ORGANISMA INVANSIF (PPA3162)

REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF INVASIVE SPECIES (IAS)

ON BIODIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA.

GROUP : VULPES VULPES

GROUP MEMBERS :
a) HAZIM ALIF BIN SAHRIL (S60174)
b) ISKANDAR ZULKARNAIN BIN MOHD SUDIRMAN (S57809)
c) KU MUHAMMAD SYUKRI BIN KU MAHADZIR (S59863)
d) MOHAMAD AFFIQ RIDZUAN BIN MOHD FADZILAH (S60384)
e) MUHAMMAD AFIQ AMINUDDIN BIN SHAFIZAN (S58759)
f) MUHAMMAD AFIQ BIN MOHD AZIZAN (S60385)
g) HAKIM BIN HASNAN (S59930)
h) NUR IZZATI BT YUSRI (S60388)
i) NUR SYAMIMI BINTI MOHD RUDIN (S57790)
j) NURSHAZLEEN ATIQA BT RAMLI (S58993)

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CONTENT

Introduction………………………………………………………………………….3
Invasive Alien Species (Mammals)…………………………………………4
Invasive Alien Species (Birds)………………………………………………..5
Invasive Alien Species (Fish)………………………………………………7-8
Invasive Alien Species (Reptiles)……………………………………………9
Invasive Alien Species (Plants)………………………………………10-11
Impacts IAS on Biodiversity…………………………………………………12
Control and Management for IAS………………………………………..13
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….……14
References………………………………………………………………………….15

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Introduction
An invasive species can be any kind of living organism such as an amphibian (like the
cane toad), plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even an organism’s seeds or eggs that is
not native to an ecosystem and causes harm. They can harm the environment, the economy,
or even human health. Species that grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively,
with potential to cause harm, are given the label “invasive”.There are indirect threats of
invasive species as well. Invasive species can change the food web in an ecosystem by
destroying or replacing native food sources. The invasive species may provide little to no
food value for wildlife.
Native species are species that have become part of an ecosystem through natural
processes. Non-native species or introduced species are species found outside their normal
range because of human activity. Not all of these are invasive. Many of these can thrive in
new areas and pose no threat others. Invasive species are species outside their normal
ranges that have a negative impact on other organisms or environments. They tend to have
escaped controlling species (which might be predators, herbivores or parasites) in their
normal ranges, which would have otherwise limited their survival, and they are often well
suited to their new environment.
Invasive species are primarily spread by human activities, often unintentionally. People,
and the goods we use, travel around the world very quickly, and they often carry uninvited
species with them. Ships can carry aquatic organisms in their ballast water, while smaller
boats may carry them on their propellers. Some ornamental plants can escape into the wild
and become invasive. And some invasive species are intentionally or accidentally released
pets. In addition, higher average temperatures and changes in rain and snow patterns
caused by climate change will enable some invasive plant species to move into new areas.

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Invasive alien species (Mammals)
Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Rattus norvegicus has light grey fur on its belly and brown fur on its back. The adults
typically range in weight from 150 to 300g, although they can grow to 500g and reach
lengths of 390mm. Their comparatively small ears, when pulled forward, typically do not
block their eyes.

R. norvegicus is prevalent around the world and costs the main industry hundreds of
millions of dollars annually. Through predation and competition, it has caused or assisted in
the extinction or reduction of the range of native animals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. It
consumes food crops, hinders the regrowth of many plant species,
and contaminates human food supplies by peeing and defecating
there.

Rodent infestations have an impact on human health as well

because rats are known to transmit several diseases, including
plague (transmitted by rat flea), leptospirosis, salmonella, tapeworm
(transmitted by urine and waste), rat-bite fever, rat mite dermatitis,
and many more.

The Brown rat is numerous and widespread throughout its

habitat, according to IUCN, however there is no estimate of its total population. However, the
People's Trust for Endangered Species resource estimates that this species has about
6,790,000 people living in Great Britain. Brown rats are now categorised as Least Concern
(LC) on the IUCN Red List due to their constant population size.

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 Together with the increasing number of skyscrapers
in Kuala Lumpur city, the rat population in the city
has also been slowly growing.

