- The Park protects nature but apparently there are also species, which are not quite welcome. So how does this protection work?

 

- You probably mean invasive species, ones that do not originate from the area and when they appear they display strong expansiveness. Such species compete with the local ones and displace them from their original habitats. As a consequence it often leads to loss of space and living conditions by the local species and their extinction. That is why invasive species are one of the largest threats to biodiversity.

 

- How do these species escape their natural habitats?

 

- It can occur naturally but it is often the result of human activity – intentional or incidental. Plants are far less mobile than animals, and yet they also involve invasive species. A good example is Sosnowsky’s hogweed, which normally appears in the region of Caucasus. It was brought to Poland in the second half of 20th century. Because of its massive size and nutritional value it was intended as forage for cattle. However, it was discovered that it is not suitable for such use in Poland and that it also cause skin burns. Unfortunately, it started displaying a strong expansiveness and got out of control of the farmers.

 

- How can we handle invasive plants then?

 

- We should avoid planting and keeping them. If they already entered the ecosystem, the best way is to remove them mechanically. Fighting invasive species is a form of active protection of local species and such activities are carried out in the Park. Invasive species present in the area include hogweeds – Sosnowsky’s hogweed and giant hogweed, knotweeds – Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed, as well as Himalayan balsam. Active measures are being employed in order to remove them from the Park.

 

- Plant do not respect the borders of the National Park. Is there anything that can help the efforts in that area?

 

- In order to make invasive species control successful, the measures need to be implemented in the entire area occupied by the problematic plants. Their removal just from the area of the Park does not solve the issue as long as the plants are allowed to grow near its borders. Eradication of invasive species adjacent to the Park is crucial in order to successfully protect the biodiversity of the area. By implementing out these measures we can help the local environment and express our responsibility for the common good.