An Introduction to Invasive Non Native Species Bullies in nature

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature What are Invasive Non Native Species?  Invasive species are bullies in nature  Non Native species would not be here naturally  They chase out our native plants, animals and fish Invasive Non Native Species include animals, fish, plants and micro-organisms that are introduced by human action but which out-compete species which occur naturally in the region.

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature How to identify Invasive Non Native Species  Invasive species take over an entire area and eliminate biodiversity  They can grow out of control  They chase out our native species  The result is a monoculture  They have no natural predator

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature How do Invasive Non Native Species get here Introduced deliberatelyAccidental Ornamental gardensBallasts of ships Game animalsUnprocessed wood Domestic animalFood shipments Plants for agricultureEscapees Fashion statementsOn your shoe……..

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature What are the negative effects of Invasive Non Native Species  Invasive Non Native Species do not provide food  They out-compete our native species for limited resources such as food and habitat.  They explode in population because they do not have a natural predator  They are a threat to our ecosystems, economy or society.

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature What can we do to help?  Do not release your aquatic pets or plants into the natural environment  Learn to identify invasive species  Report any sightings of Invasive Non Native Species.  Remove any debris that has hitchhiked onto your boots from a natural area.

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature BUT………. Not everyone thinks all INNS are bad.  Beekeepers like Himalayan Balsam  American Signal Crayfish are served in restaurants  Mink look cute and cuddly (but are they?)  American Skunk Cabbage looks pretty

An Introduction to Invasive Species Bullies in nature BUT……….  Are these reasons justification to ignore the damage these species might do to our Native Species and the environment? verses

Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme What do we do?  Tell people about Invasive Non Native Species and why they are important  Train local communities to identify Invasive Species  Help people to report sightings  Train volunteers to treat Invasive Species  Advise on biosecurity measures  Coordinate the works strategically on our rivers.

Sub-catchment areas: Biel Water Tyne Esk Water of Leith Almond Avon Carron Forth Teith Allan Water Devon Black Devon Leven Fife Coastal Forth Coastal East Lothian Coastal Falkirk Coastal Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme

RAFT Invasive Species database and reporting website FINNS has joined a number of other Trusts as part of the RAFTS Invasive Species Programme and uses the new website which has been developed. The site allows FINNS staff to enter information directly using a handheld PDA and Public to enter their own sightings. With site we can also provide information on areas that have been treated.

Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme RAFT Invasive Species database and reporting website

Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme RAFT Invasive Species database and reporting website

Forth Invasive Non Native Species Programme Core funders