Topmouth Gudgeon	Status LU: established. 1st record: 2005.
	Asiatesche Goujong1	Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern (2016).
	Goujon asiatique	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
	Blaubandbärbling	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Blauwband	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 typically inhabits eutrophic ponds, ditches and muddy brooks rich in aquatic vegetation; it is sometimes found in larger streams and lakes. It is very tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions. This highly invasive fish in Europe is a healthy host for a deadly, non-specific pathogen (Sphaerothecum destruens) that poses a threat to the conservation of European fish diversity. Moreover, it consumes large quantities of planktonic crustaceans which results in a high exploitative competition with native fish species (e.g. indigenous gudgeon) and an increase in the biomass of phytoplankton, and further in increasing eutrophication of water bodies (Anseeuw et al. 2007).

IAS of Union concern

In 2016, Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 was added to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (Anonymous 2016) which implies that member states shall take all necessary steps to prevent it’s unintentional introduction or spread.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 was first detected in Luxembourg during the systematic river inventory of 2005, when it was found in the upstream dam of the Upper Sauer Lake in Bavigne (Administration de la gestion de l’eau 2010).

Management

Action plan

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

→ Finalised Action Plan for Pseudorasbora parva (De Sousa 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

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

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Fact sheet

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

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.
• 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.
• Anseeuw, D., E. Branquart, F. Lieffrig, J.-C. Micha, D. Parkinson & H. Verreycken, 2007. Harmonia database: Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel, 1846. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed 2020-04-23]
• CABI, 2019. Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel, 1846. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
• De Sousa, T., 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg: le Goujon asiatique, Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846). Version 2020-09-04. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 21 pp.
• 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. Pseudorasbora parva Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 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 2024-07-31. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-28.

1. Goujong, Gründling cf. Klees 1981: 27.[↩]

Syn.: Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802

	American bullfrog	Status LU: absent.
	Nordamerikaneschen Ochsefräsch	Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern (2016).
	Ouaouaron, grenouille-taureau	RA: ISEIA: A0, Alert List. Harmonia+: n/a.
	Nordamerikanischer Ochsenfrosch	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Amerikaanse brulkikker	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Lithobates catesbeianus Shaw, 1802 inhabits slow-running waters, permanent ponds and ditches with dense vegetation. In Belgium, it is often found in fish ponds. The introduction of the bullfrog outside its native range poses a threat to amphibian populations around the world. The frog negatively affects native amphibians through competition and predation (namely green frog populations). It also preys on many other species, including arthropods, molluscs, fish and birds (eggs and young). Its tadpoles contribute to the species’ negative impact on native biodiversity. Moreover, the bullfrog is frequently reported to be a healthy carrier of the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, an emergent infectious disease that is highly virulent, has low host-specificity and has been implicated in numerous species extinctions and global amphibian declines. The species is included in the appendix under recommendation no.77 of the Council of Europe as a species which has proven to be a threat to biological diversity and for which eradication is strongly recommended (Branquart et al. 2013).

IAS of Union concern

In 2016, Lithobates catesbeianus Shaw, 1802 was added to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (Anonymous 2016) which implies that member states shall take all necessary steps to prevent it’s unintentional introduction or spread.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

To date, there is no documentation of the species in Luxembourg (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

A0 (3+3+3+3) = Alert List (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

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.
• Branquart E., A. Laudelout, G. Louette, Y. Martin & C. Percsy, 2013. Harmonia database: Rana catesbeiana. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-25]
• CABI, 2019. Lithobates catesbeianus Shaw, 1802. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-21]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Lithobates catesbeianus Shaw, 1802 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]

 Page content last updated on 2020-04-21. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-29.

	Brook trout	Status LU: established. 1st record: 1872.
	Bur-Séifrell1	Status Eur.: established.
	Truite mouchetée	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
	Bachsaibling	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Bronforel	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Introductions of Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814) began in the nineteenth century, to more than 40 countries in temperate areas on all continents, including the southern hemisphere. The brook trout is considered a poor to moderate invader. Potential impacts include predation on various species of amphibians, zooplankton and other invertebrates as well as increases in primary productivity, alteration of nutrient cycles, and hybridization with native species. This species is competitive, with broad dietary breadth, has a fast growth rate, often lacks predators or parasites, and is moderately tolerant of abiotic conditions. Introductions may lead to replacement of native salmonids (e.g. brown trout, Salmo trutta) (CABI 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814) was first mentioned in 1872 by Alphonse de la Fontaine, who wrote that the brook trout occasionally enters the Moselle from time to time (De la Fontaine 1872).

