Category: Neozoa

Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Signal crayfish Status LU: established. 1st record: 1996.
Lëtzebuergesch Signalkriibs Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern.
Français Écrevisse de Californie RA: ISEIA: A3, Black List. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Signalkrebs Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Signal crayfish Wikipedia - Français - Ecrevisse de Californie Wikipedia - Deutsch - Signalkrebs Nederlands | Wikispecies: n/a (2020)
Nederlands Signaalkreeft Back to the list of invertebrates

Brief description

Signal crayfish female Pacifastacus leniusculus Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852 is a North American species of crayfish. It was introduced to Europe in the 1960s to supplement the North European Astacus astacus fisheries, which were being damaged by crayfish plague, but the imports turned out to be a carrier of that disease. The signal crayfish is now considered an invasive species across Europe, Japan, and California ousting native species there. The signal crayfish is now the most widespread alien crayfish in Europe, occurring in 25 countries. From 1907, crayfish plague, an infectious disease caused by the water mould Aphanomyces astaci, damaged stocks of the native European crayfish Astacus astacus. All American species carry the infection, but it is only lethal to individuals that are already stressed; to European species, the infection is rapidly fatal (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

The signal crayfish is an omnivore, with most of its dietary intake being detritus. Members of this species are typically 6–9 centimetres long, although sizes up to 16–20.32 centimetres are possible. They are bluish-brown to reddish-brown in colour, with robust, large, smooth claws. They have a white to pale blue-green patch near the claw hinge, like the white flags that signalmen used for directing trains—hence the name. Around 200–400 eggs are laid after mating in the autumn, and are carried under the female’s tail until they are ready to hatch the following spring. The eggs hatch into juveniles, which pass through three stages (two moults) before leaving their mother. Sexual maturity is reached after two to three years, and the lifespan can be up to 20 years (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana 1852 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

1020 occurrences of Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852 are documented in the Recorder-Lux database, the first from 1996 (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020). The species has been present in Luxembourg since much earlier though. Dhur & Massard (1995) describe stockings of P. leniusculus in the lake of Esch/Sûre (1972), Kriibseweier/Gonderange (1974, 1975, 1976), Attert, Wark, Tandlerbaach, Dirbach, ponds at Kockelscheuer and Gostingen, the lake in Echternach, the Sûre close to Wallendorf and the Syre, ranging from 1977 to 1986.

Management

Action plan

An action plan regarding Pacifastacus leniusculus (and Faxonius limosus) has been published in 2020:

→ Finalised Action Plan for Pacifastacus leniusculus (De Sousa 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

A3 (3+3+3+2) = Black List (Ries et al. 2017: 68).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Fact sheet

PDF fact sheet of the Nature and Forestry Administration: FR | DE

Bibliography

  • Administration des eaux et forêts, Service de la chasse et de la pêche, 1998. Fische in Luxemburg. Kartierung der Fische, Neunaugen und Flußkrebse des Großherzogtums Luxemburg. ISBN 2-495-28004-8. 153 pp.
  • Administration de la gestion de l’eau, 2010. Les poissons au Luxembourg, Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du grand-duché de Luxembourg. 2e édition. ISBN 978-2-91989-713-1. 213 pp.
  • Atten, D., 1987. Étude des populations d’Ecrevisses d’eau douce au grand-duché de Luxembourg et spécialement de l’Écrevisse de Californie. Luxembourg, Mémoire sci. asp. prof., 190 pp.
  • De Sousa, Tiago, 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg: l’Écrevisse signal, Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) et l’Écrevisse américaine, Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817). Version 4/09/2020. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 29 pp.
  • Dhur, G. & J.A. Massard, 1995. Étude historique et faunistique des Invertébrés immigrés ou introduits dans la Moselle luxembourgeoise et ses affluents. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 96: 127-156. [PDF 1896 KB]
  • GBIF, 2020. Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Meisch, C. & J.A. Massard, 2015. Les recherches sur les crustacés (Crustacea) du Luxembourg : aperçu historique. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 116: 381-390.
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Pacifastacus leniusculus in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-03-13]
  • Ries, C., A. Arendt, C. Braunert, S. Christian, A. Dohet, A. Frantz, G. Geimer, M. Hellers, J. A. Massard, X. Mestdagh, R. Proess, N. Schneider & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2017. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of invertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 63-70. [PDF 360 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020. ‘Signal crayfish’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 31 January 2020, 01:54 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Signal_crayfish&oldid=938417407> [accessed 2020-03-13]

 Page content last updated on 2024-07-31. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-12-11.

