Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Invasive species in China — an overview

  • Published:
Biodiversity & Conservation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

China is a vast country with rich biodiversity, which makes China especially vulnerable to invasive species. It has a long history of introduction of non-native species, especially those with perceived beneficial impacts. Its rapid economic development, including an explosive growth in international trade and transportation, has increased the potential for new introductions. Currently, alien species are widespread in the country, occur in many ecosystems, represent most major taxonomic groups, and are introduced unintentionally as well as intentionally for cultivation. The paper lists various cases of invasive species which have caused significant threats or damages to local natural or artificial ecosystems, and indicates that two example industries (fresh water fisheries and lawn grasses) have brought or tend to bring in many invasive species and hence have caused or will cause changes and loss of biodiversity in local ecosystems. Based on these studies, it is suggested that China combat the problem through enhancing awareness, development of a database on invasive species, strengthening international co-operation, preparing case studies and introducing the necessary legislation, regulations and monitoring.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bentham G (1861) Flora Hongkongensis: A Description of the Flowering Plants and Ferns. Lovell Reeve, London, 482 pp

  • Cai Hanxiong andChen Rizhong (1990) New pest-Amazonian Snail. Guangdong Agricultural Sciences 5: 36-38

    Google Scholar 

  • Che Jindian andGuo Xihong (1999) Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissma). Weed Science 1: 17

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Deniu (1991) A study on Achatina fulica (Fer.) in China (classification, distribution and artificial breeding). In Meier-Brook C (ed) Proceedings of Tenth International Malacology Congress, Tübingen 1989, pp 297-301. Unitas Malacologica, Daja, Hungary

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Deniu,Zhang Guoqing,Zhang Guang,Chen Yuanxiao andZhang Wen (1990) Giant African Snail is spreading in Yunnan. Plant Quarantine 10(1): 12-13

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Lingjing,Li Zhenyu andHong Deyuan (1992) Triodanis Raf.-a new recorded genus in Campanulaceae in China. Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 30: 473-475

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Yingrui,Yang Junxing andLi Zaiyun (1998) The diversity and present status of fishes in Yunnan Province. Chinese Biodiversity 6: 272-277

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Yiyu (ed) (1998) Fauna Sinica-Osteichthyes Cyperiniformes II, pp 225-228. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Yongge andGu Dexiang (1998) Interspecific interaction between Hemiberlesia pitysophila Takagi (Homoptera: Diaspididae) and its parasite Coccobius azumai Tachikawa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Natural Enemies of Insects 20: 136-142

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Dasheng (1986) Where did muskrat in Xinjiang come from. Wildlife 5: 52

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Guifang andYang Jikun (1997a) Preliminary report on new quarantine pest insect-Opogona sacchari Bojer-found in Beijing. Plant Quarantine 11: 95-101

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Guifang andYang Jikun (1997b) Status of occurrence of Opogona sacchari Bojer in China. Plant Protection 23: 46

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Guifang,Lu Ji andYang Jikun (1998) Reasons for occurrence and control strategies for Opogona sacchari Bojer. Plant Quarantine 12: 95

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Tso-Hsin (1987) A Synopsis of the Avifauna of China, pp 285-286. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding Bingyang (2000) Cabomba Aublet. (Cabombaceae), a newly naturalized genus of China. Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica 38: 198-200

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding Jianqing,Wang Ren,Fan Zhongnan,Chen Zhiqun andFu Weidong (1995) Distribution and infestation of water hyacinth and the control strategy in China. Journal of Weed Science 9: 49-51

    Google Scholar 

  • Dudgeon D andCorlett RT (1994) Hills and Streams: An Ecology of Hong Kong. Hong Kong University Press, Hong kong

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunns ST andTutcher WJ (1912) Flora of Kwangtung and Hong Kong (China). Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information Additional Series 10: 1-370

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Mingxiang (1992) Warning: spread of several dangerous pests to fruit trees in China. Plant Quarantine 6: 291-293

    Google Scholar 

  • Forbes FB andHemsley WB (1890) Enumeration of all the plants known from China proper, Formosa, Hainan, the Corea, the Luchu Archipelago, and the island of Hong Kong. Journal of Linnear Society of Botany 26: 1-316

    Google Scholar 

  • Gagnepain F (1924) Composees. In: Lecomte H (ed) Flore Generale L'Indo-Chine, 3: 448-663. Masson et Cie. Editeurs, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Lammers TG (1998) Campanulaceae. In: Huang Tseng-Chieng (ed) Flora of Taiwan, Vol 4, pp 775-800, 2nd edn. Editorial Committee of the Flora of Taiwan, Taipei

