Antarctica needs to be protected from us pesky humans

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2021-11-20 03:00

Australia; TAS

The formerly pristine, untouched lands of Antarctica have been breached by various non-native species, according to an Aussie researcher who says us pesky humans are to blame. Antibiotic-resistant, disease-causing bacteria have been detected in penguin colonies with high human visitation rates, and the author says this kind of gene transfer in bacteria is happening both on land and in the sea thanks to human interference. The author also describes the arrival of invasive grass that is still undergoing eradication; mites, worms and flies invading the land ecosystem; and ten marine species near the shore that have not yet established populations. While the increased arrival of non-native species is inevitable, the establishment is not, according to the author, and we should anticipate how human activity and climate change will affect the natural environment and respond quickly to prevent long-term environmental changes.

Media release

From: Cell Press

Trends in Ecology & Evolution: Maintaining Antarctica’s isolation from non-native species

Abstract: Antarctica’s isolation has been breached by various non-native species, including microbes, a grass, and some invertebrates. As yet, no marine species have reportedly established populations. With increasing effects of climate change and human activity, continued concerted action is needed to keep Antarctica protected from the impacts of non-native species establishment.

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Journal/
conference: Trends in Ecology and Evolution

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Australian Antarctic Division, University of Wollongong

Funder: N/A

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