Information leaflet on Vespa velutina

Posted onAuthorDr. Christian Ries

Vespa-velutina-flyer-1st-pageThe Asian predatory wasp (Vespa velutina), also known as the Asian Hornet or yellow-legged hornet, is a species of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly the tropical regions, from Northern India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Taiwan, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Indo-Chinese peninsula and surrounding archipelagos.

As an invader in Europe, the hornet has appeared in France, Spain, Portugal. Further invasions are expected in various countries, including much of Europe.

As it is currently spreading from the south towards the north of France, we expect this wasp species to arrive in Luxembourg quite soon. This is why a leaflet was produced to enable people, and especially bee keepers, to identify the species and report its presence to the authorities.

→ Download the leaflet in PDF format (3,2 MB) (in German)

The leaflet has been produced by:

  • Ministère du Développement durable et des infrastructures
    • Département de l’Environnement
    • Administration de la nature et des forêts
  • Landesverband fir Beienzuucht
  • natur&ëmwelt
  • Musée national d’histoire naturelle, section d’écologie

 Page content last updated on 2020-03-30. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-12.

Trachemys scripta scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792)

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Yellow-bellied slider Status LU: established. 1st record: ?
Lëtzebuergesch Gielpanz-Deckelsmouk Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern (2016).
Français Tortue à tempes jaunes RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: 0,10
Deutsch Gelbbauch-Schmuckschildkröte Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Yellow-bellied slider Wikipedia - Français - Trachemys scripta scripta Wikipedia - Deutsch - Gelbbauch-Schmuckschildkröte Wikipedia - Nederlands - Geelbuikschildpad | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Trachemys scripta scripta
Nederlands Geelbuikschildpad Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Yellow-bellied Slider 2Trachemys scripta scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792), the yellow-bellied slider, is a land and water turtle belonging to the family Emydidae. This subspecies of pond slider is native to the southeastern United States, specifically from Florida to southeastern Virginia, and is the most common turtle species in its range. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including slow-moving rivers, floodplain swamps, marshes, seasonal wetlands, and permanent ponds. Yellow-Bellied Sliders are popular as pets (Wikipedia contributors, 2020a).

The species has been introduced to many parts of the world primarily through escape or deliberate release, which often occurs when the “cute tiny turtles” have grown to large sizes up to 30 cm in a small aquarium.

IAS of Union concern

In 2016, the species Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792), to which belongs the present subspecies Trachemys scripta scripta, was added to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (Anonymous 2016) under it’s synonym Trachemys scripta (Schoepff, 1792). This implies that member states shall take all necessary steps to prevent it’s unintentional introduction or spread.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Trachemys scripta scripta Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

In 2024, some 340 records of the two subspecies Trachemys scripta scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) and Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839) in Luxembourg are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2024).

An early observation in the wild in Luxembourg was made on 21st July 2015 by Manou Pfeiffenschneider in the river Chiers on the northern edge of the nature conservation area Dreckwiss (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020). It remains unclear if this observation can be considered as a first record of the subspecies in Luxembourg.

Invasive pond sliders have been observed climbing the platforms of waterbirds, especially great crested grebes (Podiceps cristatus), to sunbathe, thus preventing successful breeding (Konter 2020: 81). Although there is currently every indication that turtle hatchlings are unable to produce viable embryos in the climatic conditions currently prevailing in Luxembourg, this could change with global warming (De Sousa 2020).

