Bibliography of 2015 Selected Publications on the Occurrence and Impacts of Invasive Alien Species on Ramsar Sites and Other Wetlands of Significance

Abstract

This paper provides a categorised selection of scientific articles published in 2015, that discuss the occurrence of alien and invasive alien species (IAS) in wetlands of significance, the impacts of these species on wetland biodiversity and the management of this threat. The articles are separated into three categories a) articles that discuss impacts of IAS on biodiversity, b) articles that discuss management of this threat and c) other- articles that discuss all aspects of the threat.

This list of articles has been obtained through a limited literature survey that was confined to online Databases such as BIOSIS (Biological Abstracts), BioOne and Google Scholar. The search terms used were ‘Wetlands’; ‘Invasive species’, ‘Alien species’. This bibliography is intended to facilitate research and provide timely, relevant article updates to the members of the Ramsar community.

The 2016 planned Bibliography will include additional search terms such as ‘Freshwater’, ‘Estuarine’ and include reports, assessments etc. so we are able to make available a better and more useful selection to our membership.

The spread of invasive species compromises the ecological integrity of wetlands and has direct impacts on wetland species. Degradation and loss of wetland habitats leads to habitat loss and decline in native species populations, changes to ecosystem functioning, decline in ecosystem services all of which impact negatively on food security, livelihoods and well-being of communities. Knowledge of the identification of wetland invasive alien species, the extent of their spread and their impacts on the ecosystem and species is critical in their management and prioritising action.

Keywords: Wetlands, Invasive Alien Species, Biodiversity Impacts, Management