Invasive species are wreaking havoc on our planet's economy, racking up an annual cost of over $423 billion. This astonishing new finding was published in a recent landmark global report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services recently.

To make matters worse, these costs have been quadrupling every decade since 1970.

The report, which sheds light on the destructive impact of invasive species, reveals that they are implicated in a shocking 60% of global plant and animal extinctions. These unwelcome intruders are undermining our natural ecosystems and pushing countless species to the brink of extinction.

What's particularly concerning is the report's assertion that prevention measures against invasive species are both underfunded and not given the priority they deserve, especially in the context of environmental risks.

Australia's biodiversity under threat

Australia’s geographic isolation has given rise to unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. This is also part of the reason that our ecosystems are particularly susceptible to invasive species – our native flora and fauna are not equipped to face the threats posed by these interlopers. Feral cats, fire ants, and new fungal diseases like myrtle rust are among the threats that jeopardise Australia's rich biodiversity.

Over 80% of mammal extinctions in Australia can be attributed to invasive species, and it is predicted that invasive species will be the primary driver behind 85% of the anticipated vertebrate extinctions over the next two decades.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the report revealed that there are now more introduced plant species in Australia than native ones, further emphasising the urgent need for action.

While the report paints a grim picture, it also highlights success stories. Eradication programs on islands worldwide have demonstrated that, with dedication and investment, we can reverse the tide of invasive species and achieve positive results.

Healthy Land & Water has been working for decades on projects that take up the battle against invasive species in South East Queensland. Because of this, we know how successful they can be and how much they contribute to saving our biodiversity.

You can check out some of them here (there are so many more!):
Coochiemudlo Island Wetland Weed Control project
Curlew Island Restoration project
Coombabah Lakelands Restoration project
Caring for Country on Guwawenewa (Goat Island)
Hays Inlet Weed Control Project
Pig control on Quandamooka Country
Ransome Road Reserve restoration
Riparian Weed Control program
Station Road Wetlands Restoration project
Egret Colony Victoria Point Wetlands Restoration project

Sources: Invasive Species Council – Media Release https://invasives.org.au/media-releases/423-billion-per-year-and-rising-the-cost-of-invasive-species-revealed/; https://www.ipbes.net/ias.