Records of Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

 

Management

Action plan

An action plan concerning the two subspecies has been published in 2020:

→ Finalised Action Plan for Trachemys scripta (De Sousa 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (1+2+3+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,10 = (Overall Invasion score 0,56 x Overall Impact score 0,18) (evaluated by Sandra Cellina, Roland Proess and Manou Pfeiffenschneider).

0,56Invasion
0,18Impact
0,10Risk

Worldwide distribution

Other Trachemys taxa

The pond slider Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) has three subspecies (Wikipedia contributors 2020b), of which the first two occur in Luxembourg:

  • Trachemys scripta scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792), the yellow-bellied slider;
  • Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839), the red-eared slider;
  • Trachemys scripta troostii (Holbrook, 1836), the Cumberland slider. According to GBIF (2019b) this subspecies is already present in Europe (Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland and Spain)

Bibliography

  • Anonymous, 2016. Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2016/1141 of 13 July 2016 adopting a list of invasive alien species of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Union L 189: 4-5.
  • De Sousa, T., 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg: la Tortue de Floride, Trachemys scripta ssp. (Schoepff, 1792). Version 2020-09-04. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 24 pp.
  • GBIF, 2019a. Trachemys scripta subsp. scripta in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei [accessed 2020-04-27]
  • GBIF, 2019b. Trachemys scripta subsp. troostii (Holbrook, 1836) in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2020-04-27.
  • Konter, A., 2020. Schmuckschildkröten Trachemys scripla verhindern mehrere Haubentaucherbruten Podiceps cristalus auf dem Echternacher See. Regulus Wissenschaftliche Berichte 35: 81-86.
  • MNHNL, 2000-. Trachemys scripta scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-02-04]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Trachemys scripta scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-02-04]
  • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020a. ‘Yellow-bellied slider’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 18 March 2020, 03:07 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yellow-bellied_slider&oldid=946106051> [accessed 2020-04-27]
  • Wikipedia contributors, 2020b. ‘Pond slider’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 8 January 2020, 04:07 UTC, <https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pond_slider&oldid=934733603> [accessed 2020-04-27]

 Page content last updated on 2024-07-31. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-29.

Pimephales promelas (Rafinesque, 1820)

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Fathead minnow Status LU: casual. 1st record: ~1996.
Lëtzebuergesch Amerikaneschen Déckkapp-Dreckseller1 Status Eur.: established.
Français Tête de boule RA: ISEIA: C0. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Amerikanische Dickkopfelritze Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Fathead_minnow Wikipedia - Français - Tête de boule  Wikipedia - Nederlands - Amerikaanse dikkop-elrits | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Pimephales promelas | CABI
Nederlands Amerikaanse dikkop-elrits Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Pimephales promelasPimephales promelas (Rafinesque, 1820), commonly known as the fathead minnow, is a small-bodied, short-lived, nest guarding cyprinid fish. It is one of the most widely distributed fishes in North America and its native range covers large expanses from the Rocky Mountains in Canada south to Texas and northern Mexico. It has been accidently or intentionally introduced to many areas, where it has been stocked for its use as bait or as an aquarium pet. It is tolerant of a range of environmental conditions, has a high reproductive output and consumes a variety of food resources. It therefore has a high invasive potential and has been recorded as a pest in many countries. It is known to cause declines of native and endangered species including Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius), the Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) in Oregon and California. It has also negatively impacted habitats, such as wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region, USA. In Europe, its introduction has resulted in the spread of enteric redmouth disease through the introduction of a bacterial pathogen (Yersinia ruckeri) (CABI 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, Pimephales promelas (Rafinesque, 1820) was first documented during a species inventory in 1996/1997 (Administration des eaux et forêts 1998). Five individuals were caught in three different spots (Lower Sauer, Alzette and Diddelengerbaach). These occurrences are probably due to the animals’ use as live bait or the release of aquarium fish.

During an identical inventory in 2005, the species was not found in Luxembourgian watercourses anymore (Administration de la gestion de l’eau 2010).

