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Problems with detection and monitoring of invasive plant species – a survey of Croatian stakeholders

According to the Strategic and Action Plan for Protection of Nature 2017 – 2025 (OG 72/17) control of invasive alien species (IAS) in Croatia is designated as one of the priority targets. With Regulation no. 1143/2014 the EU also stipulates that Member States are required to take measures regarding early detection and eradication of IAS and to manage species that are already widely spread in their territory. Even though there is no official assessment of financial losses caused by IAS in Croatia there are numerous examples that emphasise that they pose a severe problem for ecosystems and economic activities, while their management is exerting more and more financial pressures.Through a survey with 79 relevant stakeholders, including public institutions for nature protection, protected areas managers and public enterprises, we collected data on current trends in plant IAS management across Croatia. We identified that the most problematic species are Ailanthus altissima, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Amorpha fruticosa but there are considerable spatial differences. The results also emphasise the financial and manpower issues related to the implementation of detection and monitoring methods whereas novel methods such as remote sensing, although desirable, are still not common. The results of the survey represent unique insights from stakeholders impacted by plant IAS in Croatia and can be used for the identification of specific problems and improvement of existing policies.

invasive plant species, biodiversity, remote sensing

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