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If you have oxygen slides or Japanese tree killers in your garden – then you should be careful. The plants can displace other vegetation and now end up on the EU’s list of invasive species.
On 2 August, 22 new species will be added to the EU’s list of invasive alien species. The species is considered so harmful that it justifies a ban in all Member States. Among the species, there are mainly eleven that we in Sweden should be aware of, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Plants from Asia
Among the plant species are lilac and Japanese tree killer, which already occur as garden plants in Sweden. The plants originate in Asia and can displace native species. If the climate gets warmer, they risk causing even greater problems.
When it comes to animals, it is mainly four ant species, a snake species and a frog that we should watch out for. The snake Lampropeltis getula, which is kept as a pet in Sweden, causes major problems in southern Europe by spreading diseases and eating small birds and amphibians.
African claw frog is used as a laboratory animal in Sweden. From 2024, when the ban comes into force, one must apply for a permit for research with the frog.
Fire ants
Four ant species are also added to the list of invasive species. They cause damage to biodiversity by competing with other ant species.
– These are ants that in English are usually called fire ants, says Johan Linnander at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to Ekot in Swedish Radio.
– They cause problems in that they mainly bite both humans and animals, and are generally unpleasant.
According to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, we can prevent these ants from coming here by monitoring the import of goods and other trade routes.
Even in the water, there are species that are now added to the EU list, including the mussel flower, which is a popular aquarium and pond plant.
Species classified as invasive have come here from other parts of the world where they often have natural enemies, such as animals that eat them. But when they end up in other places where these are missing, they can easily take over and become a threat to biodiversity.
Facts
EU-listed invasive species in Sweden
Invasive alien species that are already on the EU list and occur in Swedish nature.
Bisam
God tree
Yellow skunk call
Yellow-bellied water turtle
Giant balm
Giant locomotive
Raccoon dog
Silkworm
Signal cancer
Narrow plague
Tromsöloka
Chinese wool hand crab
(Source: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency)
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