There is no distribution map available because no data has been entered into the Recorder-Lux database so far (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C01 (1+1+1+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Administration des eaux et forêts, Service de la Chasse et de la Pêche (1998): Fische in Luxemburg, Kartierung der Fische, Neunaugen und Flußkrebse des Großherzogtums Luxemburg, ISBN: 2-495-28004-8, 153 pp.
  • Administration de la gestion de l’eau (2010): Les poissons au Luxembourg, Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, 2ième édition, ISBN: 978-2-91989-713-1, 213 pp.
  • CABI, 2019. Pimephales promelas (Rafinesque, 1820). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • Klees, H., 1981. Luxemburger Tiernamen. Beiträge zur luxemburgischen Sprach- und Volkskunde XIV. Institut grand-ducal, Section de linguistique, de folklore et de toponymie. 2. Aufl. 131 S. Imprimerie Pierre Linden, Luxembourg.
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-24]
  • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2020-04-23. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-28.

  1. Elritze cf. Klees 1981: 27.[↩]

Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814)

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Round goby Status LU: established. 1st record: ~2010.
Lëtzebuergesch Schwaarzmond-Grondel Status Eur.: established.
Français Gobie à taches noires RA: ISEIA: A2, Black List. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Schwarzmund-Grundel Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Round goby Wikipedia - Français - Gobie à taches noires Wikipedia - Deutsch - Schwarzmund-Grundel Wikipedia - Nederlands - Zwartbekgrondel | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Neogobius melanostomus
Nederlands Zwartbekgrondel Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Little maile round goby caught in HollandNeogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) is a bottom dwelling fish that lives in slow brackish and fresh waters. It is typically found near rocky substrates, but also in fine gravel and sandy bottoms. The round goby is a voracious feeder of benthic freshwater invertebrates (e.g. bivalves) and small fishes. It has been reported to reduce populations of native fish through predation and food competition, its main advantage being its ability to feed in darkness. Adults may occupy the prime spawning areas and defend those sites aggressively, keeping natives out. The round goby may rapidly become a dominant fish species and may be responsible for fish species displacement and for the impoverishment of aquatic communities (Branquart & Verreycken 2014).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) is known to colonise the Luxembourg part of the Moselle river since around 2010. Together with Neogobius kessleri, the species was sampled regulary in the lower Sauer in the last years; in 2017 it was sampled in the Our (Dohet 2017).

On 27th July 2015, a parliamentary question was raised in the Luxembourg parliament about the invasion of Neogobius species in the Moselle river. This was echoed in the daily newspaper Tageblatt on the same day (Wildschutz 2015).

The distribution map is incomplete because records still have to be entered into the Recorder-Lux database (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

A2 (3+3+3+2) = Black List (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Natural range and places of introduction

Round goby range.png

2014 by Yuriy Kvach. CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35153980

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

    • Branquart, E. & H. Verreycken, 2014. Harmonia database: Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814). Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-24]
    • CABI, 2019. Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
    • Dohet, A., 2017. Personal communication. LIST.
    • MNHNL, 2000-. Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-24]
    • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-24]
    • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]
    • Wildschutz, N., 2015. Grundel-Plage in der Mosel. Tageblatt online 27.07.2015. URL: http://www.tageblatt.lu/nachrichten/grundel-plage-in-der-mosel-16593303/ [2018.04.13]

 Page content last updated on 2023-01-24. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-27.

Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769)

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Rose-ringed parakeet Status LU: established. 1st record: 2018.
Lëtzebuergesch Kollisperruche1 Status Eur.: established.
Français Perruche à collier RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Halsbandsittich Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Rose-ringed parakeet Wikipedia - Français - Perruche à collier Wikipedia - Deutsch - Halsbandsittich Wikipedia - Nederlands - Halsbandparkiet | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Psittacula krameri | CABI
Nederlands Halsbandparkiet Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Ring-necked parakeet in Esch/Alzette (27/03/2019)

Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) prefers habitats like parks, gardens and forests, especially those situated in suburban areas. However, as long as food supplies are adequate, enough cavities are available and temperatures do not drop too low, the species (also known as the ring-necked parakeet) is not restricted to the (sub)urban environment. This bird species has the potential to out-compete native cavity-nesting species for nest sites – effects on rare cavity-nesting birds are, however, not yet documented. In addition, the species could become a serious agricultural pest (fruit trees, vineyards, etc) and may carry diseases that could be harmful to poultry, other native fauna and humans (Anselin et al. 2009).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) was first documented by a member of naturgucker.de on 25 December 2018 in Esch-sur-Alzette (GBIF, 2018; MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

The first brood of the species in Luxembourg was observed on 10 July 2019 in the Clair-Chêne forest in Esch/Alzette.

