alien / Invasive species
# Alien or alien invasive?
# What's wrong with such species?
# but Some are so beautiful !
This topic comes up frequently, and we will attempt to shed some light on it. G10T does not aim to eliminate non-local or alien trees, but there are important ecological guidelines that must be followed to avoid causing an ecological disaster. While alien species have their place, especially in urban areas, it is crucial to ensure that they do not disrupt the balance of local ecosystems.
# ALIEN SPECIES – These are types of flora that are not native to a specific place. Nearly 100% of houseplants and most garden trees fall under this category, and there is nothing inherently wrong with them. However, since they are not 'local', they should not be grown in rural areas, natural parks (like Majjistral Park), or open countryside. Instead, alien species are more suitable for urban areas, where they can provide diverse textures, colors, and shapes to enhance the environment. G10T has no issues with these species as long as they are placed in urban settings.
# INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES - These species pose a serious threat to local flora and can potentially wipe native species out of existence. Unfortunately, Malta has an overwhelming number of invasive species. Some notable examples include Pennisetum, Lead Tree, Acacia, Brazilian Pepper, Pittosporum, Castor Oil Tree, Giant Reed, and many, many more.
One of the most invasive grasses is Qarsu (Cape Sorrel or Ħaxixa Ingliża), which did not exist in Malta up until 200 years ago but has since spread rapidly, now covering large parts of the island. While the grass may seem nice to some, its proliferation has likely caused the disappearance of numerous native grasses. What once covered the terraced fields? Perhaps there was something else, but now it is difficult to say what species were lost during the spread of Cape Sorrel.
Invasive Alien Species must be eradicated (whenever possible) as they pose a severe threat to Malta’s ecological system.
G10T mainly promotes local species but we are not against using Alien species within an Urban context, but we can never accept the use of Invasives.
This is not about 'how nice it looks' but 'how sound it is for our ecology'. AND THIS IS A BASIC RULE WE WILL BE ABIDING BY. I hope this bit of precious information will iron out this issue!
# mapping invasive species aborted!
Unfortunately G10T did not pursue on this case as both the Pennisetum and the Lead Tree are out of control since ERA did not take the lead in taking measures in trying to eradicate these species. Alot of documents were written and method studies prepared but there was no one at the end of the chain to remove the invasives!
G10T is currently mapping the location of the (fountain grass) pennisetum and the lead tree around the Maltese Islands (find mapping links further down). These species have been introduced by nurseries for their pleasant appearance but have now spread uncontrollably and are wreaking havoc among the local species. The mappings will hopefully be used by ERA to help in the control of the species. A new European law on invasive species lists the Pennisetum as such, and thus the local authorities are bound to eliminate or control its circulation. Unfortunately, from all the invasive species we currently have, only the pennisetum is listed.
From our end, we have taken the initiative to map also the lead tree since it is a relatively new species on the Islands which is currently spreading fast. We are also urging ERA to use this information to start a study to eliminate this species as well. Hopefully we would continue with this mapping process on various other invasive species.
# mapping of fountain grass
(Pennisetum setaceum) # Place a marker on the map where the species was sighted
# mapping of Lead tree
(gazzija bajda/albizzja, Leucaena leucocephala)# Place a marker on the map where the species was sighted
