Biological invasions in terrestrial Antarctica: what is the current status and can we respond?

Introduction to the special issue on the Life in Antarctica: Boundaries and Gradients in a Changing Environment (XIth SCAR Biology Symposium)

“…A topic that deserves attention is the introduction of microbial taxa by visitors. At the moment, there are no available data about the possibility of humans as vectors of microorganisms, but certainly the increasing mobility of humans (both scientists and tourists) may represent a risk of artificial homogenization of microbial communities, compromising native populations as potential producers of biotechnologically relevant compounds (Hughes et al 2015b). The potential stress that visitors produce over animals has also been scarcely quantified, and existing reports are controversial (Coetzee and Chown 2014), but there is agreement that human disturbance can have negative effects on wildlife.…”

First step to eradication of Poa annua L. from Point Thomas Oasis (King George Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica)

“…Annual bluegrass is preconditioned to successful establishment in the region and maintains a soil seed bank in the Antarctic (Wódkie-wicz et al 2013(Wódkie-wicz et al , 2014. Hughes et al (2015) pointed out the necessity of eradication of P. annua at Arctowski; however, they stated that from the Polish operator ''no attempt at eradication has been reported.'' Their manuscript submission was received by the editorial staff on January 5, 2015 and published online on March 10, 2015 (Hughes et al 2015) we were working on the initial steps of eradication just as snow cover retreated in February and March 2015 (see report: Eradication of a nonnative grass P. annua L. from ASPA No 128 Western Shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands 2015).…”

“…Hughes et al (2015) pointed out the necessity of eradication of P. annua at Arctowski; however, they stated that from the Polish operator ''no attempt at eradication has been reported.'' Their manuscript submission was received by the editorial staff on January 5, 2015 and published online on March 10, 2015 (Hughes et al 2015) we were working on the initial steps of eradication just as snow cover retreated in February and March 2015 (see report: Eradication of a nonnative grass P. annua L. from ASPA No 128 Western Shore of Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands 2015). All of our earlier research regarding the biology and genetics of P. annua at Arctowski (Olech and Chwedorzewska 2011;Lityńska-Zając et al 2012;Wódkie-wicz et al 2013Wódkie-wicz et al , 2014Molina-Montenegro et al 2014;Pastorczyk et al 2014;Chwedorzewska et al 2015;Galera et al 2015;Giełwanowska et al 2015; was aimed at informed eradication/control of the species.…”

“…This paper is a report of the activities carried out to prevent further spread of P. annua into natural habitats on King George Island and the preliminary attempt at eradication. By initializing this action we aim to eradicate the species from sites established close to native vegetation, and also collate information on the management of this species for future management of new invasions to Antarctica given the increasing human activity (e.g., Hughes et al 2015). In this way our research gained a practical aspect for the conservation of the studied system.…”

Demonstration of “substantial research activity” to acquire consultative status under the Antarctic Treaty

“…Consequently, in areas such as the northern Antarctic Peninsula and its offshore islands, where approximately 50% of research stations are already located, there may be intense competition between humans and indigenous fauna and flora for remaining ice-free ground (Chwedorzewska & Korczak 2010;Hughes et al 2011;Braun et al 2012). Recorded impacts include disturbance or displacement of wildlife, destruction of habitat, environmental pollution and introduction of non-native species (Tin et al 2009;Hughes, Pertierra et al 2015;Coetzee & Chown 2016). Impacts can be amplified where stations operated by several Parties are co-located (Braun et al 2012).…”