Download one hundred of the world`s worst invasive alien species

"ONE HUNDRED OF THE WORLD’S WORST INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES"
funded by La Fondation TOTAL, and part of the Global Invasive Species Database.
Invasive species have been recognised globally as a major threat to biodiversity (the collected
wealth of the world’s species of plants, animals and other organisms) as well as to agriculture
and other human interests.
It is very difficult to choose 100 invasive species, from around the world, that really are
"worse" than any others. Species and their interactions with ecosystems are very complex.
Some species may have invaded only a restricted region, but have a huge probability of
expanding, and causing further great damage (e.g. see Boiga irregularis: the brown tree snake).
Other species may already be globally widespread, and causing cumulative but less visible
damage. Many biological families or genera contain large numbers of invasive species, often
with similar impacts; in these cases one representative species was chosen. The one hundred
species aim to collectively illustrate the range of impacts caused by biological invasion.
Species List
1. Acacia mearnsii (land plant)
This noxious, evergreen tree often reaches 20 m in height. Apart from producing copious
numbers of seeds, it generates numerous suckers resulting in monotypic thickets.
Common Names: black wattle
2. Achatina fulica (land invertebrate)
The giant African snail has been widely introduced to Asia, to Pacific and Indian Oceans
islands, and recently to the West Indies. It is a major agricultural pest and is a vector of
several pathogens and nematodes.
Common Names: giant African snail
3. Acridotheres tristis (bird)
Mynas are native to India, but have been introduced all over the world, mainly for their
being able to reduce the insect population in agricultural areas. However, they reduce
biodiversity by competing for nesting hollows, destroying chicks and eggs and evicting
small mammals.
Common Names: common myna
4. Aedes albopictus (land invertebrate)
The Asian tiger mosquito was introduced to the USA and other countries via used tyre
imports. It is associated with the transmission of dengue fever, eastern equine encephalitis
and dog heartworm, and possibly with St. Louis and LaCrosse encephalitis viruses.
Common Names: Asian tiger mosquito, forest day mosquito
5. Anopheles quadrimaculatus (land invertebrate)
This relatively large mosquito is the chief vector of malaria. It breeds chiefly in pemanent
freshwater and feeds at night on humans and domestic animals.
Common Names: common malaria mosquito
6. Anoplolepis gracilipes (land invertebrate)
Crazy ants, so called because of their frenetic movements, have invaded native ecosystems
and caused environmental damage in such places as Hawaii, Christmas Island, the
Seychelles and Zanzibar.
Common Names: ashinaga-ki-ari, crazy ant, yellow crazy ant
7. Anoplophora glabripennis (land invertebrate)
Native to China and Korea, this beetle has been intercepted in solid wood packaging
material in the USA (14 states) and Britain. Known infestations were discovered in New
York (1996) and Chicago (1998) about 10 yr after the beetle first entered the U.S. An
infestation was also discovered in Austria in 2001, an estimated 2-3 yr after its introduction
into Austria.
Common Names: Asian longhorned beetle, longicorne Asiatique, starry sky beetle
8. Aphanomyces astaci (micro-organism)
Aphanomyces astaci, is a freshwater fungus which is nutritionally dependent on crayfish.
This fungal disease has eliminated many native stocks of crayfish in Europe and there is a
real danger that it will cause the extinction of some of the five European indigenous
crayfish species.
Common Names: crayfish plague
9. Ardisia elliptica (land plant)
This shade-tolerant, evergreen tree grows rapidly, forming dense monotypic stands that
prevent establishment of all other species.
Common Names: ati popa'a, shoebutton ardisia
10. Arundo donax (land plant)
Giant reed is a perennial grass which has been widely introduced into primarily riparian
zones and wetlands in subtropical and temperate areas of the world. Once established, it
forms dense, homogenous stands at the expense of native plant species, altering the habitat
of the local wildlife. It is also both a fire and flood hazard.
Common Names: arundo grass, bamboo reed, cana, cane, canne de Provence, carrizo
grande, donax cane, giant cane, giant reed, narkhat, ngasau ni vavalangi, reedgrass, river
cane, Spanish cane, Spanish reed
11. Asterias amurensis (aquatic invert.)
A. amurensis are seastars native to China, Korea, Russia and Japan. They have spread to
North America and Australia where they seriously affect the native shellfish population.
Where seastar densities are high, most bivalves and other attached or sedentary
invertebrates are eliminated.
