A call for action to curb invasive species in South America

Abstract

South America’s exceptional biodiversity is in danger of being overwhelmed by invading species. The continent urgently needs to muster a common strategy of regional action against this threat. Of all mammal invasions worldwide, more than 18% are in South America, and two thirds of these are successfully established. In addition, 41 of the 100 most invasive alien species from all taxa are established in the region. The continent’s indigenous plant life is a rich source of food and medicines, and helps to regulate weather cycles, but invasive species command little attention from scholars or governments. Every South American country ratified the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity, which aims to prevent, control and eradicate alien species. Yet even basic national reports on alien species are still not forthcoming. South Americans need to be more aware of the problem and of the value of their own native species and culture. As in Europe, we need to improve rulings on tourism and on the transport of pets, seeds and aquarium and garden species. Countries should share regional and national databases of alien species and devise common policies for managing them.