Preventive measures and early detection are needed to manage invasive introduced species

Abstract

It is quite difficult to eradicate an invasive introduced species when it has begun to spread. Even containment is very complicated, expensive and may be harmful for natural ecosystems. For these reasons, it is necessary to improve prevention in order to combat future invasions. The creation of a national list prioritizing negative impacts and specifying restrictive measures (black list) would be a coherent step towards improving the current legislation and the nation could take a step towards prevention. In the same way, voluntary approaches and participative initiatives can be developed as has already been done for several years with various stakeholders. Finally, the impossibility to master the knowledge of incoming species, setting up surveillance networks is essential. These networks are useful for a better detection of newly established species, but they must also facilitate rapid responses to control emerging populations of undesirable invaders. In order to optimize these networks, early detection areas have to be targeted and specific tools must be developed. This new strategy also implies a better targeting and training of the stakeholders who will support it.