Common Names: Northern Pacific seastar
12. banana bunchy top virus (micro-organism)
Banana bunchy top virus is the pathogen which causes banana bunchy top disease of
bananas. It is transmitted by the aphid vector, Pentalonia nigronervosa and is considered to
be the most economically destructive of the virus diseases affecting bananas worldwide.
13. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (micro-organism)
Chytrid fungus in amphibians was first identified in 1998 by an international team of
scientists from Australia, the United States and Great Britain and since has been linked to
large amphibian die-offs in pristine areas of Panama and Australia.
Common Names: Chytridiomycosis, Frog chytrid fungus
14. Bemisia tabaci (land invertebrate)
The sweet potato whitefly is a major pest worldwide of crops grown for food and fibre.
Damage is caused by the piercing and sucking of sap from the foliage of plants, the
vectoring of plant viruses, and the production of honeydew which serves as substrate for the
growth of sooty moulds on leaves.
Common Names: sweet potato whitefly
15. Boiga irregularis (reptile)
The brown treesnake has altered the terrestrial ecology and disrupted the electrical supply
of Guam. Native to northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, this snake is notorious for
concealing itself in international freight and aircraft.
Common Names: brown tree snake, brown treesnake, culepla
16. Bufo marinus (amphibian)
The cane toad was introduced throughout the world as a biological control for various
insect pests of sugarcane and other crops. It has become a pest in its introduced range. It
will feed on any organism available. It preys on and competes with native amphibians for
food and breeding habitat.
Common Names: cane toad, giant toad, marine toad
17. Capra hircus (mammal)
Goats are herbivores. Their highly varied diet includes plants that are avoided by sheep or
cattle, increasing the impact on native vegetation and native animals who use the vegetation
for shelter. They easily become feral and can also spread disease to native animals. Goats
were often introduced to Pacific islands for their milk or released as potential food for
people marooned by shipwrecks.
Common Names: goat
18. Carcinus maenas (aquatic invert.)
This crab is native to Europe and northern Africa. It has been introduced to the USA,
Australia and South Africa. It is a voracious a euryhaline food generalist. The voracious
predator in some locations of its introduced range, has caused the decline of other crab and
bivalve species.
Common Names: European shore crab, green crab, Strandkrabbe
19. Caulerpa taxifolia (aquatic plant)
Caulerpa taxifolia was introduced to the Mediterranean around 1984, possibly as waste
from the Monaco Aquarium (Meinesz & Hesse, 1991). It is a tropical seaweed but it has
adapted well to colder waters and wherever it has established itself. The strain of Caulerpa
taxifolia which has colonized the Mediterranean has some unusual morphological and
physiological characteristics with respect to the tropical populations (longer fronds, a
higher population density, adaptation to a large spectrum of temperatures, higher
concentrations of toxic metabolites) (Boudouresque et al., 1995; Gacia et al., 1996). The
competitive sucess of Caulerpa taxifolia over Mediterranean native communities seems to
be related to these characteristics but also to the production of toxic secondary metabolites.
Common Names: caulerpa, sea weed
20. Cecropia peltata (land plant)
A tree from tropical America, it was introduced to Hawai'i, French Polynesia, West Africa
and Malaysia where it has since become invasive. It spreads in disturbed areas, lava flows,
and forest gaps.
Common Names: faux-ricin, parasolier, pisse-roux, pumpwood, trumpet tree, yagrumo
hembra
21. Cercopagis pengoi (aquatic invert.)
Native to the Ponto-Caspian-Aral region, it has been widely introduced in European basins
since 1950s. Recent invasions include the Baltic Sea in 1992, Lake Ontario in 1998, and
Lake Michigan and Finger Lakes in 1999.
Common Names: fishhook waterflea
22. Cervus elaphus (mammal)
It is the largest deer species growing up to 1.2m at the shoulder. It is a herbivorous
ruminant feeding on a wide variety of vegetation, including stems of young trees. Where
deer density is high, they have a serious impact on vegetation, and will prevent the natural
regeneration of native woodland.
Common Names: elk, red deer, wapiti
23. Chromolaena odorata (land plant)
A fast-growing perennial shrub produces abundant wind-blown seeds, occurs in open, well
drained sites. A weed of pasture and plantation crops in tropical Africa and Asia.
Encourages fire.
