Less than 1% of the government\u2019s biosecurity budget goes on tackling invasive species, despite the danger they pose to British wildlife, figures suggest.<\/p>\n
Conservationists warned the funding to address non-native plants and animals was failing to match the risk they posed to \u201ccherished\u201d native species, from water voles to ladybirds, as well as to waterways, homes, businesses and local green spaces.<\/p>\n
They have called for more resources for border checks to stop non-native species arriving here, and funding for local groups to tackle the problem on the ground.<\/p>\n
A freedom of information request to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) by Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) shows only \u00a32.47m of the estimated \u00a3250m biosecurity budget was spent on invasive species.<\/p>\n
Of that figure, only \u00a3250,000 was being channelled to local groups tackling non-native species \u2013 such as the rhododendrons and giant blackberries that are strangling woodlands and grasslands \u2013 conservationists said.<\/p>\n
The figures also showed \u00a322.7m of the wider biodiversity budget \u2013 about 3% of the spend on protecting important habitats and species \u2013 was put towards stopping all invasive species, including Asian, or yellow-legged, hornets, WCL said.<\/p>\n
The conservationists said the hornets, which pose a threat to honeybees and other insects, bucked the trend of low funding, with more than \u00a32.2m spent solely on fighting them, while just under \u00a3500,000 was spent in the same period on local action for wider invasive species.<\/p>\n
Research found that efforts in the UK have delayed the hornets\u2019 establishment, whereas the insects have already taken hold in many other countries. However, WCL warned the hornet was likely to establish here at some point, showing the need for greater border check powers and resourcing to stop these species arriving in the UK in the first place.<\/p>\n
The wildlife experts said invasive species played a major role in more than 60% of extinctions worldwide. Examples in the UK included water voles being preyed on by non-native mink, as well as red squirrels facing competition and disease spread by their grey cousins.<\/p>\n
Lisa Manning, policy officer at WCL, said invasive species were \u201cone of the biggest risks\u201d to cherished species, adding they \u201cwreak havoc\u201d on waterways while damaging businesses, homes and local green spaces.<\/p>\n
She warned: \u201cWe need more border check powers and resources to prevent new harmful species arriving.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd more funding is needed to fight invasive species that have already arrived, so local groups can stop struggling on an annual basis and take the long-term action needed for nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: \u201cThis government will never waver in its duty to protect the UK\u2019s biosecurity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why we are bolstering our national biosecurity with a \u00a3208m investment to set up a National Biosecurity Centre and, just last week, announced \u00a310m of funding for cutting-edge surveillance projects to detect the spread of diseases and non-native species.\u201d<\/p>\n
An APHA spokesperson said: \u201cOur teams work hard to tackle the threat of invasive non-native species, which cost the GB economy nearly \u00a32bn a year, and help deliver a seamless border that maintains frictionless trade while protecting biosecurity.<\/p>\n
\u201cMembers of the public who encounter invasive non-native species should report them, following instructions on the Non-Native Species Secretariat website.\u201d<\/p>\n