Chinese researchers have conducted a comprehensive study evaluating the risks of biological invasions in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Researchers from the Institute of Zoology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed the invasion risks of 816 alien terrestrial vertebrates, including 98 amphibians, 177 reptiles, 391 birds and 150 mammals in those countries.

Research results showed that 15 percent of the Belt and Road countries face an extremely high risk of biological invasion as people and cargo move about. The researchers identified 14 invasion hotspots facing high invasion risks with both high introduction risk and habitat suitability overlap, a majority of which fall along the six proposed BRI Economic Corridors.

Biological invasions not only threaten native species and biodiversity but also affect the development of the local economy. The Belt and Road countries may have different susceptibilities to invasive species due to different financial and response capacities.

There is a strong imperative to identify those areas with high invasion risks, and those species with high invasive potentials to develop biosecurity strategies.

Based on their findings, the researchers recommend the launch of a collaboration project targeting early prevention, strict surveillance, rapid response and effective control of biological invasion in the Belt and Road countries to ensure green and sustainable development. They call for stricter screening for alien wildlife, including imported commodities, vehicles, and equipment through airports and seaports. 

The research was published in the journal Current Biology.

(Top image via VCG)