Biological Invasions
Biological invasions are considered one of the main components of global change. Through mechanisms such as predation, hybridization or competition for resources, invasive alien species (IAS) cause serious losses of biodiversity and alter, and even transform, the invaded ecosystems. Its impact on health and the economy can also be very high.
IAS cause dramatic and, in some cases, irreversible changes in nature in all regions of the planet.
60% global extinctions
60% of global extinctions have been caused, solely or together with other factors, by IAS
16% global extinctions
6% of global extinctions have been caused exclusively by IAS
1,215 local extinctions
1,215 local extinctions of native species have been caused by IAS
According to the IPBES report (2023), invasives have been a determining factor in 60% of global extinctions, and the sole driver of 16% of the global extinctions of animals and plants that have been recorded. In addition, at least 218 invasive alien species have been responsible for more than 1,200 local extinctions. Once established, their control or eradication is usually very difficult (even impossible), and the associated economic costs can be very high. Therefore, prevention and early detection, followed by a rapid response, are essential.
Not All Exotic Species Are Invasive
Invasive alien species are the subset of alien species (that have established and spread), which cause negative impacts on nature and often on people as well.
It is known that around 6% of exotic plants, 22% of exotic invertebrates, 14% of exotic vertebrates and 11% of exotic microbes are invasive, posing a risk to nature and people.
Cortaderia Selloana
The invasive nature of the species is given by its high capacity to adapt to multiple ecosystems, since it does not require great ecological demands, but is capable of surviving in extreme conditions compared to other native species. The pampa grass supports both drought and waterlogging conditions, it can grow in poor soils with little substrate, it even tolerates a certain salinity in the soil and surrounding waters. A limiting factor in its distribution is thermoclimatic conditions, preferring environments with mild temperatures, although it tolerates occasional frosts.
These few requirements allow the pampa grass to be one of the first species to establish itself and colonize degraded environments, such as disturbed land in which the vegetation cover and the superficial organic horizon have been eliminated, such as, for example, quarries, gravel pits, industrial land, roadsides and/or railway tracks.
Life Coop Cortaderia
Pampa grass not only occupy peri-urban spaces and degraded spaces; it is capable of colonizing high-value natural spaces, displacing native species.
The recognition of this problem for the conservation of biodiversity has led to the approval of public strategies and plans to combat the expansion of this species.
We Remove Pampas Grass
The LIFE COOP Cortaderia Project aims to boost cooperation and coordinated action for the control and confinement of Cortaderia Selloana throughout the Atlantic Arc, from Portugal to France and along the entire Cantabrian coast.
We Restore Ecosystems
We effectively fight the invasion, advancing in the control of the pampa grass, especially in protected natural spaces and along the coastal RN2000, as well as in river corridors.
