GEO-6 Regional Asssement for West Asia
Figure 2.4.4: Geographical distribution of Salsola vermiculata (above) and Haloxylon salicornicum (below) in
the Syrian Badia under the present climate and the HADCM3 global circulation model for 2020 and 2050.
Invasive species
Invasive alien species are common in the region’s terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments. Although accurate and up-to-date data and information on these invasions are lacking, they are considered a major threat to all types of ecosystems and species as well as to human welfare in West Asia.
Source: Louhaichi and Belgacem 2015
A northern and high-altitude species migration is expected due to these changes. A shift in species distribution may affect the integrity of plant as well as animal communities, making them more fragile and prone to external effects and the invasion of pest species. For instance, a change in the hydraulic regime will push the historic cedar of Lebanon to the edge of its habitat tolerance as reductions in snow cover of 40 or even 70 per cent are projected by 2040 under increases in temperature of 2°C and 4°C respectively (Lebanon, Ministry of Environment 2010). Other forest species are considered vulnerable Among the most important climate change impacts is a decline in the capacity of traditional agro-biodiversity systems to provide food, forage and environmental services to local communities.
Coastal and marine ecosystems will be affected by climate change. The dual effect of sea level rise and land reclamation associated with urbanisation, especially in lowland areas along the coasts of Arabia, will have a negative effect on marshland habitats and mangrove ecosystems. This in turn may adversely affect migratory and resident populations of birds. Coral reefs in the marine bodies of the region will be affected by the rise of sea level and possible salinity increase.
In 1999 the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) database listed a total of 394 invasive species in the countries of the region. Some 41 per cent of them were classified as aliens and 48 per cent as native, while the bio-status of 19 species was yet to be identified. At the regional level the number of invasive cross-referenced species was 169, of which 69 were aliens, 81 native, and 19 had unidentified bio- status (Figure 2.4.5). These species affect ecosystems and cause economic damage.
The cost of eradicating unintentionally introduced invasive species such as the red palm weevil may reach up to USD26 million in the region for a 5 per cent farm infestation (El- Sabea et al. 2009). There are no signs of reduction in this pressure on biodiversity and there are indications that it is increasing. A gap in knowledge exists in the identification of invasive taxa and introduction pathways, and in the assessment of associated risks and management plans.
Figure 2.4.5: West Asia invasive species by country, 1999 43
39 31 23 9 15 2 3 3 3 29 9 4 6 14 2 116 9 5 2 1
23 21 16 9
19 3 1 5 12 610
Alien Source: GISP 1999 72
Biostatus not specified
Bahrain Iraq
Jordan Kuwait
Lebanon Oman
Qatar Saudi Arabia
Syria
United Arab Emirates Yemen
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