In the globalized world, borders are easier to overcome. This also applies to animals and plants. The Frankfurt Senckenberg Research Center for Biodiversity and Climate predicts a strong increase in species migration: In the next 30 years, by the middle of the century, so-called alien species – also called “alien species” in biologists’ jargon – by 36 percent compared to the year 2005 increase. The study was published in the journal “Global Change Biology”.

2500 new alien species for Europe Dr. Hanno Seebens was responsible for the study, for which he and an international team developed a computer model that can predict species migration up to 2050 based on data from the last few decades. With a view to international development, this has not yet been carried out by a study; other studies have concentrated on individual species or countries. Seebens and his colleagues found that there are big differences depending on the region.

The rapid increase in biodiversity applies in particular to Europe. The researchers expect around 2500 new, alien species. The relative increase over the comparative year 2005 is a whole 64 percent. However, that does not mean that the elephants will soon be on the loose: They are mainly insects, molluscs and crustaceans, explains Sebens. “In contrast, there will hardly be any new, alien mammal species such as the raccoon that has already immigrated.”

Co-author Dr. Franz Essl from the University of Vienna also says that the number of new, alien species of these selected animal groups will increase significantly in every region of the world by the middle of the century – “in the temperate latitudes of Asia even by 117 Percent “. In addition to arthropods, an increasing distribution of bird species is expected worldwide. Mammals and fish are more likely to stay at home.

Australia less affected Australia can expect few migrants . However, Down Under is already one of the seventeen, mostly tropical countries of mega-biodiversity, as determined by the conservation organization Conservation International 1988. Germany, on the other hand, is a relatively species-poor country. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, there are only about 3 062 vascular plant species in this country. For comparison: Brazil is the most plant-rich country with about 36. 000 Species.

The species enter new territories by ship, plane and truck. Species migration cannot be avoided if global trade is not significantly restricted. Seebens relies on strict regulations that must be strictly implemented. “The benefit of such measures has been proven by studies. Especially in Europe, where the