INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IN FORESTRY IN EUROPE

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1 INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IN FORESTRY IN EUROPE Ahmet ULUDAG Project Manager on Invasive Alien Species

2 Challenges for European Forest ecosystem and forests types -Fragmentation -Climate Change - Pathogens (Pests and diseases) - Invasive alien species

3 Mammals (Canadian beaver, Racoon dog) Insects (Asian longhorned beetle, Red palm weevil) Nematodes (Pinewood nematode) Fungi (Phytophthora root rot) Aquatic organisms...

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5 THE SITUATION The rate of introduction in recent decades of really problematic alien species known as 'worst invasives has been less dramatic in forest ecosystems than in other ecosystems. Although European forestry is largely based on native tree species, deliberately introduced tree species are important in some countries. Countries classify only a minor part of the area covered by introduced forest tree species as occupied by invasive trees. One of the countries reporting substantial areas occupied by invasive tree species is Italy. Although few alien tree species used in forest plantations are considered invasive, there are many other alien species threatening European forest biodiversity.

6 2.2 Examples of management measures to improve biodiversity conditions in European forests 14. Plantations and selfsown exotic forest Control forest fires and avoid fire-prone species in the Mediterranean region Control invasive alien species (e.g. Rhododendron in the United Kingdom and Ireland) Increase tree species and structural diversity Select sites for afforestation optimising biodiversity on a landscape level

7 CBD Expanded programme of work on forest biological diversity: examples of policy responses in Europe Goal 2; To reduce the threats and mitigate the impacts of threatening processes on forest biological diversity Increasingly, action is being taken to control and manage invasive alien species within forests. Most European countries are in the process of developing National Strategies for Invasive Alien Species, in response to CBD Guiding Principles and the Bern Convention.

8 In a future climate many of the current threats to European forests can be expected to increase, including forest fires, droughts, storms, invasive alien species and insect damage.

9 Forest 'interior species increasingly suffer edge effects when forest area is reduced, for example: changes in micro-climate (sunlight, wind, moisture etc); invasions by alien species; alterations of species interactions (predation, herbivory, pollinator competition, nest competition); and increased human pressure (noise, pets, hunting). On the other hand, increasing amounts of forest edge potentially favours species adapted to edge habitats.there are numerous examples of European forest species of a wide array of taxa suffering from fragmentation and edge effects: forest lichens affected by changes in micro-climate; invasive trees establishing in forest edges; and increased predation and competition for nest holes affecting forest birds breeding close to edges (Sjöberg and Ericson, 1997, Angelstam, 2004, Braziatis and Angelstam, 2004).

10 Invasive alien species in European forests A large, and increasing, number of alien, non-native, species have established in Europe. Introduction of an alien species may be intentional in forestry, horticulture, and game management. The planned release, and even keeping in captivity, of alien game and freshwater fish species that may negatively impact natural biodiversity is regulated in most European countries. Uncontrolled releases of pets or escapes from gardens, for example, are significant. However, nowadays most alien species arrive un-intentionally as a result of the increased global travel, transport and trade (EEA, 2007a, c).

11 Presently the list 'Worst invasive alien species threatening biodiversity in Europe comprises 168 species/species groups (EEA, 2007b). Among these problematic invasive alien species, 33 can regularly be found in European forest ecosystems or are dependent on trees

12 The introduction of the worst invasive alien species has taken place over a long period of time with 15 species being established before 1900, 8 species during the period , and 10 species thereafter. There is no alarming increase in species numbers of this category in European forests but one should note the recent increase in invertebrates. Introduction of pathogens and invertebrate pests on imported wood and other forest products may pose a significant threat to European forests. Species of concern include the Asian longhorn beetle as well as the pinewood nematode. Effective control at ports of entry is needed.

13 Although European forestry is largely based on native tree species (Sections 3.2 and 3.7), deliberately introduced tree species are important in some countries. For forestry purposes fast-growing conifers such as Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) have all been used as well as a few broadleaved species, most notably the Australian eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp.). The ecological characteristics of these species often create significantly different forest ecosystems than native trees, but this alone does not qualify the planted trees to be considered invasive. Countries classify only 13 % (ca ha) of the area covered by introduced forest tree species as occupied by invasive species (Figure 4.9). One of the countries reporting substantial areas occupied by invasive tree species was Italy.

14 The black locust, Robinia pseudoacacia, the tree-of-heaven, Ailanthus altissima, and the black cherry, Prunus serotina, are three alien tree species that are becoming a threat for forest ecosystem conservation in Italy.

15 In the context with climate change The number of and impact caused by invasive alien species is expected to increase, in particular in northern Europe. An early warning system is needed

16 EWRR Towards an early warning and information system for invasive alien species (IAS) threatening biodiversity in Europe P. Genovesi, R. Scalera, S. Brunel, D. Roy, W. Solarz information-system-invasivealien-species/

17 Structure of a pan-european early warning and rapid response framework Taxonomic GISDdatabases ISC Cabi GRIS European Invasive Species Information System - Identification/diagnosis - Status (alien/unknown/..) Detection Diagnosis Quick screening Predicted new IAS Alarm lists - Surveillance - Monitoring - Taxonomic experts - IAS INVENTORY - Records of introduction/establishment (Europe, world) - Basic biological information - Habitat suitability - Records of impacts - Black list - Control methods - Experts registry - Register of authorities Risk Assessment Reporting and circulation of information Response Follow up - Working groups - Competent authority Source: Genovesi et al. 2010

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19 Waterwatch Airwatch Noisewatch Landwatch Naturewatch

20 How do we use ICT to involve citizens? - Eye on Earth - Environmental watches - Web and smart phone applications

21 Invasive Alien Species will be a component of Naturewatch. The project aims monitoring and surveillance of invasive alien species, supporting policy activities in Europe and targets of Convention on Biological Diversity, and raising awareness in general public. A group of IAS experts has been determined criteria to choose species and species have been determined using a survey.

22 Prevention Early detection and rapid response Mitigation of impacts

23 EU policies shaping forest use and forest management (COM 2010(0066)) The Community plant health regime (CPHR) aims at preventing the spreading of alien forest species or of organisms harmful to forests. Its ongoing revision might introduce more flexibility regarding limitations on the use and trade of forest reproductive material and/or cope with the effects of climate change on pest and diseases as well as their vectors.

24 Forest management and use (COM 2010(0066)) Sustainable mobilisation and harvesting of wood as well as investments in forestry operations to increase stability and resilience of forests against climate change impacts, including reducing the risks of forest fires, pests and storms. Preventing the introduction by international trade of new pests and diseases, as well as their vectors.

25 10 messages Increased storms, forest fires, flooding events and drought periods can be expected due to climate change, with a severe impact on European forests (Lindner et al., 2010). Increased periods of drought and warmer winters are likely to weaken forests further and support invasive species. In addition to the climate change effects already mentioned, changes to forest growth and phenology, and species composition can be foreseen. Combined, these pressures will also alter the pattern of forest cover (EEA-JRC-WHO, 2008).

26 Haysom, K.A. and Murphy, S.T The number of species of trees or woody shrubs that were classed as invasive, including some listed by Binggeli (1996) as possible or potential invaders (based on literature where the extent of invasion was limited or unknown), was 443. A further 74 were reported as naturalized. Some 282 species used in forestry were among those listed as invasive, and a further 40 were reported as naturalized but not invasive. The majority of the species encountered in the review were used for more than one purpose (i.e. the same species may be used in forestry, agroforestry and/or for amenity plantings). Hence, among those species identified as invasive, 203 species were listed as being used in agroforestry and 292 in amenity plantings.

27 Haysom, K.A. and Murphy, S.T Invasive species were reported in all seven geographic regions (Europe, Africa, Australasia, North America, South America, Pacific, Asia). Most invasive trees were reported from Africa (87 species) and fewest from Europe (12) and Asia (14). However, the majority of species were invasive in only one of the seven regions, and even among the most invasive species the number of countries where they were reported as invasive was generally much smaller than the number of countries where they had been introduced. Most invasive species had a native range that included Asia, and the fewest a range that included the Pacific.