In brief
Scientists warn that exotic reptiles, amphibians, and insects are being unknowingly imported into Europe through potted plants and cut flowers, potentially disrupting local ecosystems and agriculture.
In a concerning trend that endangers local ecosystems, scientists have highlighted the rising issue of invasive species hitching rides on imported ornamental plants and cut flowers. Recent studies show that frogs, snakes, and various insect pests are making their way into Europe through shipments, prompting experts to call for urgent regulatory changes.Researchers from the University of Cambridge have documented instances where live snakes and tree frogs emerged from shipments of plants. One striking case involved a tree frog that was discovered within a bouquet of roses at a Sheffield florist, believed to have been transported from Colombia via Ecuador. Similarly, various snakes were found residing in ornamental olive trees dispatched across mainland Europe.As the market for potted plants and cut flowers continues to expand globally, particularly from regions such as East Africa and South America, the risk of unwittingly importing harmful species increases. "Adult snakes and lizards are just the tip of the iceberg," noted Professor William Sutherland, emphasizing the potential threat posed by smaller pests like insects and fungi, often overlooked during inspections.Dr. Silviu Petrovan, a reptile expert from Cambridge, underscored the challenges in intercepting these "hitchhiking intruders." Even with rigorous customs checks, the high volume of floral imports makes it nearly impossible to catch all invasive species. Notably, similar pests detected in the UK include various lizards and insects, while across mainland Europe, regions such as the Netherlands have reported the presence of geckos, frogs, and numerous insect pests stowing away in potted plants.The current body of research, published in the journal Bioscience, studied pest interceptions between 2017 to 2018 in the Netherlands and from 2021 to 2023 in the UK. It calls for improved production standards and better data collection concerning the risks associated with the trade of ornamental plants to mitigate future environmental threats.