The species was introduced in Luxembourg in 1902 in Limbach (Lintgen), Rollingerbach and Berschbach (Feltgen 1902).

In 2005, a systematic inventory of Luxembourg rivers only showed isolated individuals in the Alzette. There is no indication of reproduction of the species in Luxembourg.

The distribution map is not complete because records still have to be entered into the Recorder-Lux database (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

Currently, 6 records of in Luxembourg are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (1+1+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. 2e éd. 213 pp.
• CABI, 2019. Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-23]
• De la Fontaine, A., 1872. Faune du Pays du Luxembourg. Poissons. Publ. Inst. Roy. Gr.-D. Luxb. 8: 1-88.
• 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, 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 2019-10-25]
• 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 2020-04-27.

1. Saibling cf. Klees 1981: 26.[↩]

	Zander	Status LU: established. 1st record: 1894.
	Zander	Status Eur.: established.
	Sandre doré européen	RA: ISEIA: B2, Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,22
	Zander	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Snoekbaars	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) can be invasive in lakes, channels and slow running waters. The introduction of this predatory fish in Western Europe created a crash in some cyprinid fish communities. Populations of native piscivorous fish species (Esox lucius, Perca fluviatilis) were locally depleted due to interspecific competition. The pike-perch is also a vector of the Bucephalus polymorphus parasite, that can affect native cyprinid fish species; however, a massive outbreak of this parasite has never been reported from Belgium (Anseeuw et al. 2008).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) was first documented in 1894 in the Moselle, probably near Ehnen in the municipality of Wormeldange, and in 1898 in the Sûre near Moersdorf, municipality of Mompach (Feltgen 1902).

Currently, 34 records of in Luxembourg are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020). Its most important populations are located in the Moselle and the Upper Sûre lake.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B2 (2+2+3+2) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,22 = (Overall Invasion score 0,84 x Overall Impact score 0,26) (evaluated by Carole Molitor, Roland Proess and Manou Pfeiffenschneider).

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.
• Anseeuw D., E. Branquart, F. Lieffrig, J.-C. Micha, D. Parkinson & H. Verreycken, 2008. Harmonia database: Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758). Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed 2020-04-27]
• CABI, 2019. Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-27]
• Feltgen, E. (1902): Vademecum des Luxemburger Fischereiliebhabers. – P. Worré-Mertens, Luxemburg: 148 S.
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Sander lucioperca (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 2020-04-27]
• Moris, J.P., 1900. Ein Wort über den Zander (Lucioperca Sandra), und sein Vorkommen in unsern Flüssen. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 10: 131-132. [PDF 88 KB]
• 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 2024-03-06.

	North American beaver, Canadian beaver	Status LU: casual. 1st record: 2000.
	Kanadësche Biwer1	Status Eur.: established.
	Castor du Canada	RA: ISEIA: B1, Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,26
	Kanadischer Biber	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Canadese bever	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Like Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758, Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820 lives in riparian zones, rivers and lakes, usually included in a forest matrix providing food and building material. Lodges may be completely surrounded by water or built on the banks of streams and lakes. The Canadian beaver has a greater ecological flexibility – it survives better under severe climatic conditions and adapts more easily to substitute foods than its Eurasian counterpart. The Canadian beaver is likely to outcompete the native the Eurasian beaver due to higher reproductive output. It is a more active builder of dams and lodges and regulates hydrological regimes of water bodies better than C. fiber. The two species do not hybridise due to a difference in chromosome numbers. The fact that these are two different species was only confirmed by genetic studies in 1973 (Schley & Herr 2019: 138).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820 was first documented in 2000 in Drauffelt (Pir & Schley 2015: 443): “A beaver that appeared in Luxembourg in 2000 (Schley et al. 2001) was crushed by a train in 2002 and subsequently identified as a Canadian beaver (Schley & Herr, unpublished data).”

The species was next reported by Alexander Kristiansen on 29 November 2018 near the Sûre, upstream from Wallendorf-Pont (MNHNL 2000-).

Pir & Schley (2015: 443) report the current situation: “Genetic analyses carried out by the ANF have shown that Luxembourg is facing colonisation by the Canadian beaver from a population in Rhineland-Palatinate (Schley et al. 2009). The latter was able to develop from individuals escaping from a zoo near Pronsfeld (D) (Michaux et al. 2012).”

