Invasive alien species are non-indigenous species (in general originating from another continent), introduced intentionally or not, which get established in nature and spread to the detriment of native species. They are the second most important factor for biodiversity loss on a global scale. Therefore, new introductions must be prevented and invasive species which are already established must be controlled or eradicated, as recommended by the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity).
-> International and national initiatives
In Europe, invasive alien species are also known as invasive neophytes which groups the plant species introduced since 1500.
In Switzerland, invasive neophytes are also a real threat for indigenous species and an increasing number of activities have been undertaken. However invasive neophytes have to be clearly distinguished from indigenous species becoming locally invasive!
Poster:
Diese Poster enthalten eine Definition, die Schwarze Liste und Watch-List sowie Informationen zu den Arten. Sie können vom Format A4 bis A0 gedruckt werden und stehen so für Ausstellungen zur Verfügung. Sind Änderungen gewünscht oder soll eine Adresse zugefügt werden, bitte wenden Sie sich an das Sekretariat der SKEW. Die Poster können auch im A1 Format auf deutsch oder französisch bei der SKEW ausgeliehen werden.
Reports on Swiss situation:
- Reports on various workshops from 2001 to 2005
- Report on the current situation and the need for action (Gigon A. & Weber E.): see summary
- An inventory of alien species and their threat to biodiversity and economy in Switzerland with Fact sheets. 2006 (FOEN/Rüdiger Wittenberg, CABI Bioscience)
For further information please see our web pages in French, German, Italian.
CPS activities (mandates from the Swiss Federal Office for Environment FOEN):
From 2001 to 2004, a working group lead by Dr. Barbara Köhler and Dr. Ewald Weber has drafted the following documents:
- The Black List and the Watch List : lists of actual and potential invasive plant species in Switzerland
- Classification key for the neophytes and their attribution to the Black list or the Watch list
- Information sheets for the neophytes with distribution maps provided by the Swiss Floristic Network CRSF
-> Since 1.7.2004, Sibylla Rometsch of the CPS secretariat has continued this work in close collaboration with Dr. Francis Cordillot (FOEN)
Communications about new sites of invasive neophytes and measures to be taken:
-> Responsibility and contacts
Other information centres and initiatives in Switzerland
- FOEN Webpage
- For further information please see our web pages in French, German, Italian
Research in Switzerland:
Several scientists work on invasive plants:
- Prof. Dr. P. Edwards, Geobotanisches Institut, ETH Zürich
- Prof. Dr. A. Guisan, Institut d'Ecologie, Université de Lausanne
- Dr. D. Jeanmonod, Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève
- Prof. Dr. W. Nentwig, Zoologisches Institut, Universität Bern
- Prof. Dr. H. Müller-Schärer, Dép. de Biologie, Ecologie & Evolution, Université de Fribourg
- Prof. Dr. B. Schmid, Institut für Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Zürich