Common Names: agonoi, bitter bush, hagonoy, herbe du Laos, huluhagonoi, Jack in the
bush, kesengesil, mahsrihsrihk, masigsig, otuot, Siam weed, triffid weed, wisolmatenrehwei
24. Cinara cupressi (land invertebrate)
This aphid causes extensive damage to cypresses and junipers in many countries. It is
highly aggregative and exploits a wide range of feeding sites from young green branches to
woody stems. Damage caused ranges from partial damage to eventual death of the entire
tree.
Common Names: cypress aphid
25. Cinchona pubescens (land plant)
This tropical forest tree invades a variety of forest and non-forest habitats, spreading by
wind-dispersed seeds and replacing and outshading native vegetation.
Common Names: Chinarindenbaum, Hoja ahumada, Hoja de zambo, Quinine, Quinoa,
Roja, Rosada
26. Clarias batrachus (fish)
This voracious predator is native to south east Asia but was introduced into Florida in the
1960s for fish farming. It has since established itself in the wild throughout Florida. During
the dry season large numbers of walking catfish may congregate in isolated pools and
consume the native fish.
Common Names: walking catfish
27. Clidemia hirta (land plant)
This noxious weedy shrub grows up to 2 m tall in pastures and forest. It is an aggressive
invader which shades out all vegetation below it (Wester and Wood 1977).
Common Names: kaurasiga, Koster's curse, kui, mbona na mbulamakau, roinisinga, soap
bush, soapbush
28. Coptotermes formosanus (land invertebrate)
This termite causes considerable damage to trees, buildings, telephone poles, and
underground electrical and telephone cable lines. In Hawaii, the cost to prevent and/or
control infestations and to repair the damage caused by this pest has been estimated at more
than $60 million a year.
Common Names: Formosan subterranean termite
29. Cryphonectria parasitica (micro-organism)
A fungus that causes cankers on the limbs and trunks of chestnut trees. After initial
infection through fresh wounds in the bark, the disease spreads to the inner portion of the
tree, eventually killing it above the point of infection. It has destroyed most of the
American chestnut trees.
Common Names: chestnut blight
30. Cyprinus carpio (fish)
The common carp, has been introduced as a food and ornamental fish, into temperate
freshwaters, throughout the world. It is considered a pest because of its abundance and its
tendency to reduce water clarity and destroy and uproot aquatic vegetation used as habitat
by a variety of aquatic species.
Common Names: carp
31. Dreissena polymorpha (aquatic invert.)
Zebra mussels are native to the Caspian and Black Seas. They are now established in the
UK, Western Europe, Canada and the USA. They compete with zooplankton for food, thus
affecting natural food webs. They also interfere with the ecological functions of native
molluscs and cause great economic damage.
Common Names: moule zebra, zebra mussel
32. Eichhornia crassipes (aquatic plant)
Infestations of water hyacinth block waterways, limiting boat traffic, swimming and
fishing. It also prevents sunlight and oxygen from reaching the water column and
submerged plants. Its shading and crowding of native aquatic plants dramatically reduces
biological diversity in aquatic ecosystems.
Common Names: bung el ralm, jacinthe d'eau, jacinto-aquatico, lechuguilla,
mbekambekairanga, Wasserhyazinthe, water hyacinth
33. Eleutherodactylus coqui (amphibian)
E. coqui, is a tiny, vociferous frog, native to Puerto Rico where, it attains densities of over
20,000 frogs per hectare and is a voracious insectivore. It is established in Hawaii and the
Virgin Islands. In Hawaii, it is considered both an urban pest and a potential threat to native
forest birds.
Common Names: Caribbean tree frog, common coqui
34. Eriocheir sinensis (aquatic invert.)
This migrating crab, native to Asia, contributes to local extinction of native invertebrates,
modifies habitats due to burrowing activities and costs industries (i.e. fishing and
aquaculture) several 100,000s of dollars per year.
Common Names: Chinese freshwater edible crab, Chinese mitten crab, chinesische
wolhandkrab, chinesische Wollhandkrabbe, crabe chinois, kinesisk ullhandskrabba,
kinesiske uldhandskrabbe, kinijos krabas, kitajskij mokhnatorukij krab, kraba welnistoreki,
villasaksirapu
35. Euglandina rosea (land invertebrate)
The predatory rosy wolf snail was introduced to islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans as
a biological control agent for another alien species, the giant African snail (Achatina
fulica). It is responsible for the extinction of many Partulid tree snails in French Polynesia.
Common Names: rosy wolf snail
36. Euphorbia esula (land plant)
Native to Europe and temperate Asia, leafy spurge currently is found throughout the world
with the exception of Australia. This aggressive invader displaces native vegetation by
shading and using up available water and nutrients and by plant toxins that prevent the
growth of other plants beneath it.
