Alien and invasive terrestrial vertebrate species on Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece

Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Ionian Islands, faces significant ecological challenges due to tourism, development, and water abstraction, which have led to habitat loss and fragmentation. A study identifies ten alien vertebrate species on Corfu, with four—coypu, raccoon, Siberian chipmunk, and American pond slider—classified as invasive. These species pose threats to indigenous wildlife, particularly in island ecosystems where biodiversity is already vulnerable. The research highlights the importance of early identification, status reporting, and awareness-raising to mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS), aligning with EU guidelines for IAS management.

Stille, M., Gasteratos, I., & Stille, B. (2021). Alien and invasive terrestrial vertebrate species on Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece. Journal of Vertebrate Biology, 70(1). https://doi.org/10.25225/jvb.20126