A recent study has suggested that not even the Antarctic Peninsula is safe from the spread of invasive species. A horizon scanning exercise by experts suggested that 103 species have the potential to invade the Antarctic Peninsula within 10 years. Marine invertebrates, such as mussels and crabs, which may be transported in the ballast water of ships, are amongst the most likely candidates, although flowering plants and terrestrial invertebrates are also included.
Estimates of the cost of invasive species to the British economy have been valued around £1.7bn, and now it seems that nowhere is immune to such costs. Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) have the highest associated costs in the UK.
UES have experienced ecologists who can identify invasive species, and who hold a PA1 and PA6 qualification for hand held applications of pesticide. To find out more click here.
Study reference: Hughes, K.A., Pescott, O.L., Peyton, J., Adriaens, T., Cottier‐Cook, E.J., Key, G., Rabitsch, W., Tricarico, E., Barnes, D.K., Baxter, N. and Belchier, M., 2020. Invasive non‐native species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Global Change Biology.