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The fight against invasive species to prevent extinctions

Date
March, 2109

Amphibian fungal panzootic causes catastrophic and ongoing loss of biodiversity

http://science.sciencemag.org/content/363/6434/1459.full

Picture: Jon Kolby / Duellmanohyla soralia

Video

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Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC)

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La extinción masiva de anfibios en el mundo

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Azucena López (Journalist at the National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid, Spain)

Iason Theodorou

Lea Melissante Ventura

Maria Keroglidou (Undergraduate student in the Department of Biological Technologies and Applications, University of Ioannina)

Mónika Szűcs (BRegulatory affairs associate, TEVA Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Debrecen, Hungary)

Rosa Machado(Teacher of Ciences and Biology, Secondary School, Portugal)

Vasiliki Sfairopoulou (Undergraduate student in the Department of Biological Technologies and Applications, University of Ioannina, Greece)

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Both amphibian and reptile species’ diversity is threatened worldwide by a plethora of causes, one of them being the presence of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). In fact, IAS are considered to be the second most significant cause of extinctions after habitat destruction (IUCN, 2011). In this report we focused on the potential negative impacts and threats that specific IAS (of all taxonomic groups) pose on the herpetofauna of our “herpetoareas” (namely: 1) Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, Madrid, Spain, 2) Portugal, 3)South-Nyírség, Hungary, 4) Hepirus, Greece, 5) Crete, Greece and 6) the rest regions of Greece). A total of 25 IAS (14 animals, 7 plants, 4 fungi and viruses, including some of “the 100 World’s Worst Invasive species”) are displayed - some of them being met in more than one of our herpetoareas - their direct or indirect impacts in native herpetofauna are described, similarities and differences between the different “herpetoareas” are discussed, and finally a group of possible counter-meters are suggested.

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Invasive alien species (IAS) are proven to be established by humans – either intentionally or accidentally outside of their natural past or present distribution, and are invasive. In other words, invasive are the introduced species that have overcome biotic and abiotic barriers, and are able to disseminate away from their area of initial introduction through the production of fertile offspring with noticeable impact. The term invasive is also associated with established species which are agents of change and threaten native biological diversity or species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of infested ecosystems, economic activities dependent on these ecosystems and/or human health. In this paper we are adapting the definition that encompasses impacts as an essential dimension for the categorisation of an alien species as invasive.

IAS are the most common threat associated with extinctions of amphibians and reptiles. Native species evolve and adapt to form their own unique niche, and a delicate balance is required to keep all elements of the environment functioning in a healthy way. IAS alter that delicate balance. In many cases invasive species can displace a similar native species by competition or can carry a disease that can kill the native. Impacts can also be economical, e.g. invasive alien crop pests can reduce agricultural yields.

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Main aspects of the topic

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide.

Mainly Amphibians, but also Reptiles are highly threatened by modifications of natural systems, especially in relation to freshwater reservoirs, and the subsequent potential habitat differentiation.

There are two kind of invasive species’ categories that may negatively affect the well-being of native herpetofauna: The ones that directly affect it – though means of predation, competition for resources, niche overlapping, diseases etc – and the ones of indirect affection – causing degratation or even loss of herpetofaunas’ habitat. It is not always obvious which category may end up having the greatest impact.

Systematic monitoring, prevention of establishment and – if possible – limitation of invasive species that pose a threat upon native herpetofauna is of high importance. Especially in cases of critically endangered endemic species of herpetofauna, that we do meet in our aforementioned “herpetoareas”.

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Findings
After analyzing areas of Greece, Hungary, Spain and Portugal we have identified general effects and impacts of invasive species on the herpetofauna. Here we present our findings:

They cause biodiversity and habitat loss.

They reduce the native’s species amount of natural feed.

They transmit parasites.

They produce changes in the structure and composition of ecosystems displacing natural habitats.