Common Names: leafy spurge
37. Felis catus (mammal)
Cats, in various forms and sizes, occur worldwide except Australasia and oceanic islands.
The house cat, Felis catus, was domesticated in the eastern Mediterranean c. 3000 years ago
and has since been taken by humans to almost all parts of the world and become feral there.
Common Names: domestic cat, Feral cat, House cat
38. Gambusia affinis (fish)
Introduced throughout the world in the mistaken belief that they control mosquitoes better
than native fish, mosquito fish have harmed aquatic ecosystems because of their highly
predaceous habits. Intentional release by mosquito-control agencies continues.
Common Names: guayacon mosquito, Western mosquito fish
39. Hedychium gardnerianum (land plant)
This showy garden escapee grows just over 1 m tall in wet habitats between sea level and
1,700 m displacing other plant species. It forms vast, dense colonies, choking the
understory and stream sides. Its seeds are dispersed by birds as well as man. Even small
root fragments will regrow.
Common Names: Kahila garland-lily, Kahili ginger, wild ginger
40. Herpestes javanicus (mammal)
Mongooses on tropical cane growing islands still threaten endemic species. It has caused
the population demise or extinction of many endemic vertebrates, causes livestock damage
and poses a disease risk.
Common Names: Beji, Mangouste, mangus, mweyba, small Indian mongoose
41. Hiptage benghalensis (land plant)
A tender, evergreen woody climber with perfumed white/yellow flowers. Prefers climates
ranging from warm temperate to tropical. An invasive species on La Réunion and
Mauritius. In Mauritius it has invaded lowland forests.
Common Names: hiptage
42. Imperata cylindrica (land plant)
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a nuisance whereever it is found costing hundreds of
millions of dollars to control, with its only documented beneficial use is a thatch for
building huts and roofs.
Common Names: alang-alang, blady grass, carrizo, cogon grass, gi, impérata cylindrique,
japgrass, kunai, lalang, ngi, paille de dys, paillotte, satintail, speargrass
43. Lantana camara (land plant)
Widely grown as an ornamental shrub throughout the tropics, subtropics and temperate
zones, it is established there as a weed of pastures and the environment in circa 50
countries.
Common Names: ach man, ayam, bunga tayi, cambara de espinto, cuasquito, flowered
sage, largeleaf lantana, latora moa, pha-ka-krong, white sage
44. Lates niloticus (fish)
The Nile perch was introduced to Lake Victoria in 1954 where it has contributed to the
extinction of more than 200 endemic fish species through predation and competition for
food.
Common Names: Chengu, Mbuta, Nijlbaars, Nilabborre, Nile perch, Perca di Nilo, Perche
du Nil, Persico del Nilo, Sangara, Victoria perch, Victoriabaars, Victoriabarsch
45. Leucaena leucocephala (land plant)
Leucaena is a 'conflict tree' being widely promoted for tropical forage production and
reforestation whilst at the same time it is spreading naturally and is widely reported as a
weed. This seedy thornless tree can form dense monospecific thickets and is difficult to
eradicate once established, rendering extensive areas unusable and inaccessible, and
threatening native plants in some areas.
Common Names: aroma blanca, balori, bo chet, cassis, false koa, faux mimosa, fauxacacia, fua pepe, ganitnityuwan tangantan, graines de lin, guaje, guaslim, guaxin, huaxin,
horse/wild tamarind, huaxin, ipil-ipil, jumbie bean, kan thin, kanthum thect, koa haole, koahaole, kra thin, kratin, lamtoro, lead tree, leucaena, liliak, lopa samoa, lusina, nito, pepe,
rohbohtin, schemu, siale mohemohe, subabul, tamarindo silvestre, tangan-tangan,
tangantangan, te kaitetua, telentund, tuhngantuhngan, uaxim, vaivai, vaivai dina, vaivai ni
vavalangi
46. Ligustrum robustum (land plant)
Privet is highly invasive and is a major threat to forest biodiversity in La Réunion and
Mauritius. Its high germination level, rapid growth rate, shade tolerance and very low
mortality, combined with massive fruit production and dispersal by birds contribute to its
ability to invade intact forests.
Common Names: ligustrum, privet
47. Linepithema humile (land invertebrate)
An incredibly successful colonizer capable of invading both disturbed and undisturbed
habitat, the Argentine ant can produce large numbers of aggressive workers. It is an
economic and ecological pest, affecting agriculture, displacing native arthropods, and
potentially altering ecosystem processes.
