Human activity brings with it alien species and creates excellent conditions that allow them to become established in an otherwise barren Arctic landscape. (Kristine Bakke Westergaard, NTNU via SWNS)
Professor Kristine Bakke Westergaard found in a new study that warmer temperatures and more tourists make it easier for non-native plants and animals to get a foothold in far northerly outposts. (Nina Tveter / NTNU via SWNS)
This map shows hotspots for possible new alien vascular plants in the Arctic. The lighter the color, the higher the number of potential species per 1 x 1 km. (NTNU University Museum via SWNS)
In recent years, a surprisingly large number of alien species have managed to flourish in Svalbard, Norway. In 2024, common meadow rue, Thalictrum flavum, was identified for the first time in Svalbard, in full bloom on a nutrient-rich slope in Barentsburg. (Kristine Bakke Westergaard / NTNU via SWNS)
The slope below the old barn and farm buildings in Longyearbyen is very nutrient-rich after manure and food scraps were dumped there for years. It's a great place where new alien species can get established. (Kristine Bakke Westergaard / NTNU via SWNS)
Human activity brings with it alien species and creates excellent conditions that allow them to become established in an otherwise barren Arctic landscape. (Kristine Bakke Westergaard, NTNU via SWNS)
By Stephen Beech
Thousands of alien species could invade the Arctic, warns a new study.
Professor Kristine Bakke Westergaard found in a new study that warmer temperatures and more tourists make it easier for non-native plants and animals to get a foothold in far northerly outposts. (Nina Tveter / NTNU via SWNS)
This map shows hotspots for possible new alien vascular plants in the Arctic. The lighter the color, the higher the number of potential species per 1 x 1 km. (NTNU University Museum via SWNS)
In recent years, a surprisingly large number of alien species have managed to flourish in Svalbard, Norway. In 2024, common meadow rue, Thalictrum flavum, was identified for the first time in Svalbard, in full bloom on a nutrient-rich slope in Barentsburg. (Kristine Bakke Westergaard / NTNU via SWNS)
The slope below the old barn and farm buildings in Longyearbyen is very nutrient-rich after manure and food scraps were dumped there for years. It's a great place where new alien species can get established. (Kristine Bakke Westergaard / NTNU via SWNS)
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.