Alien species are plants or animals that aren\u2019t native and have been introduced, usually by people, outside their natural range or habitats.\u00a0 They can sometimes become \u2018invasive\u2019 when they spread rapidly and out- compete the native flora and fauna.\u00a0 Invasive species present a significant threat to biodiversity worldwide.<\/p>\n
Invasive species can be particularly problematic in wetland habitats.\u00a0 They can have negative impacts on recreational and amenity use of waterways as well as threatening native ecosystems.<\/p>\n
The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) prepared reports in 2010 on invasive species for each county in Ireland. Called the Dirty Dozen<\/em><\/a> Report it identifies 12 problematic invasive species in each county, chosen based on their presence in the county and their potential for impact and spread.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to see the NBDC map of the distribution of invasive species in County Kilkenny.<\/p>\n For more information and advice see: Invasive Species Ireland <\/a>, the Central Fisheries Board<\/a>, and The National Biodiversity Data Centre<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n