Common Names: Argentine ant
48. Lymantria dispar (land invertebrate)
The gypsy moth is one of the most destructive pests of shade, fruit, and ornamental trees
throughout the northern hemisphere. It is also a major pest of hardwood forests. Gypsy
moth caterpillars cause extensive defoliation, leading to reduced growth or mortality of
trees.
Common Names: gypsy moth
49. Lythrum salicaria (land plant)
Purple loosestrife is an erect, perennial herb that grows up to 3 m high. This plant is a pest
in north America and Canada. It invades both natural and disturbed wetlands and where it
becomes established, it outcompetes and replaces native plant species, altering wildlife
habitat.
Common Names: purple loosestrife, rainbow weed, salicaire, spiked loosestrife
50. Macaca fascicularis (mammal)
Macaque monkeys are native to south east Asia. They were introduced to Mauritius in the
early 1600 and in the absence of mammal competitors or predators, they thrived on the
island. They cause considerable damage to agriculture and are believed to have contributed
to the extinction of forest birds.
Common Names: crab-eating macaque, Long-tailed macaque
51. Melaleuca quinquenervia (land plant)
This tall tree, native to Eastern Australia, New Guinea and New Caledonia, invades open
swampy areas.
Common Names: cajeput, niaouli, paper bark tree, punk tree
52. Miconia calvescens (land plant)
A dominant invasive tree in the tropical oceanic islands of the Society Is. (French
Polynesia) and Hawai'i (USA) where it was introduced as an ornamental plant.
Common Names: bush currant, cancer vert, miconia, purple plague, velvet tree
53. Micropterus salmoides (fish)
Because of its appealing sporting quality and tasty flesh, the large-mouth bass has been
widely introduced throughout the world. It is a voracious, carnivorous, solitary ambush
predator that feeds both day and night. Its diet includes fish, crayfish, amphibians, and
insects.
Common Names: large-mouth bass
54. Mikania micrantha (land plant)
A smothering vine, which grows best where fertility, organic matter, soil moisture, and
humidity are all high.
Common Names: American rope, Chinese creeper, fue saina, liane americaine, mile-aminute weed, ovaova, usuvanua, wa bosucu, wa mbosuthu, wa mbosuvu, wa mbutako, wa
ndamele
55. Mimosa pigra (land plant)
Mimosa pigra is an aggressive woody shrub that forms impenetrable, prickly thickets up to
four to five metres high. It makes infested areas inaccessible to animals and people, and
interferes with stock watering, irrigation and recreational use of waterways. It invades
watercourses and seasonally flooded wetlands in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
Common Names: bashful plant, catclaw mimosa, chi yop, columbi-da-lagoa, eomrmidera,
espino, giant sensitive plant, giant sensitive tree, giant trembling plant, juquiri, juquiri
grand, kembang gajah, mai yah raap yak, maiyarap ton, malicia-de-boi, mimosa, putri malu
, semalu gajah, sensitiva, trinh nu nhon , una de gato, xao ho
56. Mnemiopsis leidyi (aquatic invert.)
The comb jelly or sea walnut is indigenous to the western Atlantic Ocean, however, a
population explosion in the Black Sea has led to tremendous changes in the ecosystem due
to M. leidyi's predatory impacts.
Common Names: comb jelly, comb jellyfish, sea walnut
57. Mus musculus (mammal)
The house mice feeds on a variety of plant material, including seeds, green stems and
leaves as well as practically any type of food suitable for man or beast. They do
considerable damage in destroying or contaminating food supplies intended for human
consumption and are prolific breeders.
Common Names: house mouse, souris commune
58. Mustela erminea (mammal)
Common Names: ermine, hermine, stoat
59. Myocastor coypus (mammal)
The coypu is a large semi-aquatic rodent which originated from South America. However,
due to escapes from fur farms there are now large feral populations in North America,
Europe and Asia. Their burrows penetrate and damage river banks, dikes and irrigation
facilities. Feeding on wetland plants could devastate large areas of the reed swamp.
Common Names: Coipù, coypu, nutria, Ragondin
60. Myrica faya (land plant)
This evergreen shrub or small tree was introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800s as an
ornamental. It is now found on most of the major Hawaiian islands. Once established, this
species forms dense, single-species stands that prevent regeneration of native species.
