In recent years, a number of non-native animal species have been observed in Alaska, some of which have proven to be invasive. Invasive species threaten native ecosystem integrity and Alaska’s valuable resources in fisheries, tourism, forestry, and agriculture by the alteration and loss of natural species biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Alaska’s low population and relative geographic isolation have kept introductions of new invasive species comparatively low, but increased commercial traffic, development, and changes wrought by climate change all potentially increase the risk of new introductions to the state.
We have taken part in several projects compiling information on which invasive species are present in the state, their biologys and distributions, and their possible risks and impacts on native ecosystems and species.
