ABSTRACT

Invasive species are among the biggest threats to biological diversity. They also represent a threat to health and can pose significant environmental costs. The public and scientific response to this growing problem varies between hysteria and complacency. This talk will provide an overview of the problem, looking at the various types of invasive organisms (viruses, algae through to parrots and snakes), their impacts and some of the possible responses. So far the isolated oceanic islands have suffered the greatest impact from invasives; however it is clear that this impact is expanding to encompass continental ecosystems and urban areas.