among the top 10 threats affecting 147 Important Plant Areas of the south and east Mediterranean region The project - led by IUCN, Plantlife and WWF and funded by the French Development Agency through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund - aims to take the first steps to conserving this wealth of natural riches. more>> 1 June 2011 International Day for Biodiversity 2011: Biodiversity and Forests On the occasion of the 2011 International Year of Forests, the theme for International Day for Biodiversity in 2011 has been selected to be "Biodiversity and Forests." The global launch of the UN Decade on Biodiversity is also scheduled to take place on this date, in Tokyo, Japan. Date: 22 May 2011 Location: Worldwide more>> 20 May 2011 Laying the foundation for an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Momentum is gathering behind the case for a Red List of Ecosystems which, modeled on the influential IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is hoped will generate better environmental management. Experts gathered at the Smithsonian Institution recently to develop the scientific basis for the initiative. Examples from Australia, South Africa, the United States and Venezuela of how ecosystems could be listed were discussed and the proposed criteria refined. How to make sure the ecosystems Red List is compatible with the Red List of Threatened Species was a key focus of the discussion. “There is a great potential to link the Red List of Ecosystems with the Millennium Assessment discussion on ecosystem services—the benefits we get from ecosystems. This in turn provides a powerful link into how ecosystems do (or do not) benefit the livelihoods of rural people, and so create greater responsibility for sustainable ecosystem management,” says Edmund Barrow, Acting Head of IUCN’s Ecosystem Management Programme. The Red List of Ecosystems work will help build strong links between ecosystems, livelihoods, health and well-being in a way that can be used to guide and influence conservation and national development agendas, reflecting the true value of ecosystem goods and services. Next steps include publishing papers in key scientific journals and producing an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Categories, Criteria and Guidebook in English, Spanish and French.... ... more>> 13 May 2011 Wetlands hotspots of biodiversity Many wetlands are rich in biodiversity, and many species of plants and animals are wetland-dependent they cannot survive without wetlands. Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse wetlands, often called the rainforests of the sea . Although freshwater wetlands cover far less area than the oceans, they support 30% of all known fish species. It is this biodiversity that supports the many ecosystem services provided by wetlands. Yet wetland species are under threat, often more so than their terrestrial counterparts, through habitat change (such as drainage and conversion) and pollution as well as overexploitation, invasive alien species, and climate change. ... more>> 2 May 2011 IUCN Conservation Heroes - Naresh Subedi, Nepal -Asian Rhino Specialist Group ...Naresh is currently involved in carrying out a rhino census in the Chitwan National Park, which has the second largest population of greater one-horned rhino in the world. He recently fitted radio collars on eight rhinos living in the park and now conducts regular patrols to monitor their movements. This often means spending the whole night in the park, which is also home to tigers, elephants and gharials. The main purpose of this work is to study the impact that Mikania micrantha, a major invasive species in Nepal, has on rhinos. Mikania micrantha grows on plants that make up the diet of rhinos, blocking the sunlight that those plants need to survive... more>> 2 May 2011 Invasive species experts call for action Threats posed by invasive species and ways to monitor and control them will be discussed at a meeting in the Republic of Burundi tomorrow, with special focus on invasive species that are spreading in the basin of one of African Great Lakes, Lake Tanganyika… ..Although it is not too late to manage invasive species in the Lake Tanganyika basin, action will need to be taken now to prevent them from spreading and causing further damage to ecosystems and local people. “In the near future, states will need to improve and expand on a strategy that they have enacted in recent years,” says Dr. Geoffrey Howard, expert on invasive species in Africa, and member of the IUCN Invasive Species Initiative. “The emphasis should be on monitoring as well as management of invasive species – including the developing structure of the monitoring process.”Experts gathered at the meeting will discuss biological control as one of the possible ways to manage invasive species. They will also look into ways to raise awareness about invasive species and to enhance regional cooperation, which can play an important role in monitoring and controlling them. more>> 30 March 2011 South Georgia's planned total eradication of ratsSouth Georgia's planned total eradication of rats from the island -the Habitat Restoration Project has begun with the entire first drop completed on the Thatcher Peninsula. You can read more on the project from the South Georgia Heritage Trust websiteand follow the progress of the project on Facebook 14 March 2011 2011 is the International Year of Forests The United Nations General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.As a member of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, IUCN will play a key role in increasing