Alien and Invasive Species

Question 1

What is an alien species?

Answer 1

A species moved by human activities beyond the limits of its native biogeographic range, into an area in which it does not naturally occur.

Question 2

What are feral species?

Answer 2

Become wild from domesticated i.e. Wallaby’s in the UK

Question 3

What are naturalised species?

Answer 3

Been in an area for so long they are considered natural i.e. Butterfly plants in the UK

Question 4

What are invasive species?

Answer 4

Invade and have an impact on native species i.e. Japanese Knotweed

Question 5

What are Archaeophytic species?

Answer 5

Species living in an area before 1500 AD (Native species)

Question 6

What are Neophytic species?

Answer 6

Species living in an area after 1500 AD (alien species)

Question 7

What are cryptogenic species?

Answer 7

Species with unknown origin

Question 8

What is Williamson and Fitters 10’s rule? (1996)

Answer 8

One in ten imported species appear in the wild
One in ten will become self sustaining
One in ten of those will have significant effects on natives

Question 9

Criticise Williamson and Fitters 10’s rule (1996)

Answer 9

Too conservative, should be rule of 5 (Jeschke and Strayer - 2005)

Question 10

What are some legislation to prevent invasive species?

Answer 10

Bern Convention (country must strictly control wildlife - article 11)
Wildlife and Countryside act 1981
Environmental communities act (2006)

Question 11

What are some management options for invasive species?

Answer 11

Removal of plants
Culling, hunting, trapping and poisoning
Biological control
Disease release
Sterilization

Question 12

What are some issues with management options for invasive species?

Answer 12

Expensive (would cost £1.5b for the UK to eradicate Japanese Knotweed)
Unethical