The Invasive Species Specialist Group
The ISSG is global network of specialists that was established in 1994. The purpose of this group is to minimise the threats to our environment and species by spreading the word on the numerous invasive species. ISSG does this by networking or communicating information on these invasive species with other Invasive Species Practitioners or the Global Stakeholders. This information exchanged is details on what the invasive species is and how it can be prevented, controlled or eliminated.
What are Invasive Species?
Animals or plants that impact the environment negatively. This usually happens when a specific species is introduced to a new habitat and they infest and expand using the resources around them to survive, this usually has a bad impact on the habitat
What does ISSG do?
The three main activities that the group is involved in is:
Providing technical and policy advice
This advice is usually to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) members or scientific agency's that require it.
Information Exchange
This is normally done through the biannual newsletter known as 'Aliens'.
Networking
Done by management of the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) an online resource that contains information on invasive species, their ecology, spread, management and impacts.