-Fungus causes diseases and blights on plants, trees and amphibians. Its expansion is fast, even ferocious, and it is not easy to control.  On trees they modify the woodland ecosystem, hence the habitats of the herpetofauna who live in the area. For amphibians, it could cause extermination and it’s responsible of the decline and extinction of several amphibian species.

Invasive aquatic predators are particularly detrimental to the egg and larval stages of most amphibians as these stages are restricted to water until metamorphosis.

Invasive plant species can rapidly colonize large areas interrupting the connection of the aquatic environment and dislocating the local ones that are the habitat of reptiles.

Some invasive animal species eat amphibians and reptiles.

When the invasive species does not have a natural predator it is a serious threat to the area as the increment of the population is uncontrollable.

The invasive fungus species, that cause the destruction of trees that belong to the snake habitats, often cause great survival problems to the reptiles involved.

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Current challenges
What are the current challenges concerning your topic?
The challenges concerning the problem of invasive species can be divided in two
groups:

The challenge of prevention

The challenge of extermination

Preventing the invasion of species is more effective compared to exterminating them. This can be conducted through examining all plant and animal imports and recording each specimen. Alien species kept as pets or farm animals /plants have to be restrained from escape, which can be a challenge itself as animals often escape confinement and seeds and pollen are carried away by the air.
Careful recording of imports should also be coupled with medical examination of said imports: it is common occurrence that fungi and bacteria are imported while being hosted by animals and plants. This stands as another great challenge: that cost of medical examination of imports is high, and in times of
pandemic it may also have to be utterly prohibited. Exterminating invasive species is a whole new challenge itself: Due to them
having no natural predators and finding abundant prey (animals and plants that have not adjusted to their presence), invasive species quickly expand and establish, making it very hard for us to remove them effectively. Reducing their number to an alarming low for their population requires mass hunting or the use of traps and poisoned bait that can be pretty dangerous for the native species, other than being costly as well (Economics of Harmful Invasive Species: A Review, Marbuah G. , Gren I.M. and McKie B., 2004, Diversity, Pages 500 523;doi:10.3390/d6030500).

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Recomendations

Only with the adoption of certain measures and progress in some fields of science, such as the control of non-indigenous invasive species, pollution control and the conservation of wetlands will it be possible to prevent the loss and degradation of habitats and ensure of amphibian and reptiles populations around the world.

Monitoring populations is essential and must be aided by the establishment of standard methods and techniques. It is equally important that the academic community, land managers, and conservation organizations recognize that rigorous field programs focusing on the distribution, abundance, status, and trends of populations and species are critical and worthwhile.

Herpetofaunal inventories should become a standard part of environmental assessment programs, and the publication of field survey efforts that document potential or suspected declines should be encouraged.

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Invasive species should be considered as a big priority by our governments. Its control and eradication is crucial if we want to preserve biodiversity. In the past many mistakes were committed by introducing species in order “to solve” some situations, but let’s learn of our errors and take it seriously. It’s now or never.

It is very important to invest in environmental education at the level of national science curricula in our schools.

Priority should be given to the prevention of the establishment of aliens. This could be achieved through an improvement of the existing international legal framework, better coordination of international cooperation and the elaboration of targeted national strategies.

The aforementioned coordination is already in progress through numerous National projects and Action Plans (eg: ‘ELNAIS’ -Ellenic Network on Aquatic Invasive Species, National Biodiversity and Action plan etc), as well as EU projects (eg: 'DAISIE’ Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe ).

Moreover, many IAS are large and easily recognizable species, found in terrestrial and freshwater habitats neighbouring urban areas. For this reason citizen-scientists could be easily involved in the reporting and monitoring of IAS . This could help in their early detection, and in the adoption of rapid response mechanisms.

Invasive plants mentioned here are mostly indirectly influencing the herpetofauna by causing habitat fragmentation and destruction. Land owners could be given financial support by the government or the EU for reducing IAS plant species' spatial extension and promoting the survival or reintroduction of the natural vegetation.

