Invasive Species

Background Information

As in many other countries in the tropics, hundreds of alien species have entered to Ethiopia, intentionally and unintentionally. The country has a long history of introduction of alien species of plants and animals, especially those that were found to be productive elsewhere and offered potential economic benefits to the country.

IAS Management

Studies to identify the threats of invasive plants in Ethiopia have been limited in scope, less insightful, and not sufficiently coordinated. Insufficient resources played major role in this respect. Thus, activities were focusing on problems associated with agriculture and human activity whereas, their threats to the natural ecosystems left aside.

Distribution of IAS

IAS are found in different parts of the country mainly invading drylands and wetlands.

Threats caused by IAS

Recently, it has become clear that some alien species are having very negative impacts in Ethiopia. Several alien species are spreading at alarming rate, threatening agricultural lands, rangelands, national parks, waterways, lakes, rivers, power dams, roadsides and urban green spaces.