Thousands of ‘alien species’ might invade the Arctic as boffins challenge pressing warning
Rising temperatures and more tourists are making it easier for non-native plants and animals to get a foothold in remote northerly regions and invade the Arctic, a new study warns
Expert have warned the artic is risk of invasion by foreign species
Thousands of ‘alien species’ could invade the Arctic, according to alarming new research.
Rising temperatures and increased tourism are making it far simpler for non-native plants and animals to establish themselves in remote northern regions, boffins have warned. Species that don’t belong in an area can push out those that already call it home causing concern amongst experts.
This is regarded as one of the most serious threats to biodiversity across the globe, the Intergovernmental Panel on Nature (IPBES) states. Researchers have now identified which foreign plants could potentially threaten Arctic vegetation. Conservationists have branded the findings, published in the journal NeoBiota, as “concerning” – particularly when it’s arguably never been easier for invasive species to spread.
Professor Kristine Bakke Westergaard revealed: “We found a total of 2,554 species that would find a suitable climatic niche in today’s Arctic. This indicates these plants could potentially survive in Arctic conditions if they somehow manage to reach there. Hitching a ride with humans represents one of the most likely methods of transport.”
Prof Westergaard, from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, explained: “Our results show that alien species from virtually all over the world can find a niche in the Arctic.” She added: “And with all the human activity in the Arctic now, there are lots of opportunities to get there.”
She and her team from the Department of Natural History and the University of Liverpool have carried out what scientists term a “horizon scan”. Prof Westergaard said: “We looked at roughly 14,000 known alien plant species that can spread to places where they do not originally belong.”
The research group utilised data from over 51 million recorded instances of these species to develop a comprehensive map highlighting the most vulnerable regions. Lead author Tor Henrik Ulsted revealed: “Our map shows hotspot areas in the Arctic where many alien species can tolerate the climate. The highest number of species are found in the north of Norway.”
According to the researchers, virtually no Arctic locations remain entirely protected from invasion, including the remote Svalbard archipelago.
Prof Westergaard, who has personally discovered and examined invasive species in the region, noted: “Even in Svalbard, 86 alien species can find a climatic niche.” She sounded the alarm that northern conditions are transforming at an alarming pace.
In recent decades Arctic temperatures have risen, creating opportunities for increasing numbers of foreign species to establish themselves in suitable habitats. Expert panels from the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre evaluated the threat posed by non-native species across Norway and Svalbard.
Prof Westergaard observed: “These committees have long found it to be very laborious, almost impossible, to make a list of relevant species that should be assessed as possible new alien species.” Mr Ulsted added: “Our long-term goal is to help identify alien species before they become invasive and problematic.”
According to the research team, it is far more efficient to spot and control invasive species at the earliest opportunity rather than delaying until they have become well established.
