The COST programme, of which Switzerland is one of the founding countries, is a European funding initiative that fosters collaboration in scientific and technological research. All researchers in these fields are encouraged to participate.
Biological invasions pose a significant threat to biodiversity because invasive species can affect community structure in their new environment, impacting native species both directly and indirectly. Often, the effects of these alien species are overlooked in the early stages of their introduction, which some studies suggest is the best time for intervention. This oversight can lead to consequences that become increasingly difficult to manage and rectify later on. The study led by Professor Cesare Alippi and Alberto Ferrante aims to monitor the spread of alien species in our area while also assessing the actual risks posed by native species. The investigation will focus on three native species: beetles, lepidopterans, and leafhoppers. It will also consider their invasive alien counterparts, specifically Popillia japonica, Aspilanta oinophylla, and Erasmoneura vulnerata.
The "Graph-Based Investigation of Insect Spread Dynamics" project aims to develop innovative methods for detecting or even predicting the presence of invasive alien species, including their larval states. This will enable timely and targeted interventions to control these insects within the territory. The project will utilize multi-insect models to process a significant amount of diverse information, providing an unprecedented ability to forecast the spread of both alien and native insects. Ultimately, this work will yield essential insights into the systemic consequences of the increasing frequency of biological invasions, going beyond just the direct damage they cause.