Actions are taken to eliminate the Canadian beaver, in order to limit its negative impacts on the fragile population of Castor fiber in Luxembourg.

The distribution map is not complete because records still have to be entered into the Recorder-Lux database (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019). However, a monitoring of 42 sites in winter 2021 showed a 100% occurrence of the European beaver (Dr. L. Schley, ANF, personal communication, February 27, 2023) . Currently, the Canadian beaver does not seem to be a problem in Luxembourg.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B1 (3+3+2+1) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,26 = (Overall Invasion score 0,52 x Overall Impact score 0,50) (evaluated by Sandra Cellina, Jan Herr and Manou Pfeiffenschneider).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• • CABI, 2009. Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820 [original text by Viki Aldridge]. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2019-11-26]
  • Dewas M, Herr J, Schley L, Angst C, Manet B, et al. (2011) Recovery and status of native and introduced beavers Castor fiber and Castor canadensis in France and neighboring countries. Mammal Review 42: 144–165. [DOI]
  • Herr, J., L. Schley, C. Gonner, A. Arendt, G. Biver, A. Bombardella, M. Dostert, A. Frantz, B. Goebel, S. Hermes, Y. Mersch, N. Negretti, C. Origer, M. Peters, P. Reis, C. Schortgen, F. Steffes, N. Welschbillig & M. Weydert, 2018. Aktions- und Managementplan für den Umgang mit Bibern in Luxemburg. Technischer Bericht der Naturverwaltung betreffend Wildtiermanagement und Jagd, 6 (Spezialnummer): 1-40.
  • Michaux, J., C. Frosch, B. Manet, J. Herr, M. Eugène, L. Dalbeck, R. Denné, M.-L. Schwoerer, S. Venske, F. Rosell, P. Hurel, N. Chevallier & L. Schley, 2012. Genetic analysis of beavers (Castor sp.) in the greater region of Belgium, Luxembourg, northern France and Western Germany. In: Book of Abstracts of the 6th International Beaver Symposium (éds Bjedov L., G. Schwab & M. Grubešić), 17-20 September 2012, Ivanić-Grad, Croatia: 110.
  • MNHNL, 2000-. Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820 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. Castor canadensis Kuhl, 1820 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]
  • Pir, J.B. & L. Schley, 2015. Développement des connaissances sur la répartition et l’écologie des mammifères au Luxembourg entre 1990 et 2015. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 116: 437-455.
  • 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]
  • Schley, L., C. Sinner, S. Venske & A. Stern, 2004. Biber in Luxemburg. Administration des eaux et forêts, Luxembourg, 20 pp.
  • Schley, L. & J. Herr, 2019. Säugetiere Luxemburgs. Hrsg.: natur&ëmwelt a.s.b.l., Ministère du développement durable et des infrastructures, Administration de la nature et des forêts. 219 S. ISBN 978-2-9199511-0-9 [French edition: Les mammifères du Luxembourg, ISBN 978-2-9199511-2-3]
  • Schley, L., J. Herr, L. Dalbeck, R. Denné, B. Manet, M.-L. Schwoerer, S.Venske & J. Michaux, 2009. Evidence for the presence of the North American beaver Castor canadensis in Western Europe. In: Programme, Abstracts, Participants of the 5th International Beaver Symposium, 20-23 September 2009, Dubingiai, Lithuania: 58.
  • Schley, L., L. Dalbeck, R. Denné, B. Manet, M.-L. Schwoerer, S. Venske & J. Herr, 2012. Management and eradication of the North American beaver Castor canadensis in Western Europe. In: Book of Abstracts of the 6th International Beaver Symposium (éds Bjedov L., G. Schwab & M. Grubešić), 17-20 September 2012, Ivanić-Grad, Croatia: 31.
  • Schley, L., L. Schmitz & C. Schanck, 2001. First record of the beaver Castor fiber in Luxembourg since at least the 19th century. Lutra 44: 41-42.
  • Wörterbuchkommission (Hrsg.), 1987. Luxemburger Wörterbuch. 5 Bd. Im Auftrag der Grossherzoglichen Luxemburgischen Regierung. Linden, Luxemburg.

