Accidentally ‘Introduced’ Species Threaten Antarctic Ecosystem

By Pauline Askin SYDNEY (REUTERS) – In the pristine frozen continent of Antarctica scientists fear an alien invasion — not from outer space, but carried in people’s pockets and bags. Seeds and plants accidentally brought to Antarctica by tourists and scientists may introduce alien plant species which could threaten the survival of native plants in the finely balanced ecosystem. Invasive alien plants are amongst the most significant conservation threat to Antarctica, especially as climate change warms the ice continent, said a report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal published on Tuesday.

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Accidentally ‘Introduced’ Species Threaten Antarctic Ecosystem