Citizen science as a prevention tool
It is well known that, once established, the control of invasive alien species (IAS) is difficult and expensive, making the eradication often impossible. Therefore, methods aimed at preventing the risk of introduction and spread are increasingly being recognized as the most cost-effective means for reducing the impacts of IAS. A scientific paper talks about biosecurity measures, i.e. activities aimed at preventing the introduction and secondary spread of IAS. Biosecurity includes measures such as: ensuring that equipment taken into the field is free from IAS; fieldwork preparation planning (for example visiting an IAS infested site last during a day of field activities); cleaning and disinfection measures to remove IAS potentially attached to clothing or equipment (nets, boots, buckets, etc).
Information campaigns have been created to stimulate the adoption of prevention measures and biosecurity, such as the Check Clean and Dry campaign in the UK to raise awareness of the risk posed by stakeholders that use the aquatic environment for work or leisure, and to encourage them to take practical measures to reduce the risk of accidental introduction and secondary spread of aquatic IAS on equipment. Biosecurity initiatives have also been designed for the terrestrial environment, for example the Forestry Commission in England and Scotland promote the Keep it Clean campaign which encourages individuals to adopt measures to reduce the spread of pests and diseases.
Another fundamental tool for IAS prevention is Citizen Science (article), in fact the number of citizen-science biodiversity observation records in public repositories, such as the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF); or iNaturalist , has been rising steadily. These data are frequently georeferenced with high precision, time stamped, accompanied by visual media, and represent a valuable source of information to describe the spatiotemporal dynamics of ecological phenomena.
As a case study we can mention the Japanese beetle, a highly polyphagous invasive species, feeding on hundreds of plant species, and causing significant economic losses. Early detection surveys are effective in preventing the spread of this species, looking for the characteristic adult stage. Therefore, it is essential to understand when adults of this insect are likely to be observed, especially in areas of first introduction, to determine the appropriate timing for implementing surveillance efforts.
In Europe the Japanese beetle has already caused damage in Switzerland and Italy, and individual beetles were found several times in Germany, and in July 2024 in Slovenia. Even though the insect has not yet reached Austria, the risk of introduction is very high. In this country, considering its voracity, the beetle can cause serious damage to agriculture and forestry.
For this reason, the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Security (AGES) has framed a biopreparedeness programme, informing stakeholders and the public, launched a specific reporting platform with the aim of helping early detection of the pest, fact the most important tool to prevent its spread. Austrian authorities call to public for reporting suspicious beetle findings on the platform and note whether they were observed in gardens, while hiking, or after returning from holiday from infested areas in Italy or Switzerland, accidentally transported in cars. A guide for the identification of the species addressed to citizens, is available on AGES website.
Take an active role in preventing introduction and spread of invasive alien species! For more info on Citizen Science visit our dedicated webpage.