The latest statistics from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall

(DBKL) reveals that there are currently 6.8 million
hairy rodents which have made Kuala Lumpur their
permanent homes.

Invasive alien species (Bird)

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
European starlings are an invasive species in
the United States. The first recorded release of the
birds was in 1890 in New York City’s Central Park. Because starlings easily adapt to a
variety of habitats, nest sites and food sources, the birds spread quickly
across the country. Today, there are about 150 million starlings in North
America. Conflicts between people and starlings occur mostly in
agricultural settings. Conflicts can occur during winter in urban and
suburban environments, especially in business districts.

In 2012, field damage surveys were conducted in cherry orchards

and vineyards in Michigan, New York, Washington, and Oregon. Bird
damage to sweet cherries ranged from 3 percent to 25 percent, whereas
damage to grapes ranged from 4 percent to 10 percent. Because of their
abundance and broad distribution in the U.S., starlings were major
culprits in this damage. That same year, fruit producers from the four
states listed above, plus California, were surveyed. Results indicated that annual damage to
wine grapes was more than $70 million (Figure 3). Grape producers ranked starlings first
among three major depredating bird species, which included American robins (Turdus
migratorius) and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

European Starling aka Common Starling that has

landed in Port Klang Selangor. The common starling is a
highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter.

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Although flock size is highly variable, huge, noisy flocks - murmuration’s - may form near
roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by
birds of prey such as peregrine falcons or Eurasian sparrowhawks. Flocks form a tight
sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape,
seemingly without any sort of leader. Each common starling changes its course and speed
because of the movement of its closest neighbours.

Very large roosts, exceptionally up to 1.5 million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or
reedbeds, causing problems with their droppings. These may accumulate up to 30 cm (12 in)
deep, killing trees by their concentration of chemicals. In smaller amounts, the droppings act
as a fertiliser, and therefore woodland managers may try to move roosts from one area of a
wood to another to benefit from the soil enhancement and avoid large toxic deposits.

Damage:

Seeing large starling flocks nearby is often the first indicator that damage may be due to
starlings. Starlings damage fruits, such as grapes or berries, by complete removal or partial
removal of fruits. Damage to grapes and berries can be similar in appearance to damage
caused by American robins, a species of comparable size. Large-sized fruits, such as apples
or citrus, are damaged by pecking and slashing. Starling damage to sweet corn is not
noticeably different from damage caused by blackbirds, with stripping of husks and damage
often concentrated on the top of the ear. Damage to livestock rations is characterized by the
removal of food items with high energy content, including corn rations and fat supplements.
In urban environments, large volumes of excreta or “whitewash” on buildings, windows and
pedestrian walkways are indicative of starlings.

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Management Method

Combining multiple methods that affect auditory, gustatory, and visual senses is an effective
approach for managing pest birds, such as starlings. Starlings quickly habituate to visual
deterrents (e.g., Mylar® tape, hawk kites) and audio deterrents (e.g., recorded distress
calls). You can prolong and enhance the effectiveness of deterrents by frequently changing
their locations and reinforcing them with other methods, such as pyrotechnics, propane
cannons, falconry, and shooting.

Netting is the most effective non-lethal method for preventing starling damage to ripening
fruits, but the logistics of netting, along with its high initial investment ($7,000 to $30,000 per
acre, depending on the netting system), typically limits its use to small plots. Large vineyards
that grow high-value grapes (e.g., Chardonnay, White Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon)
subject to severe bird damage may be economically justified in using netting (Figure 10).
Where netting is cost-prohibitive, a combination of trapping, pyrotechnics and physical
harassment may be effective. Trapping can be very effective early in the season because
starlings, especially juveniles, are not trap wary. Later, pyrotechnics are more effective when
adult-dominated flocks begin to forage.

