Transcript Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme

An Introduction to Invasive Non
Native Species
Bullies in nature
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
What are Invasive Non Native Species?
 Invasive species are bullies in nature
 Non Native species would not be here naturally
 They chase out our native plants, animals and fish
Invasive Non Native Species include animals, fish, plants
and micro-organisms that are introduced by human action
but which out-compete species which occur naturally
in the region.
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
How to identify Invasive Non Native Species
 Invasive species take over an entire area and eliminate
biodiversity
 They can grow out of control
 They chase out our native species
 The result is a monoculture
 They have no natural predator
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
How do Invasive Non Native Species get here
Introduced deliberately Accidental
Ornamental gardens
Ballasts of ships
Game animals
Unprocessed wood
Domestic animal
Food shipments
Plants for agriculture
Escapees
Fashion statements
On your shoe……..
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
What are the negative effects of Invasive Non Native Species
 Invasive Non Native Species do not provide food
 They out-compete our native species for limited resources
such as food and habitat.
 They explode in population because they do not have a
natural predator
 They are a threat to our ecosystems, economy or society.
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
What can we do to help?
 Do not release your aquatic pets or plants into the natural
environment
 Learn to identify invasive species
 Report any sightings of Invasive Non Native
Species.
 Remove any debris that has hitchhiked onto
your boots from a natural area.
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
BUT……….
Not everyone thinks all INNS are bad.
 Beekeepers like Himalayan Balsam
 American Signal Crayfish are served in restaurants
 Mink look cute and cuddly (but are they?)
 American Skunk Cabbage looks pretty
An Introduction to Invasive Species
Bullies in nature
BUT……….
 Are these reasons justification to ignore the damage these
species might do to our Native Species and the environment?
verses
Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme
What do we do?
 Tell people about Invasive Non Native Species and why they
are important
 Train local communities to identify Invasive Species
 Help people to report sightings
 Train volunteers to treat Invasive Species
 Advise on biosecurity measures
 Coordinate the works strategically on our rivers.
Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme
Sub-catchment areas:
• Biel Water
• Tyne
• Esk
• Water of Leith
• Almond
• Avon
• Carron
• Forth
• Teith
• Allan Water
• Devon
• Black Devon
• Leven
• Fife Coastal
• Forth Coastal
• East Lothian Coastal
• Falkirk Coastal
Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme
RAFT Invasive Species database and reporting website
FINNS has joined a number of other Trusts as part of the RAFTS Invasive
Species Programme and uses the new website which has been developed.
www.inns.rafts.org.uk
The site allows
• FINNS staff to enter information directly using a handheld PDA and
• Public to enter their own sightings.
With site we can also provide information on areas that have been treated.
Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme
RAFT Invasive Species database and reporting website
Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme
RAFT Invasive Species database and reporting website
Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme
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