Invasive species in Spain

Invasive species are non-native plants and animals that are introduced into a new environment, where they can cause harm to the local ecosystem, economy, and human health. There are many invasive species in Spain that pose a threat to the natural environment and biodiversity.

Some of the most notable invasive species in Spain include the American mink, the Asian tiger mosquito, the giant hogweed, the red-eared slider turtle, and the zebra mussel. These species can outcompete native species for resources, alter the natural balance of ecosystems, and spread diseases.

Invasive species also have economic impacts, as they can damage crops, fisheries, and infrastructure. Spain has implemented several measures to control and manage invasive species, including the development of early warning systems, rapid response plans, and public awareness campaigns. The management is an ongoing challenge for Spain and requires the cooperation of scientists, policymakers, and the public to protect the country’s natural resources and biodiversity.

Zebra mussel – Dreissena polymorpha – Mejillón cebra

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Zebra mussel - Dreissena polymorpha - Mejillón cebra

The Zebra mussel – Dreissena polymorpha – Mejillón cebra is a species of freshwater mussel native to the freshwater lakes of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It gets its name from the distinctive striped pattern on its shell, which resembles the stripes on a zebra. Zebra mussels are small, fingernail-sized mollusks that have become invasive … Read more

How Invasive Catfish Impact the Ebro River Ecosystem

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How Invasive Catfish Impact the Ebro River Ecosystem

In the serene waters of Spain’s Ebro River, a growing menace lurks beneath the surface – invasive catfish. This article delves into the profound effects of these unwelcome guests and how invasive catfish impact the Ebro river ecosystem.

The Catfish Invasion

The invasion of catfish in the Ebro River is a story that began decades ago. In the early 1970s, these formidable creatures, known scientifically as Silurus glanis, were introduced into the Mequinenza reservoir by fishermen seeking a new catch. Their origin traces back to the Danube and Volga rivers in central Europe. These native habitats provided the catfish with ample space to grow and thrive, reaching staggering sizes. Reports from the 18th and 19th centuries describe specimens weighing up to a colossal 375 kilograms and measuring up to 3 meters in length.

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Invasive species – The red eared terrapin

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An invasive species, the red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans), also known as the red-eared slider, red-eared slider turtle
  • Spanish: Galápago de Florida, Tortuga de orejas rojas
  • Scientific: Trachemys scripta elegans
  • English: Red eared terrapin

An invasive species, the red-eared terrapin (Trachemys scripta elegans), also known as the red-eared slider, red-eared slider turtle, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, and water slider turtle, is a semiaquatic terrapin belonging to the family Emydidae.

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The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Spain

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The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is not native to Spain, and it is not officially recognized as a wild species in the country. However, there have been occasional sightings of raccoons in some areas of Spain, particularly in urban and suburban areas where they may have been introduced as pets or escaped from captivity. In … Read more