MAKING USE OF INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES SETTLED IN NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS. AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT? AN INITIAL ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF POINTS REQUIRING ATTENTION

INTRODUCTION 

Biological invasions with multiple consequences 

Invasive alien species (hereinafter IAS) constitute one of the main pressures weighing on biodiversity worldwide, similar to the destruction of natural habitats, overuse of resources, pollution and climate change. Introduced species, if and when they become invasive, induce multiple consequences, direct and/or indirect, affecting the native species, the functioning of natural habitats and the services provided by ecosystems, as well as economic activities and human health. Around the world, spanning different geographic scales and levels of intensity, IASs cause damage to ecosystems and the regression of native species. According to the latest estimates by the IUCN Red list of threatened species, these species represent a threat for almost one-third of the terrestrial species facing extinction and have been involved in half of all known extinctions (UICN France, 2015). Economically speaking, major negative consequences may result from biological invasions (Kettunen et al., 2009). The impacts causing economic losses for various economic players or for society as a whole may take on many different forms, e.g. lower agricultural yields, health costs, the costs incurred for the management in the field of invasive species, for the restoration of invaded natural environments, and damage to ecosystem services, though it is more difficult to quantify the latter. In terms of the health considerations, the many introduced species may threaten local fauna and flora, or even constitute a threat to human health. They may be allergenic, pathogenic or toxic, or they may carry pathogenic micro-organisms and viruses. 

• IUCN French Committee. 2018. Making use of invasive alien species settled in natural environments. An effective approach to management? An initial analysis and discussion of points requiring attention. France. 84 pages.[PDF]