Red list species and species invasion
Species extinction rates have never been as rapid as they are today
Species extinction rates have never been as rapid as they are today. More than 8,500 species, according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are endangered or near extinction.
Over the last 40-50 years, the number of vertebrates in the world has decreased by 60%. The population of freshwater species (fish, animals and plants living in rivers, lakes, etc) decreased by 83%.
The extinction of species is caused by many factors, including destruction or degradation of habitats, reduction or deterioration of the forage base, intensive industrial development, climate change, the impact of invasive species, poaching. All this causes species and entire ecosystems to disappear.
Most species are extinct as a result of over-exploitation, agricultural activity and the spread of invasive species
Invasive plant species can penetrate into natural habitat types and significantly modify them. This leads to ecosystem disruption, reduced species diversity, and abundance of native flora, local displacement, and the subsequent extinction of populations of rare species. In addition to the negative impact on natural complexes and biodiversity in general, invasive species are financially damaging to the economy. Some invasive species can also have a negative impact on human health.
To protect the Red list species and reduce the species invasion, the Danube-Carpathian Programme works in the following areas:
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support research, restoration and protection of Red List species and their habitats;
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provide support for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on species and habitats;
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identify the scope of species invasion and to reduce their impact on natural habitats and human;
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support the development of management technics to control the species invasion and introduce the relevant conservation management measures to protect the highly valuable natural habitats;
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support the public awareness on protection of Red list species and their habitats, impact of species invasion and related conservation management issues.
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November 28, 2023
