engleski

The results of the first systematic mapping of alien species in Croatia

In Croatia, there is more than 900 alien species of animals, plants, fungi and other groups of organisms. As part of the project “Establishment of the National Monitoring System for Invasive Alien Species” from May 2019 to February 2021 the Institute for Environment and Nature has conducted first systematic field survey at the national level on selected alien and invasive alien species (IAS). We have collected data for freshwater macrozoobenthos, freshwater crayfish, freshwater fishes, amphibians and reptiles, mammals and vascular plants. Methodologies for collected field data were based on the known distribution and biology of priority species from the Union list and the presence of suitable habitats with lack of data in the territory of Croatia. Through two years of field survey, there was around 27.000 records for 116 alien species. Beside field survey, we have also collected literature data for marine species and pest species in forestry and agriculture. All of the collected data are publicly available through the IAS information system, which is a part of the Croatian Nature Protection Information System. Collected data are the basis for monitoring of IAS and preparation of action plans on the pathways of invasive alien species and management measures of invasive alien species of Union concern that are widely spread. The data will also be used for public awareness on IAS and citizen science programs to prevent further spread of IAS and introduction of new alien species. In this presentation, we will present the results of the mapping of alien species with focus on the efficacy of conducted field survey to collect data for specific taxonomic groups and species.

invasive species, IAS, field survey, information system, data collection

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