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

1. Cf. Biwer in Wörterbuchkommission 1987.[↩]

	Raccoon dog	Status LU: casual. First record: 2021.
	Marderhond1	Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern (2017).
	Chien viverrin	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
	Marderhund	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Wasbeerhond	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834) often lives near water and prefers moist deciduous or mixed forests with abundant undergrowth. It may also occur in wetlands and in a mosaic of woodlands and agricultural areas. The raccoon dog is an opportunistic omnivore with a very wide food niche and is an excellent disperser. It has been reported to cause severe damage to amphibians, waterfowl colonies and tetraonid birds and may compete with native species such as red foxes and badgers.

The raccoon dog is a small canine species (weighing 3-7 kg) originally from East Asia. Between 1929 and 1955, about 9,000 raccoon dogs were released for hunting purposes in the European part of Russia and Ukraine. From there, the species spread rapidly westwards (Naturverwaltung, 2021).

IAS of Union concern

In 2017, Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834) was added to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (Anonymous, 2017) which implies that member states shall take all necessary steps to prevent its unintentional introduction or spread.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

On 2021-02-03, a raccoon dog was officially recorded for the first time in Luxembourg, in Bettembourg (Naturverwaltung 2021, Schley et al 2021). It can be assumed that the raccoon dog has been sporadically present in the country for a long time; however, as the species is very discreet, it is often not detected for a long time. In recent years, the nature and forest administration has received several indications of raccoon dogs, which, however, were mostly unverifiable (Naturverwaltung 2012). In the few cases where photos or even roadkill were available, it was always a badger or raccoon; for the layman, the latter especially looks very similar to the raccoon dog at first sight. In Luxembourg, according to the 2011 hunting law, the raccoon dog may be hunted all year round – with the exception of the 6-week hunting rest period from 1 March to 15 April.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

Following its first confirmed record in Luxembourg on 2021-02-03, the species has been reassessed on 2021-03-12 to C1 (3+3+1+1) by Manou Pfeiffenschneider & Christian Ries. Assessment before the appearance of the species in Luxembourg: C0 (3+3+1+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Not assessed yet.

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Anonymous, 2017. Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2017/1263 of 12 July 2017 updating the list of invasive alien species of Union concern established by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Union L 182: 37-39 (13.7.2017).
• CABI, 2019. Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-04-22]
• Hagen, S., 2021. E Marderhond zu Lëtzebuerg. De Panewippchen 134 (1/2021): 15.
• Kirsch, E., K. Klein, L. Bonblet, M. Weishaar, T. Duscher, T. De Sousa & M. Jacobs, 2021. Waschbären & Marderhunde in Luxemburg. 48 S. Hrsg.: Administration de la nature et des forêts (ANF) & Musée national d’histoire naturelle (MNHNL). [PDF >5 MB]
• 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 2019-10-25]
• Naturverwaltung (ed.), 2012. Technischer Bericht der Naturverwaltung betreffend Wildtiermanagement und Jagd, Nummer 2 (2012), 68 pp.
• Naturverwaltung (ed.), 2013. Jagbare Wildtierarten Luxemburgs. 96 pp.
• Naturverwaltung, 2021. Marderhund erstmals in Luxemburg nachgewiesen (08.02.2021). Communiqué de presse par courriel du Service information et presse du gouvernement luxembourgeois.
• 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]
• Schley, L., C. Schanck, M. Schaul & C. Sinner, 2001. Neubürger und Heimkehrer unter den Wildtieren Luxemburgs. Beiträge zur Jagd- und Wildforschung 26: 141-154.
• Schley L., M. Jacobs, T. De Sousa & J. Hatlauf, 2021. First record of the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides (Gray, 1834) in Luxembourg. Belgian Journal of Zoology 151: 57–61. https://doi.org/10.26496/bjz.2021.85
• Schley, L. & J. Herr, 2018. Säugetiere Luxemburgs. Natur&ëmwelt, Ministère du Développement durable et des Infrastructures & Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg, 220 p.
• Wörterbuchkommission (Hrsg.), 1987. Luxemburger Wörterbuch. 5 Bd. Im Auftrag der Grossherzoglichen Luxemburgischen Regierung. Linden, Luxemburg.

 Page content last updated on 2022-02-18. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2021-02-09.

