Reducing introduction of non-native species

The increased mobility of peoples and cargoes have permitted species, once isolated by biogeographical boundaries, to come into contact with each other. Such deliberate or accidental introduction of alien or invasive species can lead to detrimental consequences for the recipient ecosystem, including altered food-chains, new diseases, and the extinction of native species. Measures may need to be taken to prevent non-native species introductions, and if already introduced, to reduce their subsequent impact.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) recently formed the Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) in order to reduce the threats posed by invasive species to natural ecosystems and the species they contain, through increased awareness of invasive species and how to deal with them. ISSG will coordinate a global network of experts specialized in the impacts of invasive species on conservation values. These experts will be grouped to provide specialized technical advice. Special attention will be given to the particular threat which invasive species pose to oceanic islands, since these habitats are vulnerable but very important repositories of global biodiversity.