Invasive alien species
The Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Invasive alien species represent a serious threat to biodiversity. These are introduced species that have the ability to establish themselves, outcompete native species and take over the new environments.
Legislation and guidelines at the national, regional and international levels are being developed in order to prevent the introduction of invasive species. For those invasives that have established themselves, measures such as eradication, control, and mitigation of their impacts are being taken to combat the threat of invasive species.
What is the Museum doing to help?
The Museum contains important collections from all over the world. These collections can be used to help identify invasive species, and to develop environmentally friendly ways to control them.
Find out more about some of the Museum's alien species projects.