گونه مهاجم

Non-native species are one of the important threats to biodiversity. Some non-native fish species pose environmental impacts and are known as invasive species. Rivers of the southern Caspian Sea are home to a vast variety of native or commercial fish species. Non-native species invasiveness risk assessment tools are used to identify the species with high invasive potential risks and are used as a decision–making tool. The main aim of this study is to calibrate and validate the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) for non-native fish species of rivers in the southern Caspian Sea basin.

AS-ISK was used to assess non-native (NN) fish that may pose a high potential risk of becoming invasive in rivers of the South Caspian Sea. Fifteen NN fish species were assessed, 14 of which are extant and 1 is horizon species in the risk assessment (RA) area. The statistical methods were used to compare the scores obtained by each assessor. The threshold score was calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Also, the Köppen-Geiger climate system was used to match the climate between the native range of NN fish species and the risk assessment area.

Risk assessment of NN fish species led to the identification of 73 % of the species as potential invasive species in the RA area. Carassius gibelio and Carassius auratus achieved the highest risk score and Anguilla anguilla obtained the lowest risk score among all NN fish species. There was not a statistically significant difference between assessor-specific mean risk scores. Threshold scores were 9.5 and 11.5 for AS-ISK and Basic Risk Assessment (BRA), respectively. The area under curve was 100%, which shows an excellent output for the efficiency of the AS-ISK in the RA area. Eleven out of the 15 NN fish species were identified as potential invasive species and the rest as non-invasive NN species in the RA area. Confidence factors were different from 73% to 64%. All NN fish species were categorized in three lists i.e., black, grey and white in regard to their risk ranks in order to manage prioritization.

The AS-ISK efficiently identified NN fish species that pose a high risk of being/becoming invasive in rivers in the south Caspian Sea to prioritize them based on their risk rank and to support conservation managers, decision-makers and policymakers in the aquaculture development plans.

One of the most important invasive plant species in Iran is the American mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora) which has taken the control of a large area of ​​south and southeast Iran. The invasive effect of this species is profound such that it is the dominant species in some areas and the only tree species in most coastal ecosystems of southern Iran. Regardless of draining underground water as the only source of drinking water for local communities and destroying livestock feed, simplifying the ecosystem to only one tree species is a serious alarm of losing the ecosystem balance and causing serious economic and social effects. Considering the importance of the management of American mesquite trees in the south of Iran, this research investigated the spread of American mesquite trees using satellite image processing.

Among the 45 identified species of the genus Proposis, few of them, especially the American mesquite, are known as invasive species. This plant is known as the most threatening invasive plant in Europe. In the red list of the International Union for Environmental Protection, American mesquite is mentioned as one of the world’s 100 invasive species threatening. In this study, an area of ​​1850 km2 between the two cities of Sirik and old Jask was investigated. Pixel-based processing of Landsat 8 satellite images (OLI sensor) was used to extract the tree cover map of the area. The land units (areas covered with similar soil and vegetation characteristics) were produced using the object-oriented processing of Landsat 8 satellite images. Finally, the dominance of American mesquite compared to other trees was calculated in each unit and their canopy density changes were investigated and analyzed using the MODIS vegetation index in a 20-year period. 

According to the results, 13417 ha of the study area is covered by various trees. The American mesquite tree class was the second largest tree class (3991 ha, 29% of the total tree cover) with a heterogeneous distribution and is often located in areas with light and salty soils along the streams. Areas with a strong predominance of mesquite (more than 60%) accounted for 11% of the area which was mostly located in the central parts of the region. 

The results of the image classification showed that the American mesquite heavily occupied areas are mostly located along the main rivers and channels, extending from the eastern highlands towards the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, proximity to rivers and waterways can be considered as one of the most important environmental factors affecting the spread of these trees. In areas with a strong dominance of American mesquite trees, it was expected that the plant biomass will increase significantly as observed by their high NDVI values. However, the noteworthy point is the increasing rate of the average values ​​of the NDVI index during the last 20 years in the most dominant units, which is now increasing at a high rate with an average NDVI exceeding 0.5 since 2017. This indicates the increasing spread of the American mesquite in the region and even in the areas that have hosted this invasive species for decades.

