No abstract

In this reply, we address the criticism directed recently to our work by Galil et al. (2016) dismissing the hypothesis that the Suez Canal can act as a revolving door allowing marine species to move both ways between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. We reiterate that the presence in the Red Sea of the Indo-West Pacific sea slug Chelidonura fulvipunctata Baba, 1938 is most parsimoniously explained by an invasion from the Mediterranean and highlight several recent studies combing morphology and molecular phylogenetics where established views about the presence of alien Indo-Pacific / Red Sea species in the Mediterranean were proven wrong. Caution is suggested when assuming the conspecificity of species between these realms based solely on external features.

Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species creates the framework for the prevention, minimization, and mitigation of the harmful effects of invasive alien species on biodiversity in the European Union. Commission Implementing Regulations 2016/1141 and 2017/1263 delivered the list of invasive alien species of Union concern ("the Union list"). Out of 49 species on the Union list, 17 species are present in Croatia. They include five plants (Plantae), three crustaceans (Crustacea), two freshwater fish (Actinopterygii), one reptile (Reptilia), one bird (Aves), and five mammals (Mammalia). Their systematics and biology, native and introduced range, history of introduction, pathways of introduction to Croatia, impact in the introduced range, including any known impacts in Croatia, are presented. Furthermore, their distribution in Croatia, based on the available data, is shown on the distribution maps.

No abstract

Background and Purpose: The species Heracleum mantegazzianum (Apiaceae) originates from the Western Greater Caucasus (Russia, Georgia), but today it is widely distributed in Europe due to deliberate introductions as ornamental plant and subsequent spontaneous spread. Therefore it is considered to be an invasive alien species. Its main negative impact concerns human health, as it produces phototoxic sap which causes skin burnings when exposed to UV light. In Croatia it was first recorded in 2009 near Žabnik (Međimurje County), but afterwards it has not been found on this locality again.Materials and Methods: Floristic research in the Zagorje area was carried out during July and August 2014, using GPS Receiver to determine investigated localities.Results: The species Heracleum mantegazzianum was recorded on 16th July 2014 in Gornja Šemnica (Radoboj, Krapina-Zagorje County), on two localities approximately 300 m apart. The localities were revisited on 1st August 2014. To control the spread of the species manual elimination of fructifying umbels was applied. On both localities floristic composition and general vegetation type were determined.Conclusion: Monitoring of recorded sites and adjacent areas, control measures, and possible eradication of all individuals of Heracleum mantegazzianum should be conducted in the following years in order to control and possibly eradicate this invasive alien species.