The Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS).

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major threat to global biodiversity, impacting ecosystems, economies, and human health.
• Accurate and updated inventories of alien species are crucial for effective policy and management strategies.
• Biological invasions pose significant challenges to environmental management and conservation efforts worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Cyprus Database of Alien Species (CyDAS), an open online resource for alien species information in Cyprus.
• To catalogue and expand knowledge on introduced taxa in Cyprus, supporting biodiversity monitoring.
• To facilitate early warning systems, public awareness, and policy development for managing IAS.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of data on terrestrial, freshwater, and marine introduced taxa up to December 2023.
• Development of an openly accessible online database (CyDAS) with continuously updated species profiles.
• Inclusion of 1,293 alien species with ongoing updates for new arrivals.

Main Results:

• The CyDAS dataset includes 1,293 terrestrial, freshwater, and marine introduced taxa.
• Species profiles are continuously updated to reflect new arrivals and current data.
• The database serves as a comprehensive resource for alien species in Cyprus.

Conclusions:

• The CyDAS is a vital tool for understanding and managing biological invasions in Cyprus.
• The database supports enhanced early warning, rapid response, and public engagement in IAS monitoring.
• CyDAS aims to inform IAS policy and encourage collaborative data contribution from researchers and decision-makers.