The Iberian Peninsula is one of the main critical points for biological invasions in the world, reported this Tuesday, November 4, the Aquatic Research Network laboratory (acronym in English, ARNET), based on an international study.
“The research identified 1,273 species introduced and currently established in Portugal, Spain, Andorra and Gibraltar, confirming the region (Iberian Peninsula) as one of the main hotspots for biological invasions worldwide”says ARNET, which participated in the study, in a statement.
In Portugal, 616 non-native (exotic) species are established, according to the note.
The number of exotic species amounts to 1,034 in Spain.
According to the statement, in Andorra (a country between France and Spain) and Gibraltar (British territory on the south coast of Spain) dozens of species were recorded.
Coastal and urban areas, where population density and human activity are more intense, are the most invaded places and have the most exotic species.
The coastal cities with the most non-native species are Lisbon (Portugal), Coimbra (Portugal), Catalonia (Spain) and Andalusia (Spain).
ARNET researcher and co-author of the study, Ronaldo Sousa, warned that exotic species harm biodiversity, highlighting that they can affect public health and the economy.
“These species not only affect biodiversity; they can also cause significant economic and social impacts, from losses in agriculture and fishing to risks to public health”, said Ronaldo Sousa, quoted in a statement.
The study concluded that it is necessary to prevent the invasion of exotic species through border controls and monitoring of trade and transport.
According to the research, it is also necessary “to detect new species early and respond quickly using innovative tools, such as environmental DNA and citizen science (direct and voluntary involvement of people in scientific research projects)”.
According to the document, strengthening international cooperation between the countries of the Iberian Peninsula is also a strategy to prevent exotic invasions.
The main groups of species identified include vascular plants, which have specialized tissues to transport water, minerals and nutrients (727 species).
During the investigation, 228 exotic species of insects, 58 non-native crustaceans and another 55 types of invertebrate animals were identified.
Molluscs are also on the list, with 46 species identified.
The identified exotic species invaded the Iberian Peninsula through escapes from gardening, aquariums, nurseries and the pet trade, according to the study published in the scientific journal Diversity and Distributions.