Today, with the entry of Persian squirrel species by humans into the foothills of Alborz mountain range, especially Qazvin and Alborz provinces, it has caused damage to the environment and local communities. The aim of this study was to provide a structural model of attitudes of gardeners damaged by the infestation of Persian Squirrels in Qazvin and Alborz provinces for efficient management and control of squirrel invasion in the region.

The present study is applied in terms of purpose and in terms of data collection, it is of survey type. In this study, a questionnaire was used in Alborz and Qazvin provinces. Validity of the questionnaire from three methods; Convergent validity, Factor Analysis and Divergent validity was used; And for the reliability of the questionnaire in two methods; Cronbach's alpha and sequential theta were used and the questionnaire was reviewed and validated; The statistical population of gardeners is damaged; Its size was estimated based on the Cochran's formula of 392 people. Then the structural equation model with partial least squares method was used to estimate the Unknown parameters of the model used.

Research findings showed, the degree of agreement with control strategies, Knowledge about squirrels and ethical considerations are the most important determinants of a reliable level 99% P≤0.01 Respectively with effect coefficients 0.330, 0.256, -0.258 has a Meaningful effect on attitudes damaged gardeners. our other findings showed that the damage factor as an independent external factor added to the model had the most significant effect on the 99% confidence level of P P≤0.01 on the attitude of ethical considerations, beliefs, squirrel control feasibility and agreement with control strategies; There is with effect coefficients -0.236, -0.172, -0.175, 0.244.

The results of the study indicate that increasing knowledge and awareness about the effects and harms of squirrel invasion in the region is the main factor in increasing public support for control management or eradication of invasive squirrels.

Persian squirrel recently in the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains of Iran, Especially the provinces of Qazvin and Alborz are seen abundantly; the influx of Persian squirrels has caused economic and ecological damage to the region and has become a major public concern. The present study was conducted to model the future distribution of squirrels in the region and to protect desirable areas where invading squirrels have not yet entered. In this study, in order to model the distribution of squirrel infestation in the region, MaxEnt software was used, which uses the maximum entropy model for modeling. Dependent variables included the presence points of the invading Persian squirrel species in the region and the independent variable includes 14 environmental variables consisting of habitat and climatic variables affecting the habitat suitability of Persian squirrel species. The results of the model show that the variables; land use (Regional garden floors, urban and agricultural areas), mean diurnal range (Bio 2) and vegetation (irrigated farming floors and orchards and tree canopy) are the most important variables affecting the habitat suitability of squirrel species. The model output results showed, Regional gardens, urban areas, agriculture and ecologically sensitive areas such as conservation areas (Central Alborz, Bashgol, Alamut, and Taleghan no-hunting area that the invading squirrel has not attacked it is a habitat suitability for this invasive species and has been exposed to the future invasion of this species. Therefore, there is a need for preventive measures to prevent irreparable economic and ecological damage to native species.

The introduction of invasive fish species into aquatic ecosystems causes various adverse ecological and socio-economic impacts. The first step in analyzing the effects of these species is to identify the risk. Then, different tools have been developed to identify potential invasive species and evaluate potential degree of their invasiveness to support decision-makers in analyzing the invasive risk of these species. This study aimed to assess the invasive potential of the non-native species redbelly tilapia (Coptodon zillii, Gervais 1848) in the Shadegan wetland basin (the Karun and Jarahi catchments) using some of these tools.

The level of risk for C. zillii in the Trinational risk assessment protocol was determined based on the results of the two components "Probability of Establishment" and "Consequences of Establishment". In the German-Austrian Blacklist Information System (GABLIS), the invasive potential of the species was evaluated according to the distribution in the study area. The non-native species was screened by the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) model according to the threshold of the assessment area; and the rank of species invasion was calculated based on the probability of species establishment, expansion and environmental effects, using the Harmonia+ method. Also, the climate matching between introduced and native range of the species was carrying out with the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system.