Invasive alien species (Fish)

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Alien fishes threaten native biodiversity and health through food and space competition,
predation, hybridization, habitat and trophic modifications, and the introduction of diseases.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hypostomus Plecostomus
LOCAL NAME: Algae Suckermouth Catfish
NATIVE HABITAT: Central and South America.
DISTRIBUTION:
It has been introduced to 17 countries in the Americas, Asia and Europe
THREATS:
H. Plecostomus is a very popular ornamental freshwater fish and have many life history traits
that make them successful invaders: they are covered in armoured plates, possess broad
environmental tolerances and the ability to colonise anthropogenically disturbed habitats.
Because of their rapid maturation, high densities and longevity, Hypostomus sp. can rapidly
monopolise nutrient resources, alter food webs, increase turbidity and cause bank erosion
through nest building, and physically inhibit other aquatic organisms.
PREVENTION:
In Malaysia, introduction of any new fish and marine species required special written
approval (Import Risk Assessment – IRA) from Director-General of Fisheries Malaysia and
importation of any species are mandatorily shall comply with rules and regulation stipulated
under Fisheries Act 1985 and MAQIS Act 2011.

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The trend of non-native freshwater aquaculture fish production by species (A), and
wholesale value by species (B) from 2007–2018. Adapted from DOF (2007–2018).
Invasive alien species (Reptile)

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 Thousands of smuggled red-eared slider hatchlings seized by Malaysia Customs.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Trachemys Scripta Elegans

LOCAL NAME: Red-eared sliders
Between 1989 and 1997, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) was the
most popular turtle in the pet trade, with more than 52 million individuals exported from the
United States to other markets. Because of their aggression, omnivorous diet, and ability to
adapt to varied environments, they have a high potential to harm indigenous species and
ecosystems. Red-eared sliders are likely to compete for space and food with native
freshwater turtles. Freshwater turtles, both native and invasive, are predators of amphibian
tadpoles.
Exotic pet turtles being released in natural ecosystems on a regular basis increases
the risk of parasite transmission to native species. The parasites and diseases carried by
red-eared sliders have no effect on native turtles. Salmonella is shed by all reptiles, including
the red-eared slider. Salmonella bacteria, as well as the salmonellosis diseases they cause,
are not innocuous. It is indeed lethal to humans.

Invasive alien species (Plants)

INDUSTRIAL TREE SPECIES

-Acacia Magnium and Yellow Acacia-
One of the most often utilized fast-growing tree species in plantation forestry programmed
in Asia is Acacia mangium Wild., usually known as mangium likewise, the Pacific. Rapid
growth, superior wood quality, and tolerance of a wide range of soils and conditions are
some of its favourable characteristics (National Research Council 1983). Recent strain on
Indonesia's natural forest ecosystems forced the use of fast-growing plantation trees, such
A. mangium, as a replacement to maintain the commercial supply of wood products. The
Indonesian Ministry of Forestry conducted trials on 46 species in Subanjeriji (South

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Sumatra), and A. mangium was selected as the best plantation species for marginal
locations, including lalang grasslands.

This fast-growing tree was a popular street tree planted in rural Malaysia in the 1970s. In the
1980s, his two other acacia species - A. cincinatta (silver wattle) and A. mangium (hardwood
wattle) are from Australia, New Guinea and parts of Indonesia. Known locally as Yellow
Acacia or Acacia kunin, this tree is planted in plantations throughout Asia. For pulp and
paper and softwood. Afforestation is also popular and landscaping. Boland (1990) reported
that this tree landscaping in Thailand in 1935 and India in 1946. Yellow Acacia's popularity is
likely due to its ability to grow easily in barren soils. Not only urban soils, but also disturbed
soils such as Pre-mining Country. Today, however, the tree is no longer a popular street tree
in Malaysia. Nevertheless, it gets wild and unruly in many open areas Malaysian city space.
With broad pale green leaves and cones, this stately tree Introduced as timber to
plantations in the pulp and paper industry Sabah in 1966. This tree is native to Queensland,
Australia and Papua. New Guinea, Irian Jaya, part of Indonesia. Today, broad-leaved
acacias are still planted in parks, but are not recommended for use as street trees because
of their brittle branches. The threat posed by this species is that it grows wild in almost all
open spaces in cities, rural areas, and forest edges. Some have ended up in national parks
and other wildlife sanctuaries.

