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2 clusters · 4 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Invasive species expansion in Spain

Overview

Research indicates a significant expansion of invasive species across the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands. A study led by the Doñana Biological Station found that many species listed in the European catalogue of special concern are spreading, with 24 species surpassing their inflection point in 2024 and 11 reaching a saturation phase. The tree of heaven is noted for occupying approximately 150,000 square kilometers, nearly one-third of the Peninsula.

In the Canary Islands, a ‘horizon scanning’ study by 37 specialists identified 94 exotic species posing a high risk to biodiversity over the next decade, along with 49 species capable of causing socioeconomic impacts. Identified threats include the red palm weevil, the common myna, and various snake species. Researchers highlighted that many of these species currently lack specific regulatory barriers as they are not yet included in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Exotic Species.

Entities

CSIC · Ismael Soto · University of Girona · Diversity and Distributions · Doñana Biological Station

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Study identifies 94 invasive species threatening Canary Islands biodiversity

    Researchers have identified 94 exotic species at high risk of invading the Canary Islands, threatening local biodiversity and the economy over the next decade.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Invasive species expansion in Spain and the EU

    A study of 39 species in the European catalogue shows invasive species are expanding across the Iberian Peninsula, with some reaching saturation levels that make eradication difficult.

Sources

jardineriaon.com · lacritica.com.ar · lalagunaahora.com · que.es