There is no distribution map available because no data has been entered into the Recorder-Lux database so far (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Breeding couple of the ring-necked parakeet at its breeding site in Esch/Alzette (10.07.2019, picture by Karolin Mildenberger)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (3+1+1+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

    • Anselin, A., E. Branquart, D. Strubbe & A. Weiserbs, 2009. Harmonia database: Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769). Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed 2020-04-22]
    • CABI, 2019. Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
    • GBIF, 2018. naturgucker.de. naturgucker. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/uc1apo accessed via GBIF.org on 2020-04-22. https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/2329619741
    • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-04-22]
    • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]
    • Weiss, J., 2015. Liste der Luxemburger Vogelnamen. Regulus Wissenschaftliche Berichte 29 (2014): 69-79. [PDF 1.1 MB]

 Page content last updated on 2024-10-28. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-29.

  1. Cf. Weiss 2015: 76.[↩]

Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Posted onAuthorDr. Christian Ries

English Mandarin duck Status LU: casual.
Lëtzebuergesch Mandarinint1 Status Eur.: established.
Français Canard mandarin RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: 0,10
Deutsch Mandarinente Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Mandarin duck Wikipedia - Français - Canard mandarin Wikipedia - Deutsch - Mandarinente Wikipedia - Nederlands - Mandarijneend | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Aix galericulata
Nederlands Mandarijneend Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Aix galericulata - Zürich - Hafen Riesbach 2011-01-14 15-58-32Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758) is native to Asia but has become established in several European countries. The species, which breeds mainly in tree holes, shows a preference for pools, lakes, rivers and marshes surrounded by deciduous forest. Potential competition with hole-nesting vertebrates has been suggested. The European population is resident and might be of some importance for the conservation of the species (Anselin et al. 2011).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Aix galericulata L. in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758) was first documented on 15 March 1998 by Claude Heidt on a dam of the Alzette in the Grund district of Luxembourg City (MNHNL 2000-).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C0 (3+1+1+1); the species is considered as not established (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,10 = (Overall Invasion score 0,51 x Overall Impact score 0,21) (evaluated by Jean-Claude Heidt, Sandra Cellina and Tiago De Sousa).

0,51Invasion
0,21Impact
0,10Risk

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Anselin, A., E. Branquart, K. Devos, J.-Y. Paquet, D. Strubbe, D. Vangeluwe & A. Weiserbs, 2011. Harmonia database: Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758). Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • GBIF, 2019. Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758) in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei [accessed 2020-04-21]
  • MNHNL, 2000-. Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758) in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-04-21]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Aix galericulata (Linnaeus, 1758) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-04-21]
  • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]
  • Weiss, J., 2015. Liste der Luxemburger Vogelnamen. Regulus Wissenschaftliche Berichte 29 (2014): 69-79. [PDF 1.1 MB]

 Page content last updated on 2024-03-06. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-27.

  1. Cf. Weiss 2015: 73.[↩]

Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782)