public awareness of the centrality of the world’s forests to human and natural well-being. Over the course of the year, IUCN will be highlighting new findings from its innovative Livelihoods and Landscapes Strategy, announcing bold new initiatives in its forest landscape restoration work and building upon recent successes of the International 2010 REDD-plus (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest degradation) agendaREDD is an approach to achieving reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions that is currently under negotiation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). REDD-plus includes: Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.The spread of invasive species can impact biomass, biodiversity and forest health reducing the integrity of the ecosystem and ecosystem services.ISSG will celebrate the International Year of Forests by focussing on raising awareness and disseminating information on the impacts of invasive species- forests pests and diseases. We will include more new profiles on forest pests and diseases on the Global Invasive Species Database and update information on profiles that are online. The Species of the Week button will feature forest pests and diseases. more>> 10 January 2011 Aliens: The Invasive Species BulletinIssue 30 of Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin, Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group has just been published. Issue 30 includes an article by Chris Feare on the eradication of invasive birds on islands of the world. The issue also includes an interview to Angelo Salsi, head of the LIFE program of the European Union, on the application of this funding tool for supporting projects targeting invasive species in Europe, with an example on raccoon dog management in Scandinavia. An article reports on the lessons learnt so far in the struggle against Chytridiomycosis, and discusses new mitigation approaches to this deadly disease. Last but not least, an article reports on recent findings on invasive alien species in China, where a network of 50 leading scientists from 10 Chinese research institutions has reviewed all existing information on biological invasions in the country, collecting information on about 520 alien species recorded in agricultural, forestry and aquatic ecosystems of China.Noxious weed threatens the biggest wildlife migration on the planetThe Serengeti - Masai Mara ecosystem in Africa, which hosts the largest wildlife migration known to man, is under attack from a noxious weed from Central America, commonly known as feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus). If left unchecked it could threaten the continued migration of millions of animals across the plains every year, including 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 Thomson’s gazelle and 200,000 zebra.The Serengeti - Mara ecosystem hosts approximately 70 large mammal species and some 500 different bird species in highly diverse habitats ranging from riverine forests, swamps, grasslands and woodlands. Researchers from CABI Africa and IUCN, based in Nairobi, Kenya, found the weed, parthenium, during a recent survey, growing along parts of the Mara River and along some dirt tracks in the Masai-Mara National Reserve.more>> 24 November 2010 CBD CoP10 Nagoya News Highlight on Invasive Alien SpeciesAn Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) was created to further explore issues on invasive alien species, which IUCN is a part of. The mandate of the AHTEG is “to suggest ways and means, including, inter alia, providing scientific and technical information, advice and guidance, on the possible development of standards by appropriate bodies that can be used at an international level to avoid spread of invasive alien species that current international standards do not cover, to address the identified gaps and to prevent the impacts and minimize the risks associated with the introduction of invasive alien species as pets, aquarium and terrarium species, as live bait and live food with the present terms of reference”. Final document>> Nature’s Backbone at RiskIUCN- Press ReleaseThe most comprehensive assessment of the world’s vertebrates confirms an extinction crisis with one-fifth of species threatened. However, the situation would be worse were it not for current global conservation efforts, according to a study launched today at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, CBD, in Nagoya, Japan. The study, to be published in the international journal Science, used data for 25,000 species from The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, to investigate the status of the world’s vertebrates (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fishes) and how this status has changed over time. The results show that, on average, 50 species of mammal, bird and amphibian move closer to extinction each year due to the impacts of agricultural expansion, logging, over-exploitation and invasive alien species. “The ‘backbone’ of biodiversity is being eroded,” says the eminent American ecologist and writer Professor Edward O. Wilson, at Harvard University. “One small step up the Red List is one giant leap forward towards extinction. This is just a small window on the global losses currently taking place.” more>> 27 October 2010 Nature's sting: The real cost of damaging Planet EarthBy Richard Anderson Business reporter, BBC News ...A recent study for the United Nations Environment Programme, entitled The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (Teeb), put the damage done to the natural world by human activity in 