An ambitious plan to prevent, detect, eliminate and control new and existing invasive non-native species (INNS) has been published today by NatureScot, with climate change predicted to increase invasive species in Scotland even more in the future.

INNS are a major cause of nature loss in Scotland, including substantial reductions of some seabird populations and rare woodland lichens. Globally, INNS have contributed to 60% of recorded extinctions on islands. In Scotland, INNS are increasing on land and in freshwater and seas, affecting important ecosystems like islands, temperate rainforests and peatlands, and iconic species such as puffins, water voles and red squirrels.

They also affect Scotland’s economy. INNS are estimated to cost the country at least £500 million a year. Many of these costs are shouldered by agriculture and forestry, as well as by the construction, tourism and transport industries. As well, INNS can also act as vectors and hosts for the spread of diseases, increasing the risks to human, animal and plant health.