Alien Species of EU Concern in Romania

Abstract

Of the 37 species of the European Union concern eight are already present and two present a future potential risk for Romania. This paper brings updated information regarding these species in Romania. The presence of eight invasive alien species of concern to the European Union have already been recorded in Romania: two plant species Cabomba caroliniana and Heracleum sosnowskyi , two crustaceans Orconectes limosus and Eriocheir sinensis , two fish species Pseudorasbora parva and Perccottus glenii , one reptile Trachemys scripta and one mammal Myocastor coypus . Other two species of Union concern ( Lithobates catesbeianus and Procyon lotor ) may soon become invaders in Romania. We emphasize the urgent need to assess their current distribution and impact or potential to establish and possible impact at national level.