Call for experts: Invasive species

Make your expertise count by submitting ecological evidence to the Defra invasives consultation.

Defra’s Management measures for widely spread Invasive Alien Species (IAS) consultation is on management measures being considered for 14 species of concern which are widely spread in England and Wales.

For widely spread species of Union concern, the Regulation requires effective management measures to be put in place, so that their impact on biodiversity, the related ecosystem services and, where applicable, on human health or the economy are minimised. Management measures consist of lethal or non-lethal, physical, chemical or biological actions aimed at eradication, population control and containment of a population of species of Union concern.

The BES is looking for expertise on any of the following species:

Plants

  • Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii)
  • Chilean rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria)
  • Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
  • Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)
  • Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
  • Curly waterweed (Lagarosiphon major)
  • American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
  • Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)

Animals

  • Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
  • Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
  • Muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi)
  • Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
  • Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
  • and all subspecies of (Trachemys scripta) otherwise known as “slider terrapins”

If you would like to contribute, or have any questions, please contact Sara at sara@britishecologicalsociety.org

All contributions must be received by 23 August.