The results of trinational risk assessment indicated that the species posed high potential rank of placing at each step of, introduction, establishment and expansion potential and the possibility of economic and environmental impacts in the study area. The results of the GABLIS protocol showed that the non-native species C. zillii has been widely distributed in the risk assessment area and it placed in blacklist and the subset management list (b3). In the AS-ISK risk assessment, the risk score of the species was 44, that was higher than the tool threshold (22.5) for the study area. This score indicates that this species has a high invasive risk in the wetland. The overall risk score in the Harmonia+ method, which is a function of invasiveness and species impacts, was assessed as high for the redbelly tilapia; based on the results, the risk of establishment and dispersal of this species in the study area is high, and its environmental impacts are significant. Also, there was a high climate match between risk assessment area and the native range of the species in the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system.

The trinational risk assessment methods, GABLIS, AS-ISK and Harmonia+ models were able to show the invasiveness of the non-native C. zillii in Shadegan wetland basin as literature and field evidence demonstrate that the species has exerted strong and adverse impacts on native fishes and local people livelihood in risk assessment area. Given the results of risk assessment methods and the risks posed by this species, it is highly recommended that large-scale control and management measures should be seriously implemented.

The Fandoghlu grasslands of Namin are considered the most important rangeland ecosystems in the northwest of the country for various aspects such as high-quality rangeland species, genetic resources, forage production, beekeeping, and tourism. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed the intentional or unintentional introduction of the invasive plant Leucanthemum vulgare Lam. in tourist areas and rangelands adjacent to the forests of Talesh, Shoghaldare, Fandoghlu, Nanekaran, Kaleh Sar, and Aladizgeh in Namin county. According to reliable references and indigenous knowledge, this species has not been present in these areas in the distant past; however, its distribution has been widely observed in grasslands and forest spots in the region in recent decades. L. vulgare is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae, and by forming a dense and extensive population, it affects the composition of plant communities, structure, and function. In addition, due to the bitter smell and taste and allopathic properties, it is not grazed by domestic and wild animals. Therefore, it is a threat to the sustainable use of rangelands. Identifying the ecological factors affecting the species distribution, understanding the life cycle and its growth needs, and selecting effective management strategies are important to support optimal vegetation to prevent its spread. The information provided helps managers prioritize effective action, taking into account relevant bio-economic costs, their effects on the region's grasslands and other rangeland ecosystems, and the benefits of controlling it.

Non-native species could threaten biodiversity, marine industries, and human health. In this research, ballast water sampling of 10 ships berthing at the port of Bushehr was carried out according to resolution MEPC 173 (58) in hot and cool season. Zooplankton samples were collected from ballast tanks using a pump. Zooplankton species were from 7 phylum, 11 classes, 15 orders, 33 families, 38 genera and 48 species. Arthropoda comprises 57.25% of the species (the highest density) with 23 families and 38 species and Chordata with two families and two species, 1.52% of species (the lowest density). The highest and lowest densities of the species were observed among leprotintinnus bubiyanicus of the Tintinnidae (12.98%) and the Oikopleura dioica of the Oikopleuridae (0.25%), respectively. According to the species identified in this study, no species was identified as invasive. Therefore, it can be said that changing ships’ ballast water in the oceans can be an appropriate strategy to alleviate the risk of transferring the non-native species to the Bushehr Port.

The intentional and unintentional introduction of non-native fish species to the aquatic ecosystems of Iran has occurred with purposes such as enhancing aquaculture, ornamentation, biological control, and research. Some of them cause or have the potential to cause, significant environmental and socio-economic impacts on aquatic ecosystems and/or fish farms. The eradication of non-native fishes is impossible or very costly, especially in large areas. Screening and identifying the potential invasiveness of species are being increasingly used all over the world. The main aim of the present research was to assess the potential invasiveness of redbelly Tilapia Coptodon zillii in Anzali international wetland.

Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) was used to identify redbelly Tilapia Coptodon zillii as a non-native fish that may pose a high potential risk of becoming invasion in Anzali Wetland. The model is able to discriminate between invasive and non-invasive aquatic organisms including non-native fishes by risk area-related threshold value. Also, the Köppen-Geiger climate system and Climatch software were used to match the climate between the native range of redbelly Tilapia and Anzali Wetland. The projected future climate change scenario was taken from relevant studies to carry out Climate Change Assessment (CCA) of the AS-ISK.

The output of the AS-ISK was 44 for redbelly Tilapia that was higher than the AS-ISK threshold value of the risk assessment area, which meant that the species pose a potential risk of becoming invasive in Anzali wetland. There was a high climate-mating between the native range of redbelly Tilapia and the assessed area when the Köppen-Geiger climate system was used. At least one native habitat of redbelly Tilapia in the system was in the same climate category as the studied area. Also, the Climatch model output was 0.87 that shows a high climate matching for the non-native fish. The CCA had an increasing effect on the total score of the AS-ISK. The factors that increased the AS-ISK score were climate-mating, probable climate change, biological attributes, and invasiveness history of other places that the species was introduced. The comparison of the results of this study and other relevant studies that used AS-ISK to assess potential invasiveness of redbelly Tilapia showed that the species had the potential of becoming an invader in Anzali Wetland as well as some other areas around the country.

While non-native fishes are frequently used to enhance aquaculture in the country, a rapid assessment tool is required to avoid nuisance environmental impacts. The AS-ISK can be reliably used as a tool to predict the potential risk of becoming invasive in Anzali Wetland and elsewhere to be used by conservation managers, decision-makers, and policymakers in the aquaculture development plans.

Due to fast growth and simple inexpensive breeding of Tilapia is interested in many countries of the world and is known as invasive spice in countries which are not its origin cause serious crisis for biodiversity. The purpose of this research is studing the climatic conditions of Golestan province and comparing existing situation with Nile tilapia needs and surveying probability distribution of Nile tilapia by using GARP distribution predict model and finally existing probability in each section of province and surveing unwanted conforting strategies for this spiece. Distribution considered data in this case are those use as most important freshwater spices climatology data such as average annual temperature, precipitation, daytime and moisture. Jack nife method also is used to importance estimation of each mentioned data. Probability tilapia nich distribution is done in Geografic information system. According to extracted maps most nich tilapia suitable niches, Gonbad, Aqala and Gomishan sections where most important wetlands and dams located in this area. According to available data this three cities are the most important fish breeding in Golestan province so are expose seriously to invasive Nile tilapia.

Nowadays, due to climate change and drying of Urmia Lake, and the recession of water, a number of vegetation communities have disappeared and other communities have emerged. Alhagi pseudalhagi has also been degraded by extensive ecological, habitat, anatomical, morphological, physiological, genetic and biological properties, and has been dispersed along the border with agricultural soils, which, in the absence of management, agricultural land will be compromised. Therefore, based on climate change and the urgent need to provide part of forage from less-water efficient, not common and, salt and drought-resistant it can be stated that the most important application of Alhagi pseudalhagi is forage. . However, there is no report on the grazing of Alhagi pseudalhagi by the dominant livest of region which is native cattle and buffaloes. Hence, the best way to deal with it is to graze various livestock and targeted grazing from its breeding grounds. This method can restore the equilibrium to the ecosystem, in which a more balanced utilization of all the halophytic species of the margin of the lake can be considered.  The camel's grazing in the degraded lands will be able to control the growth of seed production and, to a large extent, the spread of pests and disease. Considering all the factors affecting the profitability of gazing camel, it can be say that the pasture cultivation is an effective remedy for deficiency of forage. In fact, their potential contribution to preventing livestock losses in the non-growing season is their most important advantage. In addition, there are other benefits such as oil production, bio-ethanol, aromatic compounds, vegetarian manna, honey production, and so on. Therefore, its cultivation in saline pastures and direct grazing of livestock from them are recommended. Hence, the creation of artificial pasture requires further research on the pattern sites and a low risk for biodiversity in rangelands.