2008 at between $2tn (£1.3tn) and $4.5tn... Drivers of biodiversity loss Land use change - for example cutting down forests that provide essential water regulation, flood protection and carbon storage, to make way for agriculture Over exploitation - for example over-fishing or intensive farming that leads to soil degradation Invasive species - for example the introduction of non-indigenous species that crowd out endemic insect populations Climate change - for example rising temperatures that cause more extreme weather conditions more>> October 14th, 2010 New study shows over one fifth of the world’s plants are under threat of extinctionA global analysis of extinction risk for the world's plants, conducted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew together with the Natural History Museum, London and IUCN, has revealed that the world’s plants are as threatened as mammals, with one in five of the world’s plant species threatened with extinction. The study revealed About one third of the species (33%) in our sample are insufficiently known to carry out an assessment. This demonstrates the scale of the task facing botanists – many plants are so poorly known that we still don't know if they are endangered or not. Of almost 4,000 species that have been carefully assessed, over one fifth (22%) are classed as Threatened. Plants are more threatened than birds, as threatened as mammals and less threatened than amphibians or corals. Gymnosperms (the plant group including conifers and cycads) are the most endangered group. The most threatened habitat is tropical rain forest. The current rate of loss of tropical forest accounts for 20% of global carbon emissions. Most threatened species are found in the tropics. The most threatening process is man-induced habitat loss, mostly the conversion of natural habitats for agriculture or livestock use. more>> September 29th, 2010 Urgent call on EU to stop billion-euro 'alien invasion' Leading experts on invasive species are demanding Europe-wide legislation be put in place by next year to tackle the threat to native wildlife. The researchers want urgent action from the EU to protect Europe's indigenous species from these "alien invaders"... Piero Genovesi is chair of the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), a global network of experts on invasive species. He told BBC News that the figure of 12 billion Euros represents a significant underestimate of the impact of alien species. "For many species we have no idea what damage they cause or their economic impact. This is just a fraction of the actual cost," he told BBC News. And he added that this estimate does not include any assesment of the economic value of lost biodiversity caused by non-native species... By Pamela Rutherford Reporter, BBC News more September 17th, 2010 See the story of seabird islands, their importance, and the invaders that threaten them Shot over a period of three years (with much of the footage captured by SEAPRE scientists in the field), ISLAND INVADERS describes The importance of seabird islands The impacts of predators on seabirds and their islands Predator eradication Island recolonization and resetoration The importance of community involvement to seabird island conservation Produced by the independent production company Scientific Outreach Media for the SEAPRE Research Coordination Network with support from the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. New natural jewels on the World Heritage crown Following IUCN’s recommendations, the landscapes of France’s La Reunion Island, Russia’s Siberian Putorana Plateau and the Phoenix Islands Protected Areas of Kiribati have been added to the List of Natural World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The Committee also decided to add Danxia (China) to the List. “La Reunion contains an impressive mosaic of dramatic landscapes and very valuable ecosystems and also serves as a last refuge for the many threatened and endangered species on the entire Mascarene Archipelago,” says Tim Badman, Head of IUCN’s World Heritage Programme. “Controlling alien invasive species will be an ongoing challenge in the management of this property." more August 4th, 2010 Hawai’i and Sri Lanka added to the World Heritage List The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka and Papahanaumokuakea in Hawai’i were added to the list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, currently meeting in Brasilia. The Committee continues its consideration of natural sites for inscription. more July 31st, 2010 World Heritage in Danger: two natural sites listed Following the recommendations of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), important rainforest areas in Madagascar and the Everglades National Park (USA) have been added to the List of World Heritage in Danger at the World Heritage annual meeting, currently taking place in Brasilia. The Everglades National Park, a sanctuary for birds and reptiles and home to 20 rare, endangered and threatened species, has been added to the Danger List upon request by the USA. It had previously been on this List from 1993 until 2007 because of the large amount of water diverted from the Park to nearby cities, which dried out the wetland habitats and caused a 90 percent drop in the population of wetland birds. The World Heritage Committee decided to remove the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) from the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger, despite IUCN´s recommendation to the contrary. more June 30th, 2010 World Heritage Committee’s annual meeting in Brasilia Representatives from