1. The actual common name for martens is “Marder” (Schley & Herr 2018) → “Marderhond”. An outdated name, occasionally used by older people, is “Mardéier” (Wörterbuchkommission 1987) → “Mardéierhond”.[↩]

	Red-eared slider	Status LU: established. 1st record: ?
	Routbaken-Deckelsmouk	Status Eur.: established. IAS of EU concern (2016).
	Tortue de Floride	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: 0,10
	Rotwangen-Schmuckschildkröte	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies:
	Roodwangschildpad	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839) is a semiaquatic turtle belonging to the family Emydidae. It is a subspecies of the pond slider and is popular as a pet across the world. Because of this, they are the most commonly traded turtle in the world. Red-eared sliders are native to the southern United States and northern Mexico, but have become established in other places because of pet releases, and have become an invasive species in many areas where they outcompete native species. The red-eared slider is included in the list of the world’s 100 most invasive species published by the IUCN. When they mature they can inflict painful bites, leading irresponsible owners to release them into the wild with negative ecological, social and, economic impacts (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

The competitive advantages of the slider may include lower age at maturity, higher fecundity, and larger adult body size. Turtles may compete for food, egg-laying sites, or basking places. Other studies have also shown red-eared sliders to compete with indigenous species for food and basking sites. Competitive interactions between T. scripta elegans and the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) are of particular interest, as the latter is registered as an endangered species (Appendix II of the Bern Convention). Turtles introduced near Paris were revealed to have consumed aquatic plants and animals (mostly arthropods and molluscs). Continuous releasing of exotic pet turtles in natural ecosystems increases the risk of parasite transmission to native species; the red-eared slider is known to carry nematodes. Reptiles, including turtles, are well-recognised reservoirs for Salmonella, and are a source of human salmonellosis (Global Invasive Species Database 2020).

IAS of Union concern

In 2016, the species Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792), to which belongs the present subspecies Trachemys scripta elegans, 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

Currently, 15 records of Trachemys scripta elegans (Wied-Neuwied, 1839) in Luxembourg are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2020).

Notwithstanding the EU import suspension of this species since 1997, every year new records of this turtle are reported in most European countries, due to ongoing dumping of animals formerly kept as pets into the wild. Occurrences in Luxembourg include the gravel pit area in Remerschen-Wintringen, the Lower Sauer close to Diekirch, the Brill area in Schifflange, the ponds Braakeweier (Kockelscheuer) and Gipsweieren (Bridel/Steinsel) and the Alzette north of Hunsdorf.

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).The status of these two taxa remains unclear though.

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).

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

	American mink	Status LU: absent.
	Amerikaneschen Näerz1	Status Eur.: established.
	Vison d’Amérique	RA: ISEIA: A0, Alert List. Harmonia+: 0,21
	Amerikanischer Nerz, Mink	Wikipedia:     | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Amerikaanse nerts	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

In both its native and introduced ranges, Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777) is commonly found on brook and riverbanks with dense vegetation, damp forests, reed beds and marshes. Individuals escaping from fur farms have established feral populations in many European countries. Whereas this species has already been observed in the wild several times in Belgium, it has not been reported to have developed viable populations so far. M. vison may severely reduce prey populations (salmonids, amphibians, waterfowl, rodents, etc.) and is a serious threat for red-listed ground-nesting birds. It is also suspected of displacing its relative, the European mink Mustela lutreola, and the European polecat Mustela putorius (Branquart et al. 2013).

The European mink became endangered in the 20th Century, as a result of hunting for the fur trade, habitat loss and invasive alien species, especially the American mink (Wikipedia contributors 2020).

Controversy on listing as IAS of Union concern

The American mink has been the subject of intense discussion, both within the EU Scientific Forum on IAS and the EU Committee on IAS, opposing Northern European countries where breeding for the fur trade is practised versus other EU member countries concerned by the impacts of the invasive species. Scientific reports (e.g. Roy 2017) and publications have emerged from this controversy. Some stakeholders expressed their consternation that the American mink  has not been included in the list (e.g. Swabe 2019).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

The first documented occurrence of Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777) in Luxembourg dates from March 1993, when a mink was caught in a trap by a hunter in the vicinity of the village of Manternach (Municipality of Manternach). A second record dates back to 2013 (Schley & Herr 2019: 62), when the carcass of a sick animal was found in a forest near Esch-sur-Alzette and sent to the Nature and Forest Administration (Schley 2020).

It is not known whether there is an established population of American mink in Luxembourg (Schley 2001).