Polychaetes assemblages were studied in the south Caspian Sea shallow waters. The sediment samples collected by a Van-Veen grab (0.0625 m2) from Gomishan, Gorgan bay, Tonekabon, Kiashahr and Astara coastal areas (Depts 1, 3 and 5 m) in winter & summer, 2017. The sediments were screened by sieves (mesh sizes: 0.5, 1 and 2 mm), and the worm specimens were fixed in glutaraldehyde 4% solution. The morphological investigation was showed the presence of Capitella sp. (Capitelidae) populations in Gomishan, Gorgan bay and Tonekabon. The Capitellid worms, had no branchia and eyes; prostomium was short and conic; thorax was consisted of a pristomium lacking any appendages, accompanied to nine chaetigers with capillary chaetae. Also, the thoracic chaertigers 1-7, 1-8 or all of them had several capillary chaetae. But, abdomen was only equipped to hooded hooks. Pygidium lacking any appendages. Genital spines of males and genital pore of females were between the thoracic segments 8-9. This is the first report of the genus Capitella and the family Capitellidae from the Caspian Sea.

Due to the increase in human activities, the destructive impact on the environment is not limited to a particular region of the world. Including the destructive impacts are entering non-native plant species around the world during the last 200′ years with the spread of agriculture, increase the exchange of goods, augmented human activities as well growth environmental destruction, it's increasing.
One of the damages that, especially in recent years has been considered, is the arrival of non-native plant species (invasive) water hyacinth to the natural ecosystems. It was observed the first time in 1390 in Rasht Eynak lagoon, due to the high rate of growth and reproduction, these could in a short time, the, whole surface of the Eynak lagoon where the seen for the first time in the province's natural areas, cover up.
Studies show, water hyacinth, has the ability to Attracting and purification heavy metals, but The presence of aberrant because of the severity ability to reproduce and adapt it, as an green Iron Glove can be throat of life-life species including fish and plants, directly and with disruption of the food chain for birds and other compact creatures killed them
As a result of not dealing with non-native and invasive species in wetlands will lead to a slow death. In this paper, the distribution of the species Considered in province then Short-term and medium-term control measures are described.

Invasive fishes are a major threat to biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. Tilapia species are invasive due to their reproductive, diet and behavioural characteristics and high resistance to environmental conditions, pollution and diseases. So far, two exotic species Coptodon zillii and Oreochromis aureus, as well as a native species Iranocichla hormuzensis of these species, have been reported from Iran. In recent years, exotic tilapia species have invaded Iran and its neighbouring countries inland waters and have had significant ecological and economic impacts. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary survey on the status of exotic tilapia species in Khuzestan Province, Iran. The present study was carried out from November 2014 to September 2015 to determine the abundance of tilapia species (C. zillii and O. aureus) in the Shadegan Wetland and some local fish markets in Khuzestan Province. In addition, we the evaluated presence or absence of the species in some cyprinid fish farms in the province. The results showed that the catchment and supply of C. zillii is high and the species is one of the dominant fish in Shadegan Wetland. In this study, although O. aureus was not caught from Shadegan Wetland, observations showed that it has dispersed to other areas, especially in rivers, and its abundance is being increased. The tilapia species especially C. zillii are pests in some fish farms and a reduction of fish production has been noted. The presence of the species in some fish hatcheries has increased the possibility of their transfer to other regions. At the moment, it seems that the best course of action to take action against tilapia is to prevent them from entering other water bodies (especially through aquaculture). The continuous studies to determine various aspects of the introduction, potential range prediction, and regular monitoring should also be also considered. Overall, a compilation method and also ecologically sustainable water management, reduction of water contaminants and decrease of fishing pressure on native species should be adopted for controlling and reducing of these species.