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Abstract

abstract

A total of 49 species of non-marine aliens (18 vascular plant species and 31 animal species, including domestic species) has been recorded at the Prince Edward islands to date. Twenty-five species are considered to have become naturalised. Two of the alien plant species, the forb Sagina apetala, and the grass Agrostis stotonifera, are presently spreading at Marion Island. Two species of mammals have become naturalised aliens on Marion Island. Sealers accidentally introduced the house mouse Mus musculus to Marion Island in the early nineteenth century where they are now found in great numbers. In an attempt to curb the mouse problem the domestic cat Felis catus was introduced to Marion Island in 1949. They are now widely distributed over the island and attempts are underway to eradicate them. Only five alien species, annual bluegrass Poa annua, the spider Myro paudspinosus, the chironomid midge Lymnophycs pusillus, the hemipteran Rhopalosiphum padi and a species of fly, possibly Psychoda sp., have been recorded from Prince Edward Island. Strict measures are enforced to avoid any further introduction of aliens to this island.