Using Advanced Technology, Sicilian And Maltese Scientists Fight Threat Of Invasive Species In Mediterranean
Maltese and Sicilian researchers have partnered up in an effort to target alien plant and animal species wreaking havoc on the Mediterranean’s biodiversity.
The project would see researchers develop a ‘database’ of invasive plant and animal species around the Mediterranean, but they plan to use some serious technology to preserve the area.
The initiative will not only counteract the loss of biodiversity, but also the degradation of ecosystems too. Indeed, it may also promote the restoration of certain sites.
The technological innovations are supported by researchers of the FAST (Fight Alien Species Transborder) project, recently illustrated during an event at the University of Malta.
Together with Malta, the University of Catania’s Departments of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences are the leading entities behind the partnership.
This database presently includes around 700 plant species and 900 alien animal species. Of animal species, 150 alone have been classed as ‘invasive’.
Eventually, the project will provide an ‘eradication’ procedure, thanks to the innovative use of drones in the pre and post-intervention phases.
Speaking at the event was Joseph Cacciottolo, Vice-Rector of the University of Malta, who said that “international collaboration is of fundamental importance to concretely address global problems such as those of invasive alien species.”
Three Maltese Natura 2000 sites have been chosen for this project to take place. They are none other than the areas around Buskett and Girgenti, Il-Magħluq ta Marsaskala, and the areas of Xlendi and Kantra Valley on the Island of Gozo.
These sites were deemed to be the most fragile habitats, and are in dire need of safeguarding.
Invasive species are any forms of life that cause either ecological or economic harm when set in an environment where it is not native.
They can harm both the natural resources of the ecosystem, but can also threaten human use of these resources too.
Moreover, they are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats. This can result in huge economic impacts and fundamental disruptions of coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems.
The FAST project studies the impact of alien species on our environment’s natural biodiversity, and will now tackle the issue by way of some innovative technology.
What do you make of this?