Common Names: fire tree
61. Mytilus galloprovincialis (aquatic invert.)
In South Africa, the Mediterranean mussel is replacing the indigenous black mussel and the
brown mussel. Also sometimes called the Blue mussel, it can be confused with Mytillus
edilus. It is an introduced species in Hawaii and parts of the United States.
Common Names: Mediterranean mussel
62. Oncorhynchus mykiss (fish)
Rainbow trout are a popular gaming fish and have been introduced into many rivers and
lakes. They displace native endangered fish by eating their larvae as well as by
crossbreeding with other trout, affecting the gene pool. They also displace other fish from
their natural refuges.
Common Names: rainbow trout, redband trout, truite arc-en-ciel
63. Ophiostoma ulmi (micro-organism)
Dutch elm disease is a wilt disease, caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi. It is transmitted
by bark beetles and root grafts between trees. It has devastated elms in both North America
and Europe.
Common Names: dutch elm disease
64. Opuntia stricta (land plant)
This perennial cactus is native to the southeastern USA. It is a highly adaptable species that
survives and spreads under arid conditions. It forms dense spiny thickets which injure
livestock and prevent access to grazing. It competes vigorously with more valuable pasture
species.
Common Names: cactus, erect pricklypear, southern spineless cactus
65. Oreochromis mossambicus (fish)
Mozambique tilapia has spread worldwide through introductions for aquaculture.
Established populations of this species in the wild are a result of intentional releases or
escapes from fish farms. It is omnivorous and feeds on almost anything from algae to
insects.
Common Names: Blou kurper, Common tilapia, Fai chau chak ue, Java tilapia,
Kawasuzume, Kurper bream, Malea, Mojarra, Mosambik-Maulbrüter, Mozambikskaya
tilapiya, Mozambique cichlid, Mozambique mouth-breeder, Mozambique mouthbrooder,
Mozambique tilapia, Mphende, Mujair, Nkobue, Tilapia, Tilapia del Mozambique, Tilapia
du Mozambique, Tilapia mozámbica, Trey tilapia khmao, Weißkehlbarsch, Wu-Kuo yu
66. Oryctolagus cuniculus (mammal)
Rabbits have been introduced to all continents except Antarctica and Asia. Often they were
introduced by Acclimatisation Societies. In many countries they cause serious erosion of
soils by overgrazing and burrowing.
Common Names: Kaninchen, lapin, rabbit
67. Pheidole megacephala (land invertebrate)
The big-headed ant, an African native, is a tramp species which has spread worldwide
through human commerce. It is an aggressive species that is known to predate on various
native species including ants, beetles, moths, and spiders.
Common Names: big-headed ant
68. Phytophthora cinnamomi (micro-organism)
P. cinnamomi is a root fungus that causes serious disease and death of a very wide variety
of plant species. It thrives in moist conditions and feeds on the roots and basal stem tissue
of living plants. It weakens or kills the plants by hindering the movement of water and
nutrients within the plant.
Common Names: phytophthora root rot
69. Pinus pinaster (land plant)
This tree from the Mediterranean Basin was planted in temperate regions within and outside
its natural range for a wide range of reasons. It regenerated readily almost wherever it is
planted. In many places it invades natural shrubland, forest and grass.
Common Names: cluster pine
70. Plasmodium relictum (micro-organism)
This mosquito-transmitted avian malarial parasite may be lethal to highly susceptible
species (penguins) and avifaunas (Hawaiian Islands) that have evolved in the absence of
this disease.
Common Names: avian malaria, paludisme des oiseaux
71. Platydemus manokwari (land invertebrate)
The flatworm was introduced to several islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans to control
the giant African snail. It has become a serious threat to native gastropod fauna. On Guam,
it is endangering the endemic Mariana Island Partulidae, as well as ground-dwelling
endemics.
Common Names: flatworm
72. Fallopia japonica (land plant)
This herbaceous perennial forms large clumps 1 to 3 meters high often in riparian
situations. Once established, this species forms dense stands that shade and crowd out all
other vegetation, displacing native flora and the associated fauna and the overwintering
canes and leaves are slow to decompose.
Common Names: Donkey rhubarb, German sausage, Itadori, Japanese bamboo, Japanese
fleeceflower, Japanese knotweed, Mexican Bamboo, Peashooter plant, Sally rhubarb
73. Pomacea canaliculata (land invertebrate)
A freshwater snail with a voracious appetite for water plants such as lotus, water chestnut,
taro, and rice. It is a major crop pest in south east Asia and Hawaii, and poses a serious
threat to many wetlands around the world through potential habitat modification and
competition with native species.
