New, non-native plant species are constantly being found in Svalbard, and researchers are working to ascertain what threat these species pose to the native plants.
New, non-native plant species are constantly being found in Svalbard, and researchers are working to ascertain what threat these species pose to the native plants.
So far, the Arctic has managed to avoid one of the most serious threats to biodiversity on Earth. This is also true for Svalbard, but things could change very quickly, and the researchers want to find out how to counteract this threat.
“Increased human activity heightens the risk of new plant species being introduced. And climate change increases the risk of invasive species establishing themselves,” says Kristine Bakke Westergaard.
Read more at: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Alkhornet bird cliffs. Naturally occurring nutrient-rich soil can be found directly below the bird cliffs, and researchers are monitoring whether non-native plants have spread there. (Photo Credit: Kristine Bakke Westergaard, NTNU)
