Taxonomy to Combat Invasive Alien Species
Under the Operational objective 5
of the Global Taxonomy Initiative ("Within the work on cross-cutting issues of the Convention include key taxonomic objectives to generate information needed for decision-making in conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and its components") is Planned Activity 15: Invasive alien species
Taxonomic information is essential for agencies and border authorities to detect, manage and control of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Effective control and management measures can only be implemented when exotic species are correctly and promptly identified. Misidentifications can cost money when rapid decisions need to be taken.
Networking and sharing of experiences, information and expertise can aid in lowering the costs associated with IAS and reduce the need for eradication programmes with early detection and prevention. When eradication is needed, taxonomists can offer expertise that is central to developing the most effective yet economic and environmentally benign eradication measures.
Increased capacity-building (especially for developing countries) is necessary to identify, record and monitor invasions; provide current and accessible lists of potential and established IAS; identify potential threats to neighbouring countries; and to access information on taxonomy, ecology, genetics and control methods. It is vital that adjacent countries, and all countries along a particular pathway for invasive species, can recognize such species and concur on their nomenclature. Baseline taxonomic information on native biota at the national level is also important to ensure that IAS can be recognized and distinguished from naturally present species.
For case studies on how taxonomy can help combat IAS, see BioNET-INTERNATIONAL's "Taxonomy Targeting Invasives"
For more information on invasive species see CBD's IAS portal
and Island Biodiversity IAS page