Common Names: apple snail, channeled applesnail, golden apple snail
74. Potamocorbula amurensis (aquatic invert.)
The Chinese clam is native to Japan, China and Korea. It has been introduced into the
United States, having a significant impact on the aquatic environment by displacing the
local benthic communities as well as eliminating phytoplankton, also eaten by juvenile fish.
Common Names: marine clam
75. Prosopis glandulosa (land plant)
Mesquite is a perennial, woody, deciduous shrub or small tree. It forms impenetrable
thickets that compete strongly with native species for available soil water, suppress grass
growth and may reduce understory species diversity.
Common Names: honey mesquite, mesquite, Texas mesquite
76. Psidium cattleianum (land plant)
Psidium cattleianum is an invasive species that displaces native vegetation. It has had a
devastating effect on native habitats in Mauritius, and is considered as one of the worst
plant pests in Hawaii.
Common Names: Cattley Guava, Cherry Guava, Chinese Guava, Goyave de Chine,
Kuahpa, Ngguava, Purple Strawberry Guava, Strawberry Guava , Tuava Tinito, Waiawi
77. Pueraria montana (land plant)
Kudzu is a semiwoody vine, a legume, with a twining and trailing growth habit that can
form dense infestations covering ground and trees. It is reported to infest about 2 to 3
million hectacres in the Eastern U.S. and results in estimated loses of $500US million per
year in land productivity and control costs.
Common Names: kudzu, kudzu vine
78. Pycnonotus cafer (bird)
The bulbul (native to parts of Asia) was introduced to some of the Pacific Islands, where it
has caused serious problems by eating fruit and vegetable crops, as well as nectar, seeds
and buds. The bulbul is aggressive and chases off other bird species.
Common Names: red-vented bulbul
79. Rana catesbeiana (amphibian)
The bullfrog has been widely distributed via aquaculture and the aquarium trade. It is one
of the most frequently cultivated edible frogs, worldwide. Primary concerns are competition
with and predation upon native herpetofauna.
Common Names: bullfrog
80. Rattus rattus (mammal)
A native of the Indian sub-continent, this rat has now spread throughout the world. It will
feed on and damage almost any edible thing. A very agile rat, often frequenting the tree
tops.
Common Names: black rat, blue rat, bush rat, European house rat, roof rat, ship rat
81. Rinderpest virus (micro-organism)
Rinderpest is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. It is
characterised by inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes and a very mortality
rate. It is still present in many parts of Africa, the Middle East and south Asia.
82. Rubus ellipticus (land plant)
Rubus ellipticus is a prickly shrub, which invades native forests. It is spread by way of
underground shoots and the seeds are dispersed by fruit-eating birds and mammals. There
are major infestations in Hawaii, where it has displaced the native Hawaiian raspberry
(Rubus hawaiiensis).
Common Names: yellow Himalayan raspberry
83. Salmo trutta (fish)
Brown trout have been introduced into cold waters worldwide for angling and are well
established in many areas. They have contributed to the reduction of native fish populations
(especially other salmonids), amphibians and invertebrates through predation,
displacement, and food competition.
Common Names: brown trout
84. Schinus terebinthifolius (land plant)
Native to Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, Schinus is a pioneer of disturbed sites, but is also
successful in undisturbed natural environments. It can be an aggressive weed that displaces
native vegetation.
Common Names: Brazilian holly, Brazilian pepper tree, Christmas berry, faux poivrier,
Florida holly, poivre rose, warui
85. Sciurus carolinensis (mammal)
Imported as a pet from North America to UK, Italy, and South Africa. In UK and Italy it
expanded causing the local extinction of the native red squirrel. A further expansion from
the Alps to a large portion of Eurasia is predicted.
Common Names: gray squirrel, grey squirrel, scoiattolo grigio
86. Solenopsis invicta (land invertebrate)
These ants are aggressive generalist foragers that occur in high densities, and can thus
dominate most potential food sources. Its stinging ability allows it to subdue prey and repel
even larger vertebrate competitors from resources. Their diet include invertebrates,
vertebrates, and plants.
Common Names: red imported fire ant
87. Spartina anglica (aquatic plant)
Spartina anglica is a perennial salt marsh grass. It has been planted widely to stablize tidal
mud flats. Its invasion and spread leads to the exclusion of native plant species and the
reduction of suitable feeding habitat for wildfowl and waders.
