Large numbers of non-native species already occur within Carmarthenshire. In some cases these threaten biodiversity where they result in:

l Damage to or degradation of semi-natural habitats

l Direct competition with native species;

l Predation of native species;

l Threat to genetic integrity of native plants and animals; and

l Introduction of disease organisms, parasites or other associated problems

The Berne Convention, Habitats and Species Directive and the Biodiversity Convention include articles requiring the UK to regulate or prohibit the introduction into the wild of species likely to have a detrimental effect on wildlife or natural biodiversity. These requirements are reflected in the Wildlife Countryside Act 1981 and the CROW Act 2000.

Examples of established populations of introduced species currently threatening native biodiversty include: 

l American mink - affecting the water vole and ground-nesting birds.

l Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam - threatening riparian habitats and linear habitats such as roadside verges and railway lines (all useful wildlife corridors).

l Grey squirrel - affecting the red squirrel and possibly the natural regeneration of oak and hazel in native woodlands.

It is important that whilst this LBAP recognises this potential threat and proposes necessary actions where relevant concerning alien species (e.g with regard to introduced genetic stock of alien species in the area) it is important to recognise the occasional benefit of an alien species for local biodiversity (e.g buddleja and other nectar-bearing garden plants).