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

A0 (3+3+3+2) = Alert List (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,21 = (Overall Invasion score 0,54 x Overall Impact score 0,39) (evaluated by Sandra Cellina, Jan Herr and Manou Pfeiffenschneider).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., M. D’aes, B. Manet, G. Motte, V. Schockert, J. Stuyck & K. Van Den Berge, 2013. Harmonia database: Mustela vison (Schreber, 1777). Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-24]
• CABI, 2014. Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777) [text by ISSG, update by Santiago Palazón]. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-02-04]
• 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]
• Naturverwaltung (ed.), 2013. Jagbare Wildtierarten Luxemburgs. 96 pp.
• Pir, J.B. & L. Schley, 2015. Développement des connaissances sur la répartition et l’écologie des mammifères au Luxembourg entre 1990 et 2015. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 116: 437-455.
• 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]
• Roy, S. 2017. Information on measures and related costs in relation to species considered for inclusion on the Union list: Neovison vison. Technical note prepared by IUCN for the European Commission.
• Schley, L., 2001. First Record of the American Mink Mustela vison (Mammalia, Mustelidae) in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 102: 45-48. [PDF 215 Kb]
• Schley, L., 2020. Personal communication by phone to C. Ries on 2020-02-04.
• Schley, L., C. Schanck, M. Schaul & C. Sinner, 2001. Neubürger und Heimkehrer unter den Wildtieren Luxemburgs. Beiträge zur Jagd- und Wildforschung 26: 141-154.
• Schley, L. & J. Herr, 2019. Säugetiere Luxemburgs. Hrsg.: natur&ëmwelt a.s.b.l., Ministère du développement durable et des infrastructures, Administration de la nature et des forêts. 219 S. ISBN 978-2-9199511-0-9 [French edition: Les mammifères du Luxembourg, ISBN 978-2-9199511-2-3]
• Swabe, J. 2019. Feedback from: Humane Society International/Europe (Netherlands) on the Updated list of invasive non-native species in the EU. Feedback reference F461527. URL: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/initiatives/ares-2019-1565888/feedback/F461527_en?p_id=4101650
• Wikipedia contributors, 2020. ‘European mink’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_mink#Competition_with_the_American_Mink_and_disease [accessed 2020-02-05]

 Page content last updated on 2024-03-13. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-28.

1. Näerz: cf. Wörterbuchkommission (Hrsg.), 1987. Luxemburger Wörterbuch. 5 Bd. Im Auftrag der Grossherzoglichen Luxemburgischen Regierung. Linden, Luxemburg.[↩]

	Coypu	Status LU: casual. 1st record: 1954.
	Biwerrat	Status Eur.: established. IAS of Union concern (2016).
	Ragondin	RA: ISEIA: A1, Black List. Harmonia+: 0,33
	Nutria	Wikipedia:    | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Beverrat	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent. The coypu lives in burrows alongside stretches of water, and feeds on river plant stems. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur farmers (Wikipedia contributors 2019).

Overgrazing by nutria causes the local extinction of aquatic plants and the destruction of reedbeds and fish nursery areas. Due to its burrowing activity, it degrades river banks and affects river flow. Rare marshbirds are affected by nest destruction, egg predation or habitat destruction. Nutria could also act as a reservoir for different pathologies and cause damage to agriculture. Nutria is included in the appendix under the recommendation no 77 of the Council of Europe as a species which has proved to be a threat to biological diversity and for which eradication is strongly recommended (Branquart et al. 2013).

IAS of Union concern

In 2016, Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) was added to the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (Anonymous 2016) which implies that member states shall take all necessary steps to prevent it’s unintentional introduction or spread.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Myocastor coypus was first documented in Luxembourg in February 1954 near the Alzette river in Hunsdorf, Municipality of Lorentzweiler (Heuertz 1957: 50).

A few years ago, it was only observed sporadically in Luxembourg and could not manage to establish (Schley & Herr 2009: 170). In 2024, already 96 observations have been documented in the national database , two thirds of them since 2020 (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2024) .

On 19th September 2017, a forester captured a coypu in Osweiler (commune of Rosport, eastern Luxembourg) and put it to sleep. This detection of an IAS of Union concern (Anonymous 2016) was notified to the Luxembourg authorities on 26 September 2017 and an Eradication Measure Set was also submitted on 26 September 2017, pursuant to Article 17(1) of R. 1143/2014 (Anonymous 2014).