Common Names: common cord grass, Rice Grass, Townsends Grass
88. Spathodea campanulata (land plant)
A showy and shade tolerant tree which invades abandoned agricultural land and closed
forest. Favors moist and wet areas from sea level to 1,000 m. It is invasive in Hawaii, Fiji,
French Polynesia and Samoa. Seeds are dispersed by wind and germinate quickly.
Common Names: African tulip tree
89. Sturnus vulgaris (bird)
A native of Eurasia and North Africa, the starling is now found in many countries. They are
extremely voracious and will feed on almost anything, causing reductions in native insects
and destroying crops. These aggressive birds have also displaced many native birds by
competiting for nest sites.
Common Names: blackbird, common starling, English starling, Étourneau sansonnet,
European starling
90. Sus scrofa (mammal)
Feral pigs are escaped or released domestic animals. Introduced to many parts of the world,
they damage crops, stock and property and transmit many diseases. They dig up large areas
of native vegetation and spread weeds, disrupting ecological processes such as succession
and species composition.
91. Tamarix ramosissima (land plant)
Tamarisk is a long-lived shrub or tree. Native to Asia and southeastern Europe, it is now
extensively naturalised in the United States and Mexico. It is able to grow in extremely
saline soils and is easily propagated. It impedes the flow of water at high water levels,
creating flooding problems.
Common Names: salt cedar, tamarisk
92. Trachemys scripta (reptile)
Slider turtles are popular pets and as a result have become established in many parts of the
world, where it is thought that they compete with native aquatic turtles. They are
omnivorous and will eat insects, crayfish, shrimp, worms, snails, amphibians and small fish
as well as aquatic plants.
Common Names: red-eared slider
93. Trichosurus vulpecula (mammal)
This solitary, nocturnal, arboreal marsupial (introduced from Australia) damages native
forests in New Zealand by selective feeding on foliage and fruits. It also preys on bird nests
and is a vector for bovine Tb.
Common Names: brushtail possum
94. Trogoderma granarium (land invertebrate)
The Khapra beetle one of the most important stored product pest worldwide. It maintains its
presence in stores in very low numbers and able to survive long period of time in inactive
state.
Common Names: Escarabajo khapra , Khapra beetle, Khaprakäfer, Trogoderma (dermeste)
du grain
95. Ulex europaeus (land plant)
Gorse is a spiny, perennial, evergreen shrub. Grows in dense and impenetrable thickets. It is
common in disturbed areas, grasslands, shrublands, forest margins, coastal habitats and
waste places. Ulex is a very successful and tenacious plant when it becomes established.
Common Names: gorse
96. Undaria pinnatifida (aquatic plant)
A kelp native to Japan where it is cultivated for human consumption. It is an opportunistic
weed which spreads mainly by fouling ship hulls. It forms dense forests, resulting in
competition for light and space which may lead to the exclusion or displacement of native
plant and animal species.
Common Names: Haijiecai, Japanese kelp, Qundaicai (=apron-ribbon vegetable), Wakame
97. Vespula vulgaris (land invertebrate)
Common wasps nest underground and in cavities in trees and buildings. In addition to
causing painful stings to humans, they compete with birds and other insects for insect prey
and sugar sources. They will also eat fruit crops and scavenge around rubbish bins and
picnic sites.
Common Names: common wasp, Common yellowjacket
98. Vulpes vulpes (mammal)
Foxes were released in many countries for recreational hunting purposes but soon became
pests as they are adaptable to many habitats. Foxes are carnivorous and as well as eating
rabbits, mice, lambs and goat kids, they will also eat small native mammals.
Common Names: red fox
99. Wasmannia auropunctata (land invertebrate)
The little fire ant, is blamed for reducing species diversity, reducing overall abundance of
flying and tree-dwelling insects, and eliminating arachnid populations. On the Galapagos, it
eats the hatchlings of tortoises and attacks the eyes and cloacae of the adult tortoises.
Common Names: albayalde, cocoa tree-ant, formi électrique, formiga pixixica, fourmi
rouge, hormiga colorada, hormiga roja, hormiguilla, Little fire ant, little introduced fire ant,
little red fire ant, pequena hormiga de fuego, petit fourmi de feu, sangunagenta, satanica,
small fire ant, tsangonawenda, West Indian stinging ant
100. Wedelia trilobata (land plant)
This creeping herb native to Central America forms a dense ground cover, crowding out or
preventing regeneration of other species.
Common Names: ate, atiat, dihpw ongohng, ngesil ra ngebard, rosrangrang, Singapore
daisy, trailing daisy, tuhke ongohng, wedelia