Alien species in our marine, countryside and freshwater ecosystems

Vulnerable fresh water habitats may be under increasing threat by an invasive alien fresh water species, the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii. The species has been introduced in the Maltese fresh water habitat by some careless human action which may affect local natural fresh water communities of species that are already vulnerable due to pollution and climate change impacts.

The species has been identified morphologically and genetically by members of the Conservation Biology Research Group of the University of Malta who are reporting the presence of this alien species in Chadwick lakes. Observations of this species confirmed its opportunistic feeding of tadpoles and other species found in the fresh water environment pointing toward impacts on this habitat and its biodiversity. The publication of this scientific investigation has been published in the International peer reviewed journal NESciences http://www.nesciences.com/abs tract_info.php?page=info&pape rID=197. The finding has been shared with the environment protection authority in order to rec- ommend action toward removing the new man-made environmental threat in this very fragile local freshwater ecosystem.

The Conservation Biology Research Group is active in the study of biodiversity in different habitats and has discovered various non-native species in the marine environment. Among these were the discoveries of the Cocoa Damselfish, Dory Snapper, Indo-Pacific Sergeant, Sergeant Major, African Sergeant, Lowfin Chub, Niger Hind, Monrovia Surgeonfish, Indo-Pacific Punctuated Flatworm, Lionfish and Squirrelfish.

It is clear that more care in the importation and sale of exotic species should be in place where most habitats are already suffering from various anthropogenic problems.

Anyone wishing to assist ongoing conservation research of endemic, vulnerable or endangered species by reporting sightings of these species and the impacts these are suffering in their habitats is most welcome to contact this research group.

As exotic or alien species increasingly threaten local species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments, these non-native species may be sighted, photographed or collected and forwarded by any interested citizen to this research group so it may continue with its work to promote effective conservation of species and habitats needing urgent care.

The CBRG-UoM is thankful for the various reports and sightings it receives which complement its own dedicated research efforts in the field and research labs. Various stakeholders including fishermen, scuba divers, farmers, nature enthusiasts and BICREF NGO members have been assisting these local efforts toward conservation.