Wildlife in peril from alien species

The spread of non-native species is a growing danger that could have catastrophic effect on native wildlife, a study has found.

An international research team said “alien” species such as Canada geese or non-native plants may damage or kill native animals, plants and trees. They calculate that a rise of 20 to 30 per cent in invasive species would lead to “dramatic” global biodiversity loss.

The study, led by Dr Franz Essl and Dr Bernd Lenzner of the University of Vienna and published in the journal Global Change Biology, shows that taking species to new regions often harms biodiversity and human wellbeing by displacing native species or transmitting diseases. Dr Essl said humans were the “main driver” of the spread of alien species.

Co-author Prof Helen Roy, of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, called for action to curb introductions of “damaging non-native species”.