ORNAMENTAL AQUATIC WEEDS

-Water hyacinth-
Pontederia crassipes (formerly Eichhornia crassipes), also known as common water
hyacinth, is an aquatic plant native to South America that has become naturalized worldwide
and is frequently invasive outside of its native range. Water hyacinth can reach a height of 1

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m (3 ft) above the water's surface thanks to its broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves. The leaves
are 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) across on a stem that floats above the water surface thanks to
buoyant bulb-like nodules at its base. Their stalks are long, spongy, and bulbous. Purple-
black roots are feathery and freely hanging. A single spike of 8-15 conspicuously attractive
flowers, mostly lavender to pink in colour and with six petals, is supported by an erect stalk.

Water hyacinth, one of the fastest-growing plants, reproduces primarily through runners or
stolons, which eventually form daughter plants. Each plant can also produce thousands of
seeds per year, and these seeds can live for more than 28 years. Common water hyacinths
(Pontederia crassipes) grow quickly, with mats doubling in size in one to two weeks. They
are said to multiply by more than a hundredfold in plant count rather than size in a matter of
23 days. Long-tongued bees pollinate these flowers in their native range, and they can
reproduce both sexually and clonally. The hyacinth's invasiveness is related to its ability to
clone itself, and large patches are likely to form.
Water hyacinth is indigenous to Amazonia, Brazil first arrived in Singapore from Hong Kong
in 1963. Water hyacinth thrives in Malaysia in still or slowly moving waters. It spreads quickly
via seeds and offsets while reproducing rapidly and covers a large area of lakes. Water
hyacinth is the world's most serious invasive aquatic plant, and its dominance could lead to
the extinction or reduction of other species.
The presence of water hyacinth has had a negative impact on the environment, including
decreased water quality and biodiversity loss. The thick mats of water hyacinth on the lake's
surface had blocked the light from reaching the deeper parts of the bodies of water. Water
hyacinth absorbs large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen from the surrounding
environment. When compared to water bodies without water hyacinth, the presence of water
hyacinth increases turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and chlorophyll while
decreasing pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and nitrates. The presence of water hyacinth mats
can reduce fish populations by altering trophic dependency and lowering dissolved oxygen
(DO) in water. The density of water hyacinth mats has decreased. light transmission to
submerged plants and plant competition (Kriticos & Brunel, 2016). Furthermore, water
hyacinth forms mats on the water's surface, reducing the dissolved oxygen in the water
because the photosynthesis of the submerged plant is inhibited.
Now, 5% of aquatic plants discovered are on the list of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien
species, including water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). These aquatic plant species may
obstruct fishing and water transportation by forming dense mats on the surface, clogging
waterways, blocking sunlight, and outcompeting native floating plants for nutrients. Invasive
species such as water hyacinth cost the global economy an estimated USD $1.4 trillion each
year. The introduction would pose significant threats to native species, as they would face
intense competition for resources, space, disease, and other factors.

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INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES IMPACTS
A significant factor of climate change, invasive species contribute to the loss of
biodiversity, the deterioration of ecosystems, and the reduction of ecosystem services on a
global scale (Pyšek & Richardson, 2010). The threat to biodiversity due to invasive alien
species is considered second only to that of habitat destruction. Invasive species cause loss
of biodiversity including species extinctions, and changes in hydrology and ecosystem
function. Differences between native and exotic plant species in their requirements and
modes of resource acquisition and consumption may cause a change in soil structure, its
profile, decomposition, nutrient content of soil, moisture availability, etc. Invasive species are
thus a serious hindrance to conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, with significant
undesirable impacts on the goods and services provided by ecosystems.

There are several well known cases in which invasions are strongly linked to extinctions. In
some of these, invaders have been a major cause of the decline and loss of species.
Example of Invasive species plant in Malaysia is Mimosa Pigra. It was believed that this
notorious weed might impacts on the biodiversity of the riverside areas at Peninsular
Malaysia's second-largest lake which is Temengor. Tropical rainforests in this watershed are
biodiversity hotspots and fish productivity depend on water catchment. However, several
rivers carry weed seeds, including M. pigra, to the lake. The weed grows quickly on
riverbanks affecting the native ecosystem(Smr et al., 2013).

