STOP INVADERS: EARLY DETECTION AND MODELING TOOLS FOR THE CONTROL OF SPECIES OF INVASIVE INSECTS (STOP INVAS)

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Abstract: Global change is one of the main threats to today's society and with the most implications in island territories such as the Balearic Islands. The introduction of species that act as invasive species currently represents one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, in addition of causing great economic costs to society and posing a threat to health human. The objective of this project is to develop a system to prevent the expansion of species of invasive insects are in the Balearic Islands, through two key points: (1) early detection and targeting in real time, and (2) investigation of invasion patterns and expansion of these species. The final objective is to propose sustainable solutions that help to improve the protection of the environment, biodiversity and island ecosystems, as well as guaranteeing sanitary status of traditional agriculture or livestock. To achieve this objective, an early detection network will be implemented focused on two fronts: (1) trapping in areas of entry of species and distribution of vegetal material; and (2) design of a mobile application that will allow any citizen to report detections. Likewise, predictive tools will be developed to analyze the areas susceptible to be invaded. Finally, a specific management plan will be designed adapted to the territory for the early detection and rapid response (DTRR) of control and eradication of these species, putting in value that in the Balearic territory we have a differential factor that plays in our favor: insularity.