In collaboration with biologist Jana Kus from Symbiosis Institute, a new publication titled Invasive alien plants in Triglav National Park has been released as part of management activities.
The publication presents the problem of the spread of alien plants in the alpine area and the importance of early detection and action for nature conservation. It was released as part of activities to manage invasive alien species, which are financed from targeted funds for alien species of the Ministry for Natural Resources and Spatial Planning and the Climate Change Fund.
The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly noticeable also in the alpine world, as temperatures are gradually rising. Alien species – plants and animals originating from other parts of the world – are among the more significant pressures on nature; in the new environment, they can displace native species and change conditions in nature.
Settling or cultivating alien free-living species is prohibited in the area of Triglav National Park. Nevertheless, some species were introduced into nature even before the establishment of the protected area. Alien species are often introduced due to their utility value, beauty, or curiosity – most crops in fields and numerous ornamental plants in gardens are actually of foreign origin.
Some alien species threaten the biodiversity of Triglav National Park
Most alien species do not cause major problems, but among the numerous introduced species, there are also those that adapt well to the new environment and begin to spread spontaneously. They first appear mainly in urban environments and on ruderal areas, and later they can also reach natural areas. Some alien plants are also spreading in the park area and gradually changing the appearance of natural vegetation.
Alien species that threaten biodiversity are called invasive alien species. In addition to impacts on ecosystems, habitats, and native species, they can also cause economic damage or affect human health. The pressures of invasive species have increased significantly in the last decades, so without timely action, their spread cannot be stopped.
Invasion is often a slow process. At first, only a few specimens appear in nature, which can remain locally present for many years or decades. Once they fully adapt to the new environment, they begin to spread, and humans can also contribute to the spread – for example, with vehicles, with soil, or even by transferring seeds on footwear.
Key is management in the early stages
Invasive species are easiest to manage in the early stages. If we act in time, they can be removed with targeted measures and further spread prevented. But if we delay, the measures become more demanding and expensive, and often species can only be managed locally.
Preventive measures are also important, such as limiting the import, sale, and planting of certain invasive plants and timely detection of new foci. The public can also participate in this. Data on alien species in Slovenia have been collected since 2017 in the web and mobile application Invazivke.si, where registered users can report observations.
The application represents an important part of the early warning and rapid response system, as it enables quick transfer of data from the finder to experts. Thus, upon the appearance of a new or rare invasive species, we can act in time and stop its spread already in the early stages.
The booklet Invasive alien plants is available free of charge at Info Center Triglavska roža Bled, and soon you will be able to browse it also in other information centers of Triglav National Park and on the Triglav National Park website.
Source:
https://www.tnp.si/sl/javni-zavod/medijsko-sredisce/novice/novica/370/invazivne-tujerodne-rastline-v-triglavskem-narodnem-parku-.html