UK invasive species
Species that do not naturally occur in the UK and have been introduced are known as non-native species. A small proportion of these species are invasive, meaning that they have serious negative impacts on native UK species and ecosystems. UK invasive species upset the balance of UK ecosystems as they are able to outcompete native species due to faster growth, shorter life cycles and the ability to tolerate a wide range of habitat types and environmental conditions.
UK invasive species list
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African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
The distinctive African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is characterised by its large size…
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American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Aptly named for its deep, resonant croak , the American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is North…
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American mink (Neovison vison)
The American mink (Neovison vison) is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic mustelid with a long, slender…
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American skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanus)
The American skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) is a tall perennial plant which is named for the…
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Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)
Considered to be one of the most aggressive hornets in its natural range , the Asian hornet (Vespa…
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Bar-headed goose (Anser indicus)
An unmistakeable species , the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) is a medium to large, pale grey…
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Black swan (Cygnus atratus)
One of just three swan species found in the southern hemisphere , the black swan (Cygnus atratus) is…
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Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)
One of the most abundant and widespread of all mammals , the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is a…
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Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
A large and distinctive waterbird, the Canada goose (Branta canadensis) can easily be recognised by…
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Carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum)
The carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) is an unusual marine animal that lives in immobile…
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Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis)
The scientific name (Hydropotes inermis) of this unusual small deer translates as ‘unarmed…
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Creeping water-primrose (Ludwigia peploides)
The creeping water-primrose (Ludwigia peploides) is a perennial aquatic plant whose long stems creep…
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Edible dormouse (Glis glis)
Also known as the fat dormouse, the edible dormouse (Glis glis) is the largest dormouse species and…
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Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
The Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) is a large, distinctive, pale-coloured waterbird which is…
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Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo)
Considered to be one of the largest owls in the world, the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) is an…
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Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)
The floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) is a perennial, aquatic plant which typically…
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Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Although a familiar mammal in many parts of Great Britain, the grey squirrel (Sciurus…
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Harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis)
A brightly coloured beetle with a highly variable appearance, the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia…
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Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
The Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an erect, annual plant , with large, oblong leaves…
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House crow (Corvus splendens)
A relatively small crow , the house crow (Corvus splendens) is a slim-bodied and somewhat leggy…
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Killer shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus)
Considered to be one of the most successful invaders of freshwater systems , the killer shrimp…
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Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a relatively small, mostly green parrot with a long…
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Parrot's feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) is a perennial aquatic plant which is named for the…
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Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)
Reeve’s muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) is a small, stocky deer with a rounded body, slender black-brown…
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Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
A lobster-like crustacean , the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is named for the…
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Sika deer (Cervus nippon)
The sika deer (Cervus nippon) is a relatively small deer , although there is considerable variation…
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South American coati (Nasua nasua)
The South American coati (Nasua nasua) is a member of the raccoon family and is easily recognised by…
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Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
The sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large, deciduous tree with a straight, cylindrical trunk…
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Topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva)
The topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) is a small East Asian fish which has been widely…
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Western green lizard (Lacerta bilineata)
The western green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) is a large, elegant lizard with a highly variable…
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Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
A brightly coloured and distinctively patterned bird, the wood duck (Aix sponsa) is considered to be…
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Yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta)
The distinctive markings of the yellow-bellied slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) make it very…