The dispersal of alien species is regarded as one of the greatest threats to biological diversity on the global scale. Alien species significantly damage natural biological diversity and have negative economic consequences for the business activities and basis for life for many people. They also constitute a health hazard for people, particularly in poor parts of the world.
The spread of alien species has major ecological and economic impacts in Norway, too. These effects will probably increase with the growing degree of globalisation and a future warmer climate. Society will therefore also have a greater need for information on alien species.
NBIC hope that the 2007 Norwegian Black List can be an instrument for management authorities and a source of information on alien species for relevant parties in society and the public at large. We also hope that it will help to place focus on the need for information that should be acquired in the years to come and that the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre can continue to assist society in acquiring more knowledge about alien species.
NBIC's work with Alien Species
The role of the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre is to help to feed Norwegian society with up-to-date and easily available information on species and habitats, including alien species. The Centre is engaged in providing scientific knowledge and evaluations associated with the ecological consequences of alien species.
The work of the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre in 2005-2007 has had two main objectives:
- To compile a survey of alien species that have been recorded in Norway, that is as up to date as possible
- To develop a means of undertaking ecological risk analysis for a selection of alien species that have been recorded in Norway. The results of these risk analysis are gathered in the 2007 Norwegian Black List
The Team of Experts
The work has been carried out by a team of experts from relevant scientific institutions, and has taken place since autumn 2005. We wish to sincerely thank the scientists who have composed the team of experts, and their institutions, and we hope to be able to maintain this coordination and teamwork in the future, too.
As of May 2007, 2483 alien species has been recorded in Norway. Many of these have not become established in large populations or spread to any great extent, whereas others have been successful in a biological sense, often at the cost of indigenous species and habitats.
Risk Analysis
When assessing the risk of extinction (Red Listing) of species that belong naturally in Norway, we have relied on internationally accepted methodology developed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) over many years. Similar internationally standardised methodology has still not been established to evaluate ecological risks linked with alien species (Black Listing). A common set of criteria has been developed to standardise the assessments of ecological impacts across the groups of species. This should be further developed with regard to national requirements and be coordinated and standardised relative to international initiatives in this sphere.
The IUCN has, however, drawn up ”Guidelines to avoid loss of biological diversity caused by alien species”. They include recommendations for measures that should be prioritised in research and generation of knowledge, one of which is the preparation of Black Lists.