A list of dangerous invasive species in Europe has been compiled. They urgently need to be destroyed

An invasive species is a biological species that has spread as a result of human activity and

threatens biological diversity.The initial cause of the spread of such species is the intended or unintentional introduction of organisms outside their natural habitats. In a new study, scientists not only identified the most dangerous species, but also modeled scenarios for their appearance.

An example of an invasive species is the golden applesnail, destroying the agricultural sector in the Ebro river basin. In the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, water hyacinths threaten to destroy the natural ecosystem of the Guadiana River. The most famous invasive species in Russia is Sosnovsky's hogweed.

One of the priority species for destruction iscommon mynah from the starling family. Its small colonies in Spain and Portugal, thanks to its aggressive competition for territory and ability to adapt, have spread and displaced native bird species. Other high-priority species for eradication in Europe are the Moorish toad (Bufo mauritanicus), the predatory mammal ring-tailed coati (Nasua narica) and the red-cheeked bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), another bird species.

Research team. Credit: University of Cordoba

Among the species that have not yet arrived in Europe, butmay appear in the future, priority has been given to rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus), freshwater crayfish that are already causing problems in the northern US and Canada. The northern snakehead (Channa argus) and Cryptostegia grandiflora, a vine from Madagascar, are also prioritized.

To make this list, an international groupscientists analyzed the risk of acclimatization, spread and impact of various invasive species. The risk rating was compared with the assessment of the eradication strategies for these species in terms of efficiency, cost, time, the possibility of the species returning after extinction, and other factors.

After analyzing the data, scientists have compiled a list of invasive species in Europe, as well as those who will conquer the region in the future, according to their priority.

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