Since then, the species was observed on regular basis in Luxembourg. It has to be considered as established at least in the Haff Réimech area. Because of its occurrence in the bordering regions of France (Chiers, Moselle) and Germany (Saar), it is likely that the species will continue to populate national watercourses (Becker-Krüll & Schaefer 2013).

Management

Action plan

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

→ Finalised Action Plan for Myocastor coypus (De Sousa 2020)

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

A1 (3+3+2+3) = Black List, reassessed on 25 October 2019 by C. Ries & M. Pfeiffenschneider. First assessed as C0 (3+2+1+1) (Ries et al. 2014: 199).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,33 = (Overall Invasion score 0,48 x Overall Impact score 0,67) (evaluated by Sandra Cellina, Jan Herr and Manou Pfeiffenschneider).

Worldwide distribution

Fact sheet

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

Bibliography

• Anonymous, 2014. Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. Official Journal of the European Union 4.11.2014 L 317: 35-55.
• 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.
• Becker-Krüll, L. & P. Schaefer, 2013. Jagdbare Wildtierarten Luxemburgs. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg, 96 pp.
• Branquart, E., M. D’aes, B. Manet, G. Motte, V. Schockert & J. Stuyck, 2013. Harmonia database: . Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-25]
• CABI, 2008. Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) [original text by Dr. Sandro Bertolino & IUCN/SSC]. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2019-11-22]
• De Sousa, T., 2020. Plan d’action pour espèces exotiques envahissantes au Grand-Duché de Luxembourg: le Ragondin, Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1792). Version 2020-09-04. Administration de la nature et des forêts, Luxembourg. 21 pp.
• Heuertz, M., 1957. Premières captures de rats musqués (Ondatra zibethicus L.) au grand-duché de Luxembourg. Archives de la section des sciences de l’Institut grand-ducal N.S. 24: 41-51.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Myocastor coypus (Molina, 1782) 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. Myocastor coypus (Molina, 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 2020-02-04]
• Pir, J.B. & L. Schley, 2015. Développement des connaissances sur la répartition et l’écologie des mammifères au Luxembourg entre 1990 et 2015. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 116: 437-455.
• 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]
• Schley, L., C. Schanck, M. Schaul & C. Sinner, 2001. Neubürger und Heimkehrer unter den Wildtieren Luxemburgs. Beiträge zur Jagd- und Wildforschung 26: 141-154.
• Schley, L. & J. Herr, 2019. Säugetiere Luxemburgs. Hrsg.: natur&ëmwelt a.s.b.l., Ministère du développement durable et des infrastructures, Administration de la nature et des forêts. 219 S. ISBN 978-2-9199511-0-9 [French edition: Les mammifères du Luxembourg, ISBN 978-2-9199511-2-3]
• Wikipedia contributors, 2019. ‘Coypu’, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 October 2019. URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coypu&oldid=921725301 [accessed 25 October 2019]

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

	Brown bullhead	Status LU: established. 1st record: 1892.
	Kazewels	Status Eur.: established.
	Barbotte brune	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: n/a.
	Katzenwels	Wikipedia:     | Wikispecies:
	Bruine dwergmeerval	Back to the list of vertebrates

Brief description

Ameiurus nebulosus Lesueur, 1819 is a fish species that lives in standing and slow-running waters where it can cope with low oxygen levels, water pollution and high temperatures. The omnivorous species can form very dense populations and is able to dominate freshwater fish communities. The diet of large-sized bullheads has been found to consist almost exclusively of juvenile fishes. Although there is some concern about its strong competitive and predatory ability, it is difficult to find hard evidence of species displacement or ecosystem disruption.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, Ameiurus nebulosus Lesueur, 1819 was first documented as early as 1892 (21st January 1892) in a pond in Diekirch (Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 1892 cit. in Feltgen 1902: 101).

In 2005, two adults and 300 juveniles were caught in the Moselle river in Stadtbredimus while some 500 juveniles were observed the same year in the marina near Schwebsange. No other river in Luxembourg seems to be populated by the species.

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

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (1+1+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. 2e éd., 213 pp.
• Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 2 (1892): 3.
• Feltgen, E., 1902. Vademecum des Luxemburger Fischereiliebhabers. P. Worré-Mertens, Luxemburg. 148 S.
• GBIF, 2019. Ameiurus nebulosus (Lesueur, 1819) in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2020-04-22.
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. 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 2020-04-30. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-27.