True Cost of Exotic Species

There has been a lot in the news lately about the true cost of exotic or introduced species to World economies.  I find it hard to get my head around the enormous sums quoted but if these well respected reports wake up politicians to the true effects then it must be good.

Nature conservationists and other landowners have been saying for decades that the great numbers of exotic species in the UK alone were damaging our native biodiversity and therefore affecting our economy.

The UK has a long history of introduced species some going back to the Roman Empire.  Farmers are up for removing North American Grey Squirrels but when you remind them that Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges will have to go as well then they go white and very quiet.

Not only would it be an overreaction to try and remove every alien species it would also be impossible both financially and logistically.  Constant research is required to target species which are creating the biggest problems.  We already know enough to encourage an eradication of Grey Squirrels.  Apart from their effect on native Red Squirrels they cause immense damage to forestry interests as well.  It would be an enormous task but not impossible.  Local authorities are already doing a lot to remove Japanese Knotweed especially where it causes great damage to buildings.  Various alien water plants escaping from garden ponds are also a massive threat to our wetlands.

The secret is to recognise the potential of exotic species and remove them before they become too established.  In East Anglia the Coypu, a large rodent introduced for its fur escaped to wetlands but was successfully eradicated before its spread became too expansive.  This proves that eradication programmes can work.

One of the problems with eradication in the UK is the sentimental approach taken by many members of the public particularly with mammal and bird species.  The extreme of this are the various Animal Rights groups who cannot be convinced that any creature should perish whatever the arguments.  The latter were responsible for releasing hundreds of North American Mink into the countryside an action that has caused enormous harm to native species. Birders are not exempt from these emotions as many were upset at the partial removal of the Ruddy Duck from the UK to stop hybridisation with the threatened White-headed Ducks in Spain.

It is a big problem and as agricultural changes have meant the death knell for many of our native species so too will unchecked advances of exotic introductions.  So many exotic creatures are imported as pets and when owners get bored there is a real danger of these being let loose in our countryside.

Now that politicians can appreciate the effects of this on our economy maybe they will act.  It is hard to see how they can do that though at a time when their own cuts are diminishing the size of the wildlife & countryside agencies.

I guess by now you can tell that is been raining all day and I have not been out.