Invasive alien species are also damaging livelihoods, for example in Lake Victoria, where fisheries have declined due to the depletion of tilapia as a result of the spread of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes), the world's most widespread terrestrial invasive alien species. "Invasive alien species have been a major factor in 60 per cent and the sole driver in 16 per cent of the global animal and plant extinctions we have recorded, and at least 218 invasive alien species have been responsible for more than 1,200 local extinctions. Even without the introduction of new alien species, established alien species will continue to expand their ranges and spread to new countries and regions," she explained, noting that "climate change will exacerbate the situation". Ecosystem restoration can also improve the outcomes of management actions and increase the resilience of ecosystems to future invasive alien species," the experts said. The immediate urgency of invasive alien species makes this report valuable and timely," said IPBES Executive Secretary Anne Larigauderie.

Source: Daily Nation September 05, 2023 20:57 UTC