A minimum of 2,900 non-native species occur in the UK Overseas
Territories & Crown Dependencies, based on the recent results
of a JNCC-commissioned review. Non-native species are a major cause
of the loss of biodiversity globally. Their impacts are especially
severe on island ecosystems and associated species typical of our
Overseas Territories, where globally important seabird
colonies and threatened endemic species are vulnerable to the
impacts of, for instance, introduced rats or invasive plants. The
review showed that Bermuda has the unfortunate distinction of
topping the non-native species polls with 1,139 species recorded –
by contrast, the South Sandwich Islands have none. However,
it only takes the presence of a single invasive species to have
devastating consequences for some native wildlife.
The review, undertaken by Karen Varnham, is the outcome of
information gathered from the literature, individual experts and
organisations, both in the UK and in the Territories or
Dependencies themselves. It was guided by a workshop at JNCC in
January 2004 involving Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO),
Department for International Development (DfID) and members of the
UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum. This audit will
contribute to measures aimed at eradicating, controlling and, more
importantly, preventing the future establishment of, non-native
species.
Contact file:
Dr Vin Fleming, Head of International Unit
Tel: +44 (0)1733 866870
Email: