Filenews 21 August 2023 - by Dora Christodoulou
Cyprus, due to its insular character and long-term geographical isolation and at the same time the rich biodiversity that characterizes it, is particularly vulnerable to biological invasions, such as invasive alien species.
Invasive alien species are living organisms that are introduced into a new area, usually as a result of human activity, and the consequences of the reality they create are particularly negative for the ecosystem in which they settle.
Speaking today to "F" about this important problem, which is now being addressed as a priority in Cyprus, the Education and Research Officer at the TerraCypria Foundation, Panagiotis Georgiou, emphasizes that those of these species that have characteristics of high adaptability and reproduction, grow and multiply at the expense of the local flora and fauna, or because they do not have natural predators. or because they can easily compete with local organisms for natural resources such as food, water, and even sun.
They can cause multiple and significant negative impacts on biodiversity, the economy and human health, reduce yield in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, are carriers of diseases, allergies and more, he stresses. According to the scientific officer of TerraCypria, in the terrestrial environment of Cyprus, more than 40 invasive alien plant species have been recorded, in rivers and lakes at least three and in the marine environment another 16.
One of the most well-known invasive alien species in Cyprus, especially in recent years, according to Mr. Georgiou, is the lionfish (Pteroismiles). The lionfish invaded the Mediterranean Sea and the waters of Cyprus from the Indian Ocean, through the Suez Canal. It has poisonous thorns, which can sting. They are predators and feed on fish and in large quantities on small crustaceans, he points out.
The most widespread of these species, he continues, is acacia (Acaciasaligna). The acacia tree is a species native to Australia, which was intensively planted on our island in the past decades for timber production, for stabilization of sand dunes and as an ornamental plant in an effort to green Cyprus. It grows very fast and causes degradation of various native ecosystems, observes Panagiotis Georgiou, while causing serious environmental impacts on biodiversity, mainly in areas with sand dunes such as Larnaka Salt Lakes and Akrotiri Limassol, areas where we find endangered Red Book plants.
An invasive alien species that causes serious problems in Cyprus is the American water turtle (Trachemysscripta), he says. It is a medium-sized aquatic turtle, native to the Eastern USA and Mexico, the main cause of its spread in Cyprus is the frequent phenomenon of release by owners who kept it as a pet. As a result, it competes with native species such as the striped water turtle Mayremysrivulata and the Cyprus water snake Natrixnatrixcypriaca for food, nesting sites and sun resting places.
Finally, the marsh shrimp-crayfish (Procambarusclarkii), observes Mr. Georgiou, is a species that can easily adapt to a wide range of aquatic environments such as lakes, swamps, streams and rivers. It is native to the U.S. and Mexico. The spread of the species in Cyprus has been through trade, as a source of food but also as a pet. As a result, this species causes ecosystem alteration, changes in water and sediment characteristics, reduction of native biodiversity and competition with native species such as the Potamonpotamios river crab.
On the major issue of how to contain invasive alien species, the officer of TerraCypria, stresses that the framework of approach at European and national level to deal with invasive alien species is based on measures based on prevention, early detection and rapid eradication during the initial stages of invasion of an area and management, in case the spread is so large that the species can no longer be eradicated.
Every citizen has a very important role to play in limiting the spread of invasive alien species. The European Regulation now introduces strict restrictions on the transfer, breeding, use and sale of certain invasive alien species. However, effective management of these species can only be achieved effectively and through the active participation of all citizens.
Engaging citizens to tackle the problem
How can every citizen help tackle the problem? Panagiotis Georgiou divides actions into those related to prevention, eradication and management.
Regarding prevention, he explains, the use of invasive alien species in gardens should be avoided, soil should be avoided from one area to another since soil may contain seeds or other plant parts that are invasive species, alien plant species should not be planted in forest and natural areas to avoid their establishment and spread, and companion animals should be kept and cared for responsibly. Pet animals classified as invasive must not reproduce and must not be released into the wild.
For early detection and eradication, Mr. Georgiou talks about appropriate information on invasive alien species, through the Information Guide on Invasive Alien Species of Cyprus and other relevant information, for raising awareness and ways to reduce them.
Finally, management concerns the replacement of alien plant species, especially those considered invasive, with Cypriot species in gardens and other areas.