Prevention comes first. Preventing a threat is far easier and of lower cost than facing the challenge directly. The prevention measures mentioned in previous posts (recording of alien species, medical check etc) should be strictly followed so no new invaders will be introduced to our already harmed HerpetoAreas.

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According to our research in three different countries, Spain, Greece and Portugal, it is understandable that IAS are negatively affecting, directly or indirectly, the local herpetofauna. Herpetofauna’s impoverishment is globally observed with IAS considered to be the second most significant cause (IUCN, 2011). In previous years, the lack of knowledge and tools to comprehend the tremendous impact that invasive species pose on local populations, led to a loose management of the problem, but today it is unforgivable to turn a blind eye to this situation. Local authorities in global scale should take measures to improve the chances of survival for the local herpetofauna, by strictly managing the IAS crisis. Furthermore, it is vital to elaborate more on this subject by constracting continuous research in order to diminish an chance of mismanagement.

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Greece
Animal Diversity Web. https://animaldiversity.org/
Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe. http://www.europe-aliens.org/
Ellenic Network on Aquatic Invasive Species. https://elnais.hcmr.gr/
EPA-United States Environmental Protec- tion Agency, 2001. http://www.epa.gov/ gmpo/nonindig.html Aquatic nuisance species, Annual Report, 2001.
Hellenic Center of Marine Research. https://www.hcmr.gr/en/
Herpetofauna of Greece. http://www.herpetofauna.gr/
Invasive Species Compendium. https://www.cabi.org/ISC/
Invasive Species Specialists Group. http://www.issg.org/worst100_species.html
IUCN : International Union for the Conser- vation of Nature and Natural Resources http://www.iucn.org
KATSANEVAKIS, S., ZENETOS, A., POURSANIDIS, D., NUNES, A., DERIU, I., BOGUCARSKIS, K., & CARDOSO, A. (2013). ELNAIS meets EASIN: distribution of marine alien species in Greece using EASIN mapping services and ELNAIS spatial data. Mediterranean Marine Science, 14(1), 95-98. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.329
National Biodiversity and Action plan, 2014. https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/gr/gr-nbsap-01-en.pdf
RICHARDSON, D.M., PYSEK, P., REJ- MANEK, M., BARBOUR, M.G., PAN- ETA, D.F & WEST, C.W., 2000. Natu- ralization and invasion of alien plants: concepts and definitions. Diversity and Distributions, 6: 93-107.
Tsiamis K; Gervasini E; Deriu I; D`amico F; Nunes A; Addamo A; De Jesus Cardoso A. Baseline Distribution of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern. Ispra (Italy): Publications Office of the European Union; 2017, EUR 28596 EN, doi:10.2760/772692
First account on the occurrence of selected invasive alien species vertebrates in Greece, Chloe Adamopoulou and Anastastios Legakis, 2016, Bioinvasions Records, 5(4):189-196,  DOI: 10.3391/bir.2016.5.4.01
Economics of Harmful Invasive Species: A Review, George Marbuah ,Ing-Marie Gren and Brendan McKie, 2004, Diversity, Pages 500-523; doi:10.3390/d6030500

Hungary
Antal Molnár: Határ menti eltűnő szigetek. Zöld Kör, Debrecen, 2010.

TERRA Foundation
http://www.terra.hu/

Portugal
http://www2.icnf.pt/portal/pn/biodiversidade/patrinatur/lvv/lista-anfibios
… of invasive Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura): characterization and assessment of possible exchanges with native Pelophylax perezi in Oeiras streams, Portugal
https://amphibiaweb.org/chytrid/Bsal.html

https://amphibiaweb.org/chytrid/chytridiomycosis.html

https://amphibiaweb.org/declines/declines.html
http://naturlink.pt/article.aspx?menuid=82&cid=17931&bl=1&viewall=true
http://www.biodiversidadeterrestre.uevora.pt/Elenco-de-Especies/Biodiversidade-terrestre/Anfibios/Tritao-de-patas-espalmadas
Red Book of Vertebrates of Portugal. Almeida. P. e outros (2005). Livro Vermelho dos Vertebrados de Portugal. ICNB
Almeida. N. e outros (2001). Anfíbios e Répteis de Portugal. Fapas
Comércio de répteis exóticos: as suas implicações para a conservação da natureza
Alterações climáticas e biodiversidade: avaliação da vulnerabilidade e medidas de adaptação para a herpetofauna portuguesa
As coleções zoológicas do Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência

