Invasive Species Risk Assessment in the ALARM Project

Introduction 

The biological invasions module of the ALARM (Assessing large-scale risks to biodiversity using tested methods) project aims to develop and test comprehensive, systematic protocols to help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species (IS) to European ecosystems. Such species threaten the environment, agriculture, human health, economy and quality of life. Distinctive in its scope and approach, ALARM aims to deliver novel insights into biological invasions, original approaches to management of vulnerable ecosystems, and new perspectives in local and regional policy. The risk analysis tools are being developed to address the risks posed by non-native species at the introduction stage (prevention screening) and also those posed by established non-native species that have the potential to spread more widely in Europe (invasion prevention).

Approach  

Among the most important goals in the strategic management of invasions are determining whether there are any general or ecosystem-specific rules for the assessment of invasiveness of species and ecosystem invasibility. Risk assessment integrates the likelihood of invasion and its consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Activities

Key components of the risk assessments include:

• analysis of introduction pathways;
• species invasive trait assessments;
• assessments to rank ecosystem vulnerability;
• identification of gaps in current procedures;
• evaluation and application of measures to close gaps.

Risk assessments are being developed for freshwater and terrestrial plants, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. Research integrates statistical analysis, simulation modelling and field studies in order to develop decision support tools for key stakeholders. Data is drawn from both global and European databases (e.g. DAISIE). The global provide robust generic insights while the European can be used to fine-tune the risk analysis to European conditions. Although the analyses of current invasive species in Europe are retrospective, development of the toolkit involves objective tests.

Scope

Biological invasions are large-scale phenomena of widespread importance and represent one of the major threats to European biodiversity. Numerous invasive species, many introduced into Europe little more than 200 years ago, have become successfully established over large areas of the European Union.

Furthermore, the geographical range of a large number of species is believed to be increasing, so that invasive species with have a limited distribution in Europe currently might become more widespread in the future. Previous European research on the threats to terrestrial ecosystems neglected to study the impact of biological invasions, but assessing the relative vulnerability of ecosystems to invasion and the consequences for ecosystem function remain of prime interest. Although invasions are large-scale phenomena, they need to be addressed at a regional scale and a European perspective is essential to identify future threats, assess spatial dynamics and identify preventative measures. ALARM brings together leading specialists in invasion biology to ensure a robust European approach to the problems of biological invasions.

Further details: www.alarmproject.net