Posted onAuthorDr. Christian Ries

English Prussian carp Status LU: established. 1st record: ~1825
Lëtzebuergesch Grousse koppesche Kaarp1 Status Eur.: established.
Français Carassin argenté RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Giebel Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Prussian carp Wikipedia - Français - Carassin argenté Wikipedia - Deutsch - Giebel Wikipedia - Nederlands - Giebel | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Carassius gibelio | CABI
Nederlands Giebel Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Carassius gibelio 2008 G1Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) has potential to cause economic and environmental damage by causing quantitative changes in community structure in becoming the dominant species and shifts in food chains, and by altering the physical and chemical properties of habitats. A major biological trait responsible for invasiveness in C. gibelio is its mode of reproduction. Invading populations are often triploid and composed of almost exclusively females that exhibit apomictic (gynogenetic) reproduction, using the sperm of other species to activate (but not fertilize) their own eggs. C. gibelio have been introduced intentionally for the purposes of food production and unintentionally due to the similarity in appearance between C. gibelio and native Carassius spp. (CABI, 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) was probably introduced in Luxembourg in the period 1820 – 1830 (De La Fontaine 1872). During river inventories in 2005, 392 individuals were caught in the rivers Alzette, Lower Sauer and Moselle, which was three times as many as were caught during a similar survey in 1996/1997 but with catches occurring in fewer rivers (Administration de la gestion de l’eau 2010).

The Prussian carp is a thermophilic fish species living in eutrophic still and slow-running waters, often with submerged aquatic vegetation. It is a prolific species which is believed to be responsible for the decline of native fish, invertebrate and plant populations in different areas. Furthermore, it is notorious for increasing water turbidity because of its habit of stirring up bottom sediments during feeding.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (2+2+1+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Administration de la gestion de l’eau, 2010. Les poissons au Luxembourg, Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du grand-duché de Luxembourg, 213 pp.
  • CABI, 2019. Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • De la Fontaine, A. (1872): Faune du Pays du Luxembourg. – Poissons Publ. Inst. Roy. Gr.-D. Luxb. 8: 1-88.
  • Klees, H., 1981. Luxemburger Tiernamen. Beiträge zur luxemburgischen Sprach- und Volkskunde XIV. Institut grand-ducal, Section de linguistique, de folklore et de toponymie. 2. Aufl. 131 S. Imprimerie Pierre Linden, Luxembourg.
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2020-04-28.

  1. Cf. Klees 1981: 26.[↩]

Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Pumpkinseed Status LU: established. 1st record: 1996.
Lëtzebuergesch Gewéinlech Sonnepiisch Status Eur.: established.
Français Perche soleil RA: ISEIA: C2. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Gemeiner Sonnenbarsch Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Pumpkinseed Wikipedia - Français - Perche soleil Wikipedia - Deutsch - Gemeiner Sonnenbarsch Wikipedia - Nederlands - Zonnebaars | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Lepomis gibbosus | CABI
Nederlands Zonnebaars Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Lepomis gibbosus PAQIntroduced to Europe from North America in the late 1800s (Maes, 1898), Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) is now established in a minimum of 28 countries in Europe and Asia Minor (Copp and Fox, 2007), with a population reported for Brazil and possibly also Chile. Initial reports (early 1900s) mentioned large specimens but with repeated introductions needed for establishment. Later in the 1930s, the species was blamed for the decline of native Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), but this hypothesis was never tested. There is little direct evidence of adverse impacts except from Iberia. Few parasites are reported, though non-native monogeneans have been reported for Norwegian and English populations. Invasiveness in L. gibbosus appears to be a function of juvenile growth (length at age two) and age at maturity, with invasive populations reported almost exclusively for southern Europe, However, even in northern Europe, L. gibbosus may represent a considerable proportion of the fish assemblage in water bodies that have been subjected to human impacts. The species is not listed on any conservation alert list (CABI 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Lepomis gibbosus Linnaeus, 1758 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) was first documented by Julius Troschel on 19th July 1996 in Syr/Syre north of Medingen (municipality of Contern), in Syr/Syre in Schrassig (municipality of Schuttrange) and in the delta of Lennéngerbach in Ehnen (municipality of Wormeldange) (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

During river surveys in 2005, the species was documented in 6 out of 68 sampling spots in the rivers Alzette, Moselle and Syre. 57 observations of the species are documented in the national database in 2024 ((MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2024).

Management

Action plan

An action plan regarding the species has been published in 2020:

→ Finalised Action Plan for Lepomis gibbosus (Pfeiffenschneider & Hoppe 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C2 (2+2+2+2) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Administration de la gestion de l’eau, 2010. Les poissons au Luxembourg, Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du grand-duché de Luxembourg, 213 pp.
  • CABI, 2019. Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • Pfeiffenschneider, M. & F. Hoppe 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg : Perche soleil, Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758). Version 3.1 – 2021-01-22. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 20 pp.
  • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2024-07-31. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-27.

Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)

Posted onAuthorManou Pfeiffenschneider

English Rainbow trout Status LU: established. 1st record: 1887.
Lëtzebuergesch Reeboufrell1 Status Eur.: established.
Français Truite arc-en-ciel RA: ISEIA: C2. Harmonia+: n/a.
Deutsch Regenbogenforelle Wikipedia: Wikipedia - English - Rainbow trout Lëtzebuergesch Wikipedia - Français - Truite arc-en-ciel Wikipedia - Deutsch - Regenbogenforelle Wikipedia - Nederlands - Regenboogforel | Wikispecies: Wikispecies - Oncorhynchus mykiss | CABI
Nederlands Regenboogforel Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Female Rainbow Trout in handOncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) is a competitive trout species which can displace native trout species when introduced into new environments; the fisheries management literature is replete with papers that document this phenomenon. The fact that O. mykiss has been widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world for 125 years virtually guarantees that they have had a negative impact on biodiversity in areas outside their original distribution. Even within their native range, the indiscriminate planting of trout derived from coastal stocks into areas containing inland stocks has had a profound effect on population abundance of native strains of redband trout, cutthroat trout, bull trout and other native salmonids. Escapees from fish farms are an additional concern, but the most harm to biodiversity has resulted from fisheries management agencies planting O. mykiss over the past century (CABI 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Records of Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792 in Luxembourg. Data source: Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2024-12-23.

Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) (Syn: Trutta iridea (Gibbons, 1855)) was introduced to Luxembourg in 1887: “On 2 July 1887 Mr. Koltz introduced the ‘rainbow trout’ (Trutta iridea) to us and released it in the Canacherbach (Anonym 1892; Feltgen 1902).2

During the river inventory of 1996/1997 the Rainbow trout was found in 33 spots. During a similar inventory in 2005, the species was only documented in two rivers: the Lower Syre (3 individuals) and the Reierbaach in the vicinity of Lasauvage (49 indivduals). The latter population indicates natural reproduction in the Reierbaach, which happens rarely in Europe (Administration de la gestion de l’eau 2010).

The introduction of the Rainbow trout was reduced considerably with, for example, a total ban in border rivers since 1986 (Administration de la gestion de l’eau 2010), resulting in the decline of the species in Luxembourg.

Currently, 59 records of in Luxembourg are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C2 (1+2+1+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

  • Administration de la gestion de l’eau (2010): Les poissons au Luxembourg, Cartographie des poissons, lamproies et écrevisses du grand-duché de Luxembourg. 213 pp.
  • A.E., 1951. La truite arc-en-ciel dans les cours d’eau luxembourgeois. Service Information et presse, Bulletin d’information 5: 88-90. [PDF 544 KB]
  • Anonym, 1892. Sitzung vom 8. Februar 1892. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 2, H. 1: 3. [eluxemburgensia]
  • CABI, 2019. Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • Feltgen, E., 1902. Vademecum des Luxemburger Fischereiliebhabers. P. Worré-Mertens, Luxemburg. 148 S.
  • Klees, H., 1981. Luxemburger Tiernamen. Beiträge zur luxemburgischen Sprach- und Volkskunde XIV. Institut grand-ducal, Section de linguistique, de folklore et de toponymie. 2. Aufl. 131 S. Imprimerie Pierre Linden, Luxembourg.
  • MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [accessed 2020-04-22]
  • Ries, C., M. Pfeiffenschneider, Engel, E., J.-C. Heidt & M. Lauff, 2014. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of vertebrates in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 195-201. [PDF 247 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2021-02-02. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-28.

  1. Cf. Klees 1981: 26.[↩]
  2. Original text: ‘Am 2. Juli 1887 wurde durch Hr. Koltz die “Regenbogenforelle” (Trutta iridea) bei uns eingeführt und im Canacherbach ausgesetzt.'[↩]