The introduction of non-native species to Antarctica

• Main Authors: Newman, Jan, Coetzee, Bernard W.T., Chown, Steven L., Terauds, Aleks, McIvor, Ewan
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Antarctic Environments Portal 2014
• Subjects: Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.18124/d4bc7j; https://www.environments.aq/information-summaries/the-introduction-of-non-native-species-to-antarctica/

Antarctica's biodiversity and its intrinsic values are at risk from the introduction of non-native species, predominantly facilitated by human activity. Non-native species, or species that live outside of their natural range, can spread inter-regionally (from outside the Antarctic and its associated and dependent ecosystems) or intra-regionally (within the Antarctic and its associated and dependent ecosystems). Research suggests that non-native species in Antarctica could have substantial environmental, financial and irreversible impacts on Antarctic ecosystems and biodiversity. Research also suggests that the risk of establishment of non-native species is likely to increase with climate warming. Given the likelihood of increased pressures on Antarctic ecosystems from non-native species, addressing non-native species introductions is one of the highest priorities of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). The CEP has acknowledged that continued research on the impacts of non-native species and the adoption of practices to reduce their introduction and spread are needed.