Abstract
The Ionian Island of Corfu is rich in both species and habitats, but is also under pressure from heavy tourism, substantial water abstraction, and increased development, all of which have caused both loss and fragmentation of habitats. In addition, invasive alien species (IAS) constitute a global problem and may cause substantial problems for indigenous wildlife, especially on islands. To be able to successfully control IAS it is important to identify them, report their status, and raise awareness as early as possible. Here we present the status of ten alien species reported from Corfu, four of which are considered as invasive, the coypu (Myocastor coypus), the raccoon (Procyon lotor), the Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus), and the American pond slider (Trachemys scripta). Measures required as outlined by the EU Working Group on Invasive Alien Species are briefly discussed.
Highlights
Invasive alien species (IAS) are considered the second largest threat to biodiversity globally after habitat loss and they pose a great danger to many fragile ecosystems
In this study we found evidence for raccoons from four sites, all restricted to a coastal area on the west coast between Agios Gordis and Giannades, including the lower part of the River Ropa (Fig. 5)
It is possible that the pond slider reproduces on the island, but there is no evidence to support this as the few juveniles found may have been released from captivity
Summary
Invasive alien species (IAS) are considered the second largest threat to biodiversity globally after habitat loss and they pose a great danger to many fragile ecosystems. IAS compete with indigenous species for resources such as food and breeding grounds and can disrupt and change native habitats (European Union 2017). Others decimate crops and damage infrastructure and the cost of repairing such damage or impose control measures is high, €12 billion each year is estimated to be spent in the EU by member states to deal with problems involving IAS (Kettunen et al 2008). There are an estimated 14,000 alien species in Europe (Katsanevakis et al 2015), 1,200-1,800 of these are considered invasive and of the 395 European native species listed in the IUCN red data book, 110 are considered threatened by IAS. Rapid reproduction and growth rates, high dispersal ability and capability of
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