    Google Scholar 

  • He Guofeng (1995) Invasion and prevention of two dangerous forest pests in Guangdong. Plant Protection 2: 47-48

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Xingyu (1997) Occurrence and control of American rice water weevil in China. Plant Quarantine 11 (Supplement): 62-63

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Xiumei (1997) Research progress on comprehensive control of serious weed-Ambrosia. Weed Science 1: 7-10

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Yanghan (1998) China Weeds, pp 1-1617. Agriculture Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Yunchao,Zhang Huansheng,Han Yisheng andXu Denghua (1991) Preliminary investigation on American white moth in Qinghuangdao. Journal of Forestry Science and Technology 4: 29-30

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Zhenyu andHsieh Changfu (1996) New Reports of the genus Myriophyllum L. (Haloragaceae) in Taiwan. Taiwania 41: 322-328

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Zhenyu (1999) Cactaceae. In: Ku Tsuechih (ed) Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, 52(1): 272-285. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Zhenyu. Plantaginaceae. In: Hu Chiachi and Li Zhenyu (eds) Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, 70. Science Press, Beijing (in press)

  • Liao Guozhang (1998) Raising and prospect of introduced hybrid of Morone saxatilis (Walbaum) X Morone chrysops (Rafinesque). Modern Fisheries Information 13: 10-12

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu Yuanzhi,Liang Yong,Su Xiangyun et al. (1998) Biology and Control of Termites in China. Chengdu Publishing House of Chengdu University of Science and Technology 163-164, 226-228

  • Liu Zhongli (1989) Introducing and Breeding the Amazonian Fresh Water Snail and Climatic Division for Its Adaptability in China. Acta Agriculturae Boreali-Sinica 4(3): 116-120

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu Qingguang (1997a) Discussion on legislation and regulations on introducing natural enemies. Plant Quarantine 11: 174-176

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu Qingguang (1997b) The importance of classical biological control to biodiversity protection. Chinese Biodiversity 5: 224-230

    Google Scholar 

  • National Environment Protection Agency (1998) Biodiversity Country Report, pp 58-63. China Environment Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Nico L andFuller P (1999) Spatial and temporal patterns of nonindigenous fish introductions in the United States. Fisheries 24: 16-27

    Google Scholar 

  • Nico L andFuller P (1999) http://nas.er.usgs.gov/fishes/accounts/cyprinid/ct_idell.htm

  • Pan Wuyao,Tang Ziying andXie Guolin (1993) Study on introduction and utilization of Coccobius azumai. Journal of Forest Pest 1: 15-18

    Google Scholar 

  • Pang Xiongfei andTang Cai (1994) Prevention and cure of new invaded pest-Loblolly pine mealybug. Journal of Forest Pest 2: 32-34

    Google Scholar 

  • Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ),APHIS of the US Department of Agriculture (1998) Asian Longhorned Beetle. http://www.aphis.usda.gov

  • Qiu Liming andDeng Guosheng (1994) Developing Technology for Special Freshwater Species Aquaculture. China Personnel Press and Zhongnan Industry University Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall JM andMarinelli J (1996) Invasive Plants: Weeds of the Global Garden, p 112. Science Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Reels G (1998) Checklist of Hong Kong (Fauna), p 30. Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Corporation, Hong Kong

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandlund OT,Schei PJ andViken A (eds) (1999) Invasive Species and Biodiversity Management, p 431. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands

    Google Scholar 

  • Schafer EH (1963) The Golden Peaches of Samarkand: a study of T'ang Exotics. p 400. University of California Press, Berkeley, California

    Google Scholar 

  • Simberloff D (1997) What can we do? World Conservation 4/97-1/98: 21-23

  • Shou Zhenhuang (1962) Fauna Economica Sinica, pp 197-200. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitousek PM,D'Antonio CM,Loope LL,Rejmanek M andWestbrooks R (1997) Introduced species: a significant compoinent of human-caused global change. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 21: 1-16

    Google Scholar 

  • Wan Fanghao andGuan Guangqing (1993) Ragweed and Its Comprehensive Control. Chinese Science and Technology Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Fuxiang (1997) Occurrence and comprehensive prevention and cure of vegetable leaf miner. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 2: 34

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Qiongyu (1992) An inquiry into control tactics for forest plant insects-three major quarantine objects in China. Journal Zhejiang Foresty Science and Technology 12(4): 77-79

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Ren andWang Yuan (1988) Survey of damages caused by Alternanthera philoxeroides and its biological control in South China. Journal of Weed Science 2: 38-40