capítulo 6| A osteoteca: uma ferramenta de trabalho

Spain
SOS amphibians Guadarrama Project https://www.parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es/en/sos-anfibios/proyecto-sos

Artic char (Salvelinus fontinalis) eradication in Sierra de Guadarrama NP  https://www.parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es/en/conservacion/action/213-invasive-species

American mink in Sierra de Guadarrama

https://www.parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es/en/naturaleza/fauna/120-mammals

Spanish catalogue of invasive alien species

https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/biodiversidad/temas/conservacion-de-especies/especies-exoticas-invasoras/ce-eei-catalogo.aspx

Presencia de la especie invasora Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) (Decapoda, Astacidae) en la Cuenca del Río Segura (SE, España)

https://www.um.es/analesdebiologia/numeros/38/PDF/38_2016_14.pdf

Spanish catalogue of invasive alien species (Pacifastacus leniusculus information)

https://www.miteco.gob.es/gl/biodiversidad/temas/conservacion-de-especies/pacifastacus_leniusculus_2013_tcm37-69905.pdf

Review of the state of knowledge of crayfish species in the Iberian Peninsula

http://www.limnetica.com/Limnetica/Limne32/L32b269_Crayfish_species_Iberian_peninsula.pdf

Ailanthus altissima - Tree of heaven (arbolapp’s information)

http://www.arbolapp.es/en/species/info/ailanthus-altissima/

Spanish Catalogue of invasive alien species (Ailanthus altissima information)

https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/biodiversidad/temas/conservacion-de-especies/ailanthus_altissima_2013_tcm30-69804.pdf

The invasive exotic species Ailanthus altissim a arrives at the Dehesa de Navalvillar. Colmenar Viejo. (Only Spanish)

https://elguadarramista.files.wordpress.com/2018/03/el-ailanto-caso-de-estudio-dehesa-de-navalvillar-colmenar-viejo.pdf

Management of alien plants in Spain: from prevention to restoration

http://digital.csic.es/bitstream/10261/72483/1/Andreu, Jara.pdf

Biological flora of Central Europe: Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Ingo Kowarik, Ina Saumel

file:///C:/Users/Azucena%20Lopez/Downloads/1-s2.0-S1433831907000133-main.pdf

Studies on the constituents of Ailanthus altissima Swingle, 3: the alkaloidal constituents. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 32, 170–173. Ohmoto, T., Koike, K., 1984.

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb1958/32/1/32_1_170/_pdf

Assessing potential biological control of the invasive plant, tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima. Biocontrol Sci. Technol. 16, 547–566. Ding, J.Q., Wu, Y., Zheng, H., Fu, W.D., Reardon, R., Liu, M., 2006.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09583150500531909

Comparing the palatability of native and non-native Mediterranean plants. Ecol. Mediterr. 30, 39–46. Dormann, C.F., King, R., 2004.

file:///C:/Users/Azucena%20Lopez/Downloads/Dormann2004EcolMedit.pdf

AmphibianARK

http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/chytrid-fungus/

Environmental refuge from disease-driven amphibian extinctions. 2013.National Museum of Natural Sciences. (Only Spanish)

http://www.mncn.csic.es/index.jsp?seccion=1329&id=2013061816140001&activo=12

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Pacifastacus leniusculus

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Acacia dealbata

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Xenopus laevis

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Gambusia holbrooki

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Rattus rattus

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Lithobates catesbeianus

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Myocastor coypus

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Ailanthus altissima

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Imperata cylindrica

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Asclepias syriaca

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Trachemys scripta