amongst the 186 states that are signatories to the World Heritage Convention will meet at the World Heritage Committee’s annual meeting in Brasilia from 25 July to 3 August. The first world heritage site, the Galapagos Islands (Islands of the Tortoises) of Ecuador consists of an archipelago of 19 volcanic islands in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, 973 km off the Pacific coast of South America.The site's natural resources are increasingly threatened. Introduced plants and animals, such as feral goats, cats, and cattle, brought accidentally or willingly to the islands by humans, represent the main threat to Galápagos. Introduced plants have invaded large areas and eliminated endemic species in the humid zones of San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela and Santa Cruz. more July 25th, 2010 Trial Phase of Habitat Restoration Project to go ahead in February 2011The South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project is now formally underway! Following public consultation on our plans, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) gave consent for the Project to start fieldwork next season -February/March 2011 - and the Board of the SG Heritage Trust immediately instructed the Project Director to commence the operation. This huge Project will be undertaken in two Phases over a period of five seasons. The task is to eradicate invasive rodents - the rats and mice which have devastated the terrestrial ecology and seabird populations of South Georgia over two centuries - from the whole of South Georgia. more>> July 7th, 2010 Non-native mammals poised to fuel bird extinction crisis Put together, the UK’s overseas territories are fifth in the world league table of bird extinctions, with at least ten species from the territories going to oblivion since 1500AD, partially or wholly because of the impact of non-native mammals, such as rats, feral cats, mice and pigs…Across the territories, 33 species of bird are facing extinction on the UK overseas territories and a new report shows that many of these are under threat because of the continued impact of introduced mammals. The report, published in the journal Ibis, shows that one third of the species facing extinction could be helped by the removal of non-native mammals from just seven island groups in the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Pacific. more>> July 7th, 2010 Go-ahead for Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services After a week of intense negotiations, governments have agreed to establish a new mechanism, which will strengthen the dialogue between the scientific community and policymakers on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The so-called 'IPBES' - the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services - will be a leading body in making scientifically sound and relevant information available to support more informed decisions on how biodiversity and ecosystem services are conserved and used around the world. more June 11th 2010 Just published Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group June 1st 2010 Towards an early warning and information system for invasive alien species (IAS) threatening biodiversity in Europe The European Environmental Agency (EEA) has published an assessment of the feasibility to establish a European Early Warning and Information System on biological invasions. This technical report has been prepared by a team of experts led by the Institute for Environmental Research and Protection (Italy) through a collaboration with ISSG. It contributes to the ongoing development of a EU Strategy on invasive alien species, that the European Commission committed to complete in 2011. more>> Wetland aliens cause bird extinction BirdLife International announces today, in an update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ for birds, the extinction of Alaotra Grebe Tachybaptus rufolavatus. more May 26th 2010 Celebrating Biodiversity The United Nations has declared 2010 as the ‘International Year of Biodiversity’. For the next 12 months we will be celebrating biological diversity – the variety of life on earth – and boosting awareness of how important it is for our lives.. more A Message from the ChairIUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group.. more Analysis of the 2008 Red List A detailed analysis of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species , Wildlife in a Changing World an analysis of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has just been published. The IUCN analysis is published every four years. The report analyses 44,838 species on the IUCN Red List and presents results by groups of species, geographical regions, and different habitats, such as marine, freshwater and terrestrial. Results from the report shows nearly one third of amphibians, more than one in eight birds and nearly a quarter of mammals are threatened with extinction. Overall, a minimum of 16,928 species are threatened with extinction. Summary of the 2008 IUCN Red List update There are 869 recorded extinctions, with 804 species listed as Extinct and 65 listed as Extinct in the Wild: The number of extinctions increases to 1,159 if the 290 Critically Endangered species tagged as Possibly Extinct are included; 16,928 species are threatened with extinction (3,246 are Critically Endangered, 4,770 are Endangered and 8,912 are Vulnerable); 3,796 species are listed as Near Threatened 5,570 species have insufficient information to determine their threat status and are listed as Data Deficient; 17,675 species are listed as Least Concern The threat of