Invasive Alien Species
What is an Invasive Alien Species?
Invasive species are species that have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) by humans and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife or habitats of Ireland and Northern Ireland. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide, and the biggest threat on islands.
Keep an eye out for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in your area and record sightings with the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording. View our downloadable guides below to help you identify invasive species that may occur in your local patch. Recording this data is vital to help limit the amount or stop the spread completely. Species such as the Asian Hornet or the Oak Processionary Moth have been recorded in parts of England and just recently in the island of Ireland, so vigilance is essential.
Human activities are the main cause of the arrival of invasive species. Many species are deliberately released whilst others have escaped from our gardens and farms like the American mink and giant rhubarb. Some arrive as hitchhikers and stowaways with imported goods like the New Zealand flatworm!
For further information, visit:
Legislation
EU List of Union Concern
The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 is regional legislation corresponding to the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation 1143/2014.
The order prohibits various activities related to invasive alien species, including keeping, breeding, transporting, placing on the market, using, exchanging, permitting reproduction or cultivation, and releasing into the environment species listed on the ‘EU list of Union Concern’.
In addition, it is also an offence to;
- release or allow to escape into the wild any species of animal (or hybrid) that is not ordinarily resident or a regular visitor to Northern Ireland; or is included on the ‘EU list of Union Concern’.
- plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any species of plant (or hybrid) which is included on the ‘EU list of Union Concern’.
Schedule 9 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order
In Northern Ireland the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (as amended) also provides regulation of other invasive non-native species. Under Article 15 of the Order it is an offence to;
- release or allow to escape into the wild any animal (or hybrid) which is not ordinarily resident or a regular visitor to Northern Ireland; or is included in Part I of Schedule 9,
- to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any plant (or hybrid) which is included in Part II of Schedule 9.
Further information on legislation surrounding invasive species please see the link below to Invasive Species Ireland website Northern Ireland.
If you suspect the presence of any species listed under the EU List of Union Concern or Schedule 9 on your property, seek advice from a qualified Ecologist or Invasive Species Specialist. Additionally, if you note the presence of an invasive species public areas, please submit a record to CEDaR Submit record of invasive non-native species in Northern Ireland.
