AN-2 Observing Planet Earth and the Space from Antarctica · Antarctica. Continent-wide risk...
Social contribution Observing Planet Earth and the Space from Antarctica AN-2 Recent developments in the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition National Institute of Polar Research Research Organization of Information and Systems, Inter-University Research Institute Corporation 10-3, Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-8518 Tel: +81-42-512-0655 Fax: +81-42-528-3105 http://www.nipr.ac.jp/english/ Email: [email protected] © National Institute of Polar Research, 2014 Antarctic Continent A non-native grass Relative risk of non-native vascular plants establishing in Antarctica source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America A cargo being inspected for propagule attachment From the perspective of conservation of biodiversity and pristine ecosystems, we contribute to the implementation of research and tourist activities with a minimum impact on the natural environment. Not only do our studies identify the risk of non-native species introduction to Antarctica through human activity, but prevention measures proposed based upon our findings are applicable in domestic environmental conservation activities. Identifying the source of non-native grass Morphological and molecular systematics studies were conducted on a non-native grass discovered in Langhovde in order to identify its source. Analysis so far has proved that this species is native to the northern hemisphere and highly likely to have been introduced to the Antarctica through human activity. Current research represents an important case study that demonstrates the risk of introducing non-native species through research activity. Non-native species transfer through the research activity and measures to prevent it Large numbers of seeds and some mites and moss fragments were found attached to cargo items stored at the NIPR facility before transport to Antarctica through the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition operation. Those seeds include species that can grow in cold environments, indicating their capability to establish in Antarctica if they are introduced. Based upon the findings, we proposed appropriate preventative measures to minimize the risk of transfer of non-native species into Antarctica. Continent-wide risk assessment for the establishment of non-native species in Antarctica By sampling, identifying, and mapping the vascular plant seeds carried by all categories of visitors to Antarctica and assessing vascular plant establishment likelihood based on their identity and origins and on spatial variation in Antarctica's climate, we evaluated the risk of non-native species establishment at each area in Antarctica. By using modeled climates based on the IPCC's Special Report on Emissions Scenario, we demonstrated which parts of Antarctica are at growing risk from non-native species that may become invasive and provided the means to mitigate this threat now and into the future. The threats of non-native species introduction to Antarctica The risk of non-native species transfer to Antarctica and measures to reduce the risk
Transcript of AN-2 Observing Planet Earth and the Space from Antarctica · Antarctica. Continent-wide risk...
Socialcontribution
Observing Planet Earth and the Space from Antarctica
AN-2
Recent developments in the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition
National Institute of Polar ResearchResearch Organization of Information and Systems, Inter-University Research Institute Corporation10-3, Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-8518 Tel: +81-42-512-0655 Fax: +81-42-528-3105http://www.nipr.ac.jp/english/ Email: [email protected] © National Institute of Polar Research, 2014
Antarctic Continent
A non-native grass
Relative risk of non-native vascular plants establishing in Antarcticasource: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of AmericaA cargo being inspected for propagule attachment
From the perspective of conservation of biodiversity and pristine ecosystems, we contribute to the implementation of research and tourist activities with a minimum impact on the natural environment. Not only do our studies identify the risk of non-native species introduction to Antarctica through human activity, but prevention measures proposed based upon our findings are applicable in domestic environmental conservation activities.
Identifying the source of non-native grassMorphological and molecular systematics studies were
conducted on a non-native grass discovered in Langhovde in order to identify its source. Analysis so far has proved that this species is native to the northern hemisphere and highly likely to have been introduced to the Antarctica through human activity.
Current research represents an important case study that demonstrates the risk of introducing non-native species through research activity.
Non-native species transfer through the research activity and measures to prevent it
Large numbers of seeds and some mites and moss fragments were found attached to cargo items stored at the NIPR facility before transport to Antarctica through the Japanese Antarct ic Research Expedit ion operat ion. Those seeds include species that can grow in cold environments, indicating their capability to establish in Antarctica if they are introduced.
Based upon the f ind ings, we proposed appropriate preventative measures to minimize the risk of transfer of non-native species into Antarctica.
Continent-wide risk assessment for the establishment of non-native species in Antarctica
By sampling, identifying, and mapping the vascular plant seeds carried by all categories of visitors to Antarctica and assessing vascular plant establishment likelihood based on their identity and origins and on spatial variation in Antarctica's climate, we evaluated the risk of non-native species establishment at each area in Antarctica. By using modeled climates based on the IPCC's Special Report on Emissions Scenario, we demonstrated which parts of Antarctica are at growing risk from non-native species that may become invasive and provided the means to mitigate this threat now and into the future.
The threats of non-native species introduction to AntarcticaThe risk of non-native species transfer to Antarctica and measures to reduce the risk
