Introducción intencional de fauna exótica y futuros invasores: ¿Seguimos tropezando con la misma piedra una y otra vez?

Abstract

Biological invasions are one of the main contemporary causes of biodiversity loss. This phenomenon is triggered by transportation of exotic species with different objectives. These species may subsequently be accidentally released or escape, becoming naturalized and producing large effects at ecological, economic and human health scales. Given the wide range of potential effects of alien species, it is essential to direct efforts to controlling and monitoring them once they have entered the country. In the case of introduced vertebrates, the situation is complex, and the corresponding agencies have privileged a reactive approach over a preventive one. In this research, I analyzed the requests submitted to the Agriculture and Livestock Service for internment of species. The analysis showed that in the last five years 24,486 individuals corresponding 467 exotic species have been introduced. Given the previous experiences and the slow response of the bureau responsible for the management, one question immediately arises: Are there risks of establishment of introduced species? Accordingly, I propose some actions in connection with exotic species management; since the authorized internment and the ensuing monitoring, proposing a change in the current management carried out by the Agricultural and Livestock Bureau towards a more focused and adequate politics to reduce the future impacts of the exotic species, and in view to contribute to the National Biodiversity Strategy.