Alien species represent a rapidly emerging threat to Polar ecosystems.
Alien species represent a rapidly emerging threat to Polar ecosystems. Arctic and Antarctic habitats are considered as pristine environments, but they are increasingly vulnerable to invasions by non-native species due to changes in climate patterns and intensity and distribution of human activities. New pathways of introduction include shipping, horticulture, windbreaks, transport of material and equipment for energy development, settlement expansion and tourism, among others.
Three factors have been identified for the Arctic’s vulnerability to biological invasions: relatively low diversity of native species, changing climatic patterns, and increasing human activity. The Arctic Invasive Alien Species (ARIAS) Strategy and Action Plan sets the priority actions that the Arctic Council and its partners need to take to protect the Arctic region from a significant threat.
On the other side, the risk of introduction of alien species has been studied for the Antarctic Peninsula region, considering predicted increases in human activities. A horizon scanning exercise was developed by experts to identify the species that are likely to present the highest risk to biodiversity and ecosystems over the next 10 years. In addition, all stakeholders active in the region are encouraged to further develop and apply biosecurity measures, including surveillance for the species identified during the mentioned exercise.
For more information:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.14938
https://www.caff.is/strategies-series/415-arctic-invasive-alien-species-strategy-and-action-plan