Unwelcomed guests - Interactions and impacts of Invasive Aliens Species in Mediterranean wetlands

Accidentally or intentionally, plants or animals may be introduced by humans into an area where they wouldn't be present naturally. Some of these species may settle down and spread. They may compete against native species, prey on them or even disrupt ecosystem processes. In the worst cases, they can end up driving native species' extinction and provoking ecological devastation. These unwelcomed guests are known as Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and Mediterranean wetlands are unfortunately also familiar with their intrusions.