A new study appearing in Nature Communications Journal has suggested that most of the countries in the world actually have little capacity to deal effectively with invasive species. Apparently, one-sixth of the world's surface is vulnerable to invasion from non-native species.
The authors of the study have suggested that developed countries, which have been most affected by invasive species and which have the strongest control efforts, will continue to face new arrivals. They also predict that non-native plants, animals and microbes will threaten developing countries because of increased air travel and the expansion of agriculture.
Dr Regan Early, one of the authors of the study, from the University of Exeter, said,"rampant globalisation will lead to invasions in countries with the least capability to deal with them. We need more international cooperation, and the US, Australia and nations in Europe to share expertise."
The problem with the spread of non-native species is that it could endanger livelihoods and food security in fragile economies that are not prepared to deal with invasive species. Invasive species can travel in goods that are shipped around the world by air and sea. They can also be introduced into countries as exotic pets or plants that later escape or are even released deliberately into the wild. This can then pose problems for native species.
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