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) can impact on human health since several species can
transmit disease, cause allergies, and even be poisonous. One of the examples of human
health problems caused by IAS chikungunya virus spread by the tiger mosquito. The
Chikungunya virus is a togavirus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a member of the
genus Alphavirus and is responsible for widespread sickness in urban areas of Africa and
Southeast Asia (SK Lam et al., 2001). Other than that, the process of biological invasions is
comparable to the outbreaks of human diseases brought on by novel infections, such as the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), monkey pox, and severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) (Pyšek & Richardson, 2010). The epidemic development of new infectious diseases
is sparked by these pathogens, which breach the barriers separating their natural reservoirs
from human populations, incurring enormous financial losses (Pyšek & Richardson, 2010).

Other than that, it can reduce land and water recreational opportunities, as they invaded
the area that they are brought to. Many of the commercial, agricultural, and recreational
activities depend on healthy native ecosystems. So, as the natural habitat is slowly
decreasing it will also impacting other things such as the economy of that area. For example,
the invasions of weeds in Malaysia. The Plant Quarantine Act of 1976 and the Plant
Quarantine Regulations of 1981 classify a variety of introduced, naturalised, and native plant
species as scheduled pests and invasive weed species in Malaysia (Hj Bakar, 2004).
Mimosa Pigra has an effect on tourism as well by limiting the area and increasing access to
tourism activities (Smr et al., 2013). To keep the healthy native ecosystem, control and
management of the IAS should be done. But, the cost may be significant. Therefore, it will
affecting the economy of the area that has been manifest by the IAS.

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CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT

The Malaysian government established a National Working Group made up of officials

from several ministries, departments, agencies, universities, and non-governmental
organisations to address the effects of IAS on the economy and biodiversity and develop
national measures to combat IAS. The participation of various organisations and agencies
aids in the implementation, enforcement, monitoring, and research of IAS-related laws.
The previous National Action Plan for Invasive Alien Species (2014–2018) concentrated on
strengthening the legal framework in prevention, detection, eradication, containment, and
control related to IAS issues, intensifying capacity building for action plan implementation;
and promoting IAS research and development among Malaysian agencies. Through the
Malaysia National Action Plan on Invasive Alien Species (2021–2025), efforts and solutions
to conserve and manage biodiversity from escalating IAS threats (NAP IAS 2021-2025).
These plans were successful in establishing a foundation for the next national plan that will
be started in 2021–2025 and that will show more vigorous actions in IAS control by the
government. The National Action Plan for Invasive Alien Species 2021-2025 will focus on
three goals: improving the understanding and public awareness of IAS, conducting risk
assessment of alien species, initiating response plans, having the capacity to contain and
eradicate potential IAS before their release into Malaysia, and strengthening quarantine
enforcement and inspection at Malaysia’s entry points and international borders.
The involvement of different organisations and agencies helps in the legislation
implementation, enforcement, monitoring and research related to invasive alien species.

CONCLUSION

Numerous alien species have been purposely introduced into Malaysia for a variety of
reasons. While some have integrated and contributed the nation, others have spread like
invasive species. There were few sufficient proofs that invasive alien fish and plant species
exist in Malaysia and pose a threat to the country. If coordinated efforts are not made to
contain and control these invasions, they are likely to get worse soon. Similar to many other
nations, there are no premade solutions available, and without sufficient capacity, it is near
impossible to respond to biological risks that are challenging to foresee. define, or
confidently assess.

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 References
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Management. In Malaysian Journal of Science (Vol. 23).

Pyšek, P., & Richardson, D. M. (2010). Invasive species, environmental change and management, and
health. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 35, 25–55. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-
environ-033009-095548

SK Lam, KB Chua, PS Hooi, MA Rahimah, S Kumari, M Tharmaratnam, SK Chuah, DW Smith, & IA Sampson.
(2001). CHIKUNGUNYA INFECTION- AN EMERGING DISEASE IN MALAYSIA. CHIKUNGUNYA
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Smr, K., R, K. S., & ansor, M. M. (2013). INVASION OF Mimosa pigra IN TASIK TEMENGOR LAKE AND
RIVERSIDE AREA, PERAK, MALAYSIA. IJBPAS, 2(5), 1203–1207.

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