Rehfisch, M.M., Blair, M.J., McKay, H. & Musgrove, A.J. 2006. The impact and status of introduced waterbirds in Africa, Asia Minor, Europe and the Middle East. Acta Zoological. Sinica 52 (Suppl.): 572-575.

Abstract

As part of a British government-funded project, the number and distribution of introduced waterbird species in 77 of the 116 countries in the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) was determined from responses to questionnaires sent to government officials and ornithologists. Meeting predefined criteria, 112 species of introduced waterbirds were recorded. European countries held the most, with an average of 7.7 species per country. Across the AEWA area, the most common introductions were the mandarin duck ( Aix galericulata ) – 17 countries, Canada goose ( Branta canadensis ) – 16, and mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos ) and mute swan ( Cygnus olor ) – 15. The costs of introductions normally outweigh benefits, and we recommend that existing legislation for controlling introductions be augmented and better enforced.

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