The MOST INVASIVE species in Europe that scientists are seriously worried about
KILLER Asian hornets, raccoon dogs and Shanghai hairy crabs are among some of the most invasive species in Europe.
Invasive species: Killer Asian hornet, Shanghai hairy crab and raccoon dog
The European Group on Biological Invasions (NEOBIOTA) has warned that the EU harbours up to 1,800 different Invasive Alien Species.
NEOBIOTA held an international conference in Luxembourg last week to look at biosecurity measures to tackle alien invasion risks.
Conservation partnership BirdLife International said the menace tackled at the conference “comes not from Outer Space, but flora and fauna non-native to the EU”.
“If these aliens seem less menacing than flying saucers and little green men, think again,” the partnership said in a statement before the conference.
“In many cases, their negative consequences are harshly felt in at least three areas of major concern for European citizens today – the economy, human health and the environment.”
It added: “Many carry a Molotov cocktail of diseases with severe implications for native wildlife, livestock, domestic pets and, in some cases, humans.”
Here are some of most invasive animals and insects in Europe, according to BirdLife International.
Is the killer Asian hornet on its way to the UK?
Killer Asian hornets
The notorious species, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, has killed several people and is rapidly spreading through Europe.
The “trade stowaway” on ceramic pottery imports from southeast Asia first docked in France in 2004.
The killer hornets have since spread to Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy and there fears the hornets may have arrived in Britain.
Raccoon dogs are increasingly popular pets
Raccoon dogs
The increasingly popular exotic pets might look cute but they are one of the main vectors of rabies in Europe.
“Cuteness is the enemy of reason,” said Birdlife International. “It has been allowed to continue its rampant march across the continent unabated.
“Its adaptability, reproduction rates and lack of natural predators have multiplied its numbers and if left unchecked, it is likely to become one of the most numerous, widespread and disease-ridden predators in Europe.”
Shanghai hairy crabs come from Asia but now live on the banks of the Thames
Shanghai hairy crabs
The burrowing crabs, also known as Chinese mitten crabs, have aggressively spread from the Kowloon Peninsula to the banks of the Thames in the UK.
The Chinese mitten crab is found in regions of Asia but has also led to the extinction of local species in parts of Europe and North America.
Coypus, also known as river rats, have invaded Germany
South American coypus
The pesky coypus, also known as the river rat or nutria, is currently troubling Germany after being introduced from South America.
The rodents with large fangs lives in burrows alongside rivers and usually feast on river plant stems.
Grey squirrels have now infested Italy
The North American Grey squirrels
Grey squirrels has infested Italy and are pushing out the native red squirrels, just as they did in the UK.
The North American squirrels, which were imported from the Victorians, have relegated the red squirrels to parts of Scotland and the Isle of Wight.