Category Archives: Invasive Species
Invasive species bans show a step in the right direction
Yesterday marked a historic day for the control of non-native invasive species in the UK. From next spring, five species of non-native aquatic plants will no longer be allowed to be sold within the UK. The ban is the first … Continue reading
Ash Dieback: Control Plan and Interim Task Force report published
A new strategy to tackle Ash dieback has been published today alongside the Tree and Plant Health Task Force’s interim report. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson announced today. The Chalara Control Plan sets out the Government’s objectives for tackling the disease … Continue reading
Ash update a positive spin
It was no surprise to the scientific community when Secretary of State Owen Paterson announced on Friday that “It will not be possible to eradicate ash dieback” but members of the public and tree enthusiasts may well be shocked at … Continue reading
The partners in crime that could solve the case…
One of the strongest ecological structuring forces the world has ever known, that has influenced the genetic make-up of every organism on earth, is that of the partnership between parasite and host. The term parasite may evoke images of tapeworms … Continue reading
First occurrence of ‘ash dieback’ in Britain
A fungal disease caused by Chalara fraxinea was found for the first time in a nursery in South East England. The disease is widespread on the Continent and can kill ash trees. The nursery imported 2,000 ash trees from the … Continue reading
Invasion of Antarctica?
Invasive alien species are considered one of the most significant threats to the unique biodiversity of Antarctica and these aliens are hitching a ride on us! Steven Chown, from the Centre for Invasion Biology at Stellenbosch University and his research … Continue reading
The Future of Biosecurity – Seminar
The fifth in a series of ESRC-funded seminars on biosecurity is taking place at Birkbeck College, University of London, on 22-23 September 2011. ‘The Future of Biosecurity and Biosecuring the Future’ will bring together speakers, discussion panels, exhibition and film … Continue reading
Urgent Action Needed to Tackle Non-Native Invasive Species in EU
A group of researchers have called for urgent action to be taken to tackle invasive alien species in Europe, as reported on the BBC website (Pamela Rutherford) and this morning’s Today Programme. The researchers, meeting for a conference in Copenhagen, … Continue reading
BES Invasive Species Group Meets to Consider Links to Policy
The BES Policy Officer yesterday attended the first day of a meeting in London of the British Ecological Society’s Invasive Species Special Interest Group. The topic for the meeting was “Linking Research and Practice”, with participants eager to find out … Continue reading
Harlequin Set to Wreak Havoc over Warm Summer
A team of scientists has warned that there will only be “one winner, 1000 losers” as the Harlequin ladybird continues its spread through the UK. Introduced to Holland to control aphid numbers there, the ladybird spread to the UK in … Continue reading