Invasive alien species are a threat to biodiversity and therefore also to the ecosystem

LIFE Resilias opts for a system-based approach in order to make the invasive alien species effectively and efficiently manageable. The project team will work with four specific example species:

• Japanese knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) in stream valleys and grasslands
• Pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) in wetlands
• Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii) in wetlands
• Black cherry (Prunus serotina) in forests

Various non-native plant and animal species occur in Dutch forests and other nature areas. These are also known as alien species. These animals and plants have been introduced deliberately or unintentionally and do not actually naturally belong here. A small proportion of these species behave invasively. This means that once established, the alien species spreads and grows at the expense of the local native species.

This can be a serious threat to biodiversity and therefor to the functioning of the ecosystem. These invasive alien species are often difficult to fight or eradicate and they make it more difficult to achieve nature goals. Additionally, combatting these species makes management more complex and expensive.