Invasive Species (04:04)

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Flora and fauna not native to Germany can multiply rapidly; 10% of species can cause trouble. Carla Michels discusses foreign species. In Cologne, the Nile goose has become a competitor for native grey geese.

Lower Rhine River Species (03:30)

University students document changes in biocenosis. Black-spotted gobies account for the majority of river fish and negatively impact the environment and recreational fishing.

Economic and Ecological Effects (04:17)

Dr. Georg Becker investigates the impact of foreign species, including the Chinese mitten crab. They have no natural enemies, breed in saltwater, and can travel three km a day up river. Approximately 10% of native species still live in Rhine River; ballast water brings foreign species.

Introduced Species (02:08)

Germany is home to approximately 500,000 raccoons; the species arrived during World War II. The nocturnal omnivores cause problems for other animal species and are a nuisance to humans.

Invasive Plant Species (02:10)

Neophytes are increasingly causing problems. Michels discusses the origin of giant hogweed and its proliferation in Germany; it suppresses the growth of native plant species and is toxic to humans and animals.

Friedrich Loeffler Institute (05:42)

Dr. Helge Kampen discusses known mosquito transmitted pathogens and proliferation. The used tire industry is responsible for introducing tropical mosquitoes. Experts discuss the impact of climate change on flora and fauna.

Landscape Conservationists (03:49)

Nicolas Reich and his colleague work to eradicate giant hogweed in the countryside. Reich discusses plant anatomy.

Union List (01:59)

Damage from invasive species costs the E.U. over €12 billion a year; 37 animal and plant species comprise the list. Michels discuses list qualifications and trade prevention.

Managing Raccoons (02:09)

Raccoons spread rapidly on the European mainland and are subject to hunting law and strict regulation. Each E.U. member chooses its own method for stopping the spread of raccoons.

Mosquito Atlas (03:44)

Citizens send mosquitoes found in their region to the Friedrich Loeffler Institute. In 2016, scientists receive 6,000 mosquitoes from unmapped areas; Kampen discusses populations, breeding, and elimination. Falko Huckenbeck reflects on species loss and human responsibility.

Combating Invasive Species (04:40)

Prof. Jost Borcherding discusses gobies in the Rhine River; industrial nations sign the Ballast Water Convention of the IMO in 2016. Reich removes 20,000 giant hogweeds in three months. Theo Pagel educates zoo visitors about raccoons. Michels reflects on changes in flora and fauna. (Credits)