invasive species: Invasive species are the fifth most severe threat to Amphibians, following habitat loss, pollution, disease and fires. Invasive species are the third most severe threat to Bird species after agriculture and logging. Invasive species are the third most severe threat to Mammals after habitat loss and utilization (mostly for food and medicine) Invasive species are the fourth most severe threat to Reptiles after pollution, persecution and natural disasters. The greatest threats in Europe are water pollution, invasive species and water extraction which impact 66%, 55% and 55% of threatened freshwater fish species, respectively. Invasive species are listed as a major threat to a broad range of marine species facing extinction. more Visit from the Director-General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) The work of the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) and the Pacific Invasives Initiative (PII) received attention from the Director-General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on Saturday, 6 June, 2009. Ms Julia Marton Lefevre met members of the two groups at the Tamaki Campus of The University of Auckland, to discuss New Zealand s world-leading role in invasive species management. The Director-General was accompanied by Taholo Kami (IUCN Regional Director, Oceania), Diane Shand (IUCN Regional Councillor, Oceania) and Andrew Bignell (Manager International Relations, Department of Conservation). Prior to her visit to Tamaki Campus, Ms Lefevre had been taken to invasive species management projects at Karori in Wellington and Tiritiri Matangi in Auckland. As a result of her experiences in New Zealand and discussions with members of the ISSG and PII staff, the Director-General acknowledged the importance of invasive species management in both biodiversity and livelihood areas and pledged IUCN support for the programmes. Ms Marton-Lefevre s visit, her first to the region, had been highly anticipated and highlighted IUCN s role and experiences in providing a rich platform for all stakeholders to share environmental issues in the region. Her visit also provided the opportunity for discussions to strengthen the role of IUCN in delivering its value propositions with IUCN commission members, members and potential members in the region. May 22nd 'The International Day for Biological Diversity 2009' Message from the Chair May 22nd 'The International Day for Biological Diversity 2009' was dedicated to invasive alien species. Scientific evidence indicates that biological invasions are growing at an unprecedented rate, posing increasing threats to the diversity of life, and also disrupting ecosystem functionality. Global economies, as well as water supply, food security and human health are impacted negatively. Despite the urgency to take action against invasions, public awareness on the issue is inadequate. The celebration on May 22nd hopefully made the international community realise the high costs that we are all paying to the globalization of economies, and convinced decision makers to implement the principles that were agreed under the Convention on Biological Diversity (http://www.cbd.int/decision/cop/?id=7197), but never fully applied. ISSG is ready to do its bit for supporting global action toward biological invasions; our network of leading specialists provide technical advice to policy makers, and, ISSG disseminates the most current and reliable information on invasive species ecology, their impacts on biological diversity and ways to prevent and control their spread. Piero Genovesi Chair IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group more Italian Minister of Environment announces support to the Global Invasive Species Database The Italian Minister of the Environment, Stefania Prestigiacomo, has announced financial support for the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD), the freely accessible online database of the ISSG. The GISD is acknowledged as the most authoritative and comprehensive database on alien species at the global scale. Following the appointment of Piero Genovesi as the new ISSG chair, GISD will be hosted at the Environmental Protection and Research Institute (ISPRA) in Rome, Italy. The Italian Ministry of Environment is committed to provide financial contributions to enhance the improvement of the GISD and, in particular, to integrate it with other information services, thus increasing support to decision makers. The commitment of the Italian Minister is a first implementation of the actions listed in the Syracuse Charter on Biodiversity, agreed at the last G8 Environment Ministers meeting, which calls for developing and strengthening actions to prevent and control the spread of invasive alien species, and support to global information systems. Invasive Species of the Week will feature invasive alien species that have contributed to the decline and extinction of species populations To increase awareness of the enormous variety of life on our planet, and raise the profile of threatened species, the IUCN has launched the IUCN Red List ‘Amazing Species’ Related links:IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Commissions SSC, Species Survival Commission Directory of SSC Specialist Groups

TAGS:Invasive SSC IUCN 

<<< Thank you for your visit >>>

The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN);the Invasive Species Specialist Group, ISSG aims to reduce threats to natural ecosystems and the native species they contain by increasing awareness of invasive alien species, and of ways to prevent, control or eradicate the exotic species.

Hot Websites