Invasive and Non-Native species

Invasive non-native species are major drivers of change in biodiversity, threatening native species, transforming habitats and disrupting ecosystem functions. They can also be responsible for the spread of new diseases.

CEH plays a key research role in helping to develop solutions to tackle the problems caused by biological invasions. Its work includes:

  • Monitoring and mapping the distribution of species
  • Determining their habitat requirements
  • Modelling the population dynamics of invasive species and the plant and animal communities they threaten
  • Predicting future trends and advising statutory authorities on control strategies

Biological Records Centre

The Biological Records Centre (BRC) at CEH, co-funded by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, is the national focus for biological species recording in the UK. With funding from Defra, the BRC is developing the GB Non-Native Species Information Portal, which will link to the National Biodiversity Network in order to provide distribution data and basic information for approximately 3,000 non-native species.

DAISIE

As part of the EU-funded project DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe), CEH has created the DAISIE website, which provides a wealth of information on biological invasions in Europe, documenting more than 11,000 non-native species across the continent.

Harlequin Ladybird Survey

The Harlequin Ladybird is predicted to become a serious threat to Britain's biodiversity, possibly threatening over 1,000 native species. Since its launch in 2005, CEH's innovative web-based Harlequin Ladybird Survey has received more than 35,000 records from volunteers, who are helping scientists to track this biological invasion with a high degree of accuracy. The Harlequin data, together with experimental work by CEH and collaborating organisations, are enabling scientists to understand and predict the impact of this invasive species, and explore natural control measures.

 

Aquatic weeds

CEH's Aquatic Plant Management group studies native and non-native aquatic weeds that have escaped into the wild to cause significant economic and environmental damage. By determining what causes these species to thrive, CEH scientists are working to develop more effective and environmentally sustainable strategies to control them. CEH provides expert advice to organisations in the UK and around the world.

Countryside Survey

This unique study or "audit" of the natural resources of the UK’s countryside has been carried out at intervals since 1978 by CEH. The most recent field survey was undertaken in 2007. Countryside Survey is funded by a partnership of funding bodies led by NERC and Defra. By sampling and studying areas of the countryside, and comparing results from previous surveys, Countryside Survey can detect gradual and subtle changes that occur over time – including increases in the types, abundance and distribution of non-native plant species.

Disease-carrying mosquitoes

Currently, UK mosquitoes are not thought to transmit pathogens to man. This situation may change in the medium- to long term, however, as a result of environmental change. Data on the distribution abundance of mosquitoes in the UK is largely outdated. CEH scientists have mapped mosquitoes on the UK's largest wetland grassland and are undertaking analyses to relate patterns to environmental variables. In conjunction with the Health Protection Agency and a European Consortium (VECMAP), they are broadening their survey and developing mosquito recording and management tools. By developing a nationwide infrastructure to monitor these insects and models to predict future trends, CEH will help Government and health agencies to prevent outbreaks of disease.

Advice to government

CEH was part of the team that produced the Impact of Invasive Species Biodiversity Indicator; this is one of a suite of 18 UK Biodiversity Indicators, used for reporting progress towards meeting the UK's biodiversity targets under international treaty.

The Aquatic Plant Management group has also provided input into the 2009 consultation by Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government on the possible release of a biocontrol agent to control Japanese knotweed.

More information

See also Biological Invasions.