Neophytes In Protected Areas. Case Study: The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

A comprehensive inventory of alien plant species in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar site, identified 37 invasive neophytes, with half originating from America. Conducted between 2009 and 2012 through field research and bibliographic analysis, the study found that many invasive species, including ornamental escapes, pose significant threats to natural and semi-natural ecosystems. Two species have established for over a century, highlighting long-term ecological impacts. To mitigate spread, researchers propose raising local awareness about the damages caused by alien plants and advocating for further research in this protected area.

Anastasiu, P., Negrean, G., Daniela, S., Liţescu, S., & Basnou, C. (2014). Neophytes In Protected Areas. Case Study: The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Acta Horti Botanici Bucurestiensis, 41(1), 41–68. https://doi.org/10.2478/ahbb-2014-0003