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang Sung,Xie Yan andMittermeier RA (1997) China. In: Russell A. Mittermeier et al. (eds) Megadiversity-Earth' Biologically Wealthiest Nations, pp 257-281. CEMEX, SA

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei Hongjun (1997) Occurrence and continuous control of American rice water weevil in China. Plant Quarantine 11 (Supplement): 60-62

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei Zhi andWei Siqi (1998) Ulex Linn. In: Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, 42(2): 424. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Westbrooks R (1998) Invasive Plants, Changing the Landscape of America: Fact Book. p 109. Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW), Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu Telin (ed) (1994) A Checklist of Flowering Plants of Islands and Reefs of Hainan and Guangdong Province, p 35. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiao Gangrou (1992) Forest Insects in China. 2nd Edn (supplement): 3-4. Chinese Forestry Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu Ruiqiu,Ding Xueyi andZeng Zhifang (1997) A new pest animal in crop fields-nutria (Myocastor coypus). Plant Protection 23: 46-47

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu Xiaogang,Zhang Xinquan andWu Yanqi (1999) A discussion of some problems in introducing and breeding turfgrass in China. Grassland of China 1: 57-61

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu Zaifu andZeng Ling (1998) Current status in the study of parasitoids of Liriomyza sativae. Nature Enemy Insect 20: 129-135

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang Gongyi (1984a) Hortus Dictionary, 5: 3399. Chinese Flowers Magazine Press, Taipei

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang Gongyi (1984b) Hortus Dictionary, 7: 5221. Chinese Flowers Magazine Press, Taipei

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang Yuenpo andLiu Hoyih (1996) Alternanthera. In: Huang Tseng-Chieng (ed) Flora of Taiwan, Vol 2, pp 393-396, 2nd edn. Editorial Committee of the Flora of Taiwan, Taipei

    Google Scholar 

  • Yao Gendi,Sun Zhenzhong,Guo Luji andLin Huishan (1995) The Status of Crayfish in Natural Water Area in Countries of Shanghai. Journal of Aquaculture Science and Technology 22(2): 75-77

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye Qixian andHua Li (1997) Strengthening quarantine of plants introduced from Taiwan. Plant Quarantine 11: 185-187

    Google Scholar 

  • Yin Lianping (1998) Quarantine and control strategies of weeds in imported food. Plant Quarantine 12: 174-175

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu Dahai andCui Yanlin (1997) Guidelines for Entry and Exit Animal Quarantine in China, pp 3-12, 802-838. China Agriculture Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Daming,Zhang Fuchun,Wang Jianmin andZhang Xiaobin (1993) Invasion and habitat selection of the Brown Rat in arid regions. In: Xia Wuping andZhang Jie (eds) The Successional Changes of Mammals in China under The Influences of Human Activities, pp 185-187. Chinese Science and Technology Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Guohua,Cao Wenxuan andChen Yiyu (1997) Effects of fish stocking on lake ecosystems in China. Acta Hydrobiologica Sinica 21: 271-280

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao Guoshan andZhou Weichuan (1996) Amazonian Snail Erupted and Caused Damages in Jinjiang and Yunxiao in Fujian Province. Plant Quarantine 10(5): 290

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng Shengshun (1999) Study on behaviors of crayfish. Aquaculture 4: 9-10

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhi Pu (1985) Professor Zhong Chongxin and common cordgrass. Plants 5: 36-38

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Ailin andYue Junshan (1987) Gramineae. In: Chen Jisheng andZheng Shuo (eds) Poisonous Plants of China, pp 271-274. Science Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Weichuan,Chen Baoqin,Cai Jinfa andLi Deping (1989) Strengthen Quarantine of Giant African Snail. Plant Quarantine 3(1): 10-13

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhuang Qiushi (1999) Warning: plant killer invading the pearl river delta. Guangzhou Daily, 29 December 1999

  • Zhang Shimei andZhao Yongxiang (1996) The Geographical Distribution of Agricultural and Forest Insects in China Agriculture Press, Beijing, xx]400 pp

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Zhongguancun Lu, Haidian, Beijing, 100080, China

    Xie Yan & Li Dianmo

  2. Institute of Botany, Laboratory of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 20 Nanxincun, Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China

    Li Zhenyu

  3. U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Dr, MS300 Reston VA, 20192, Washington DC, USA

    William P. Gregg

Authors
  1. Xie Yan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Li Zhenyu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. William P. Gregg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Li Dianmo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yan, X., Zhenyu, L., Gregg, W.P. et al. Invasive species in China — an overview. Biodiversity and Conservation 10, 1317–1341 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016695609745

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016695609745

Search

Navigation