Removal of invasive species from Pals Beach

Avoiding the displacement of the local flora and fauna

How long have plants been invading us?

It's not an alien colony, but we have a few well-identified ones that are highly exotic and invasive, like cat's claw. (Carpobrotus edulis), the atzavara(Agave americana) and yucca(Yucca) to our environment.

Why is it important to prevent them from being installed?

Invasive species alter the dune ecosystem, displace and even eliminate native species, causing a dramatic impact on native flora and fauna.

These alien plants have arrived in the dunes of Pals generally due to their "misuse in gardening"; with this expression we refer to a series of decisions that we consider from not very wise to truly dangerous for the environment.

There are many occasions when, when designing a garden or enclosure, we are largely guided by aesthetic criteria. Other aspects, such as the frequency of maintenance or watering, the risk of spreading plants not native to the area, and the management of pruning, are often overlooked and can affect not only the day-to-day running of our garden but also, seriously, the vitality of the flora and fauna in neighbouring spaces.

But these invasive species also indirectly affect the local fauna, since very often their habitat for feeding, nesting or simply hiding from potential predators depends on a particular vegetation environment. On the other hand, as animal populations decline, some plant species that reproduce thanks to the interaction of certain animals see their reproduction drastically affected.

For this reason, on 12 December 2021 we planned, within the framework of the Volunteer Table for the Protected Areas of Empordà (in collaboration with theMontgrí, Medas Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, Gisfera and People of the Ter) a thorough removal of invasive species in the Radio Liberty area of Pals Beach.

A team of volunteers made up of 11 Dune Protectors enthusiastically and diligently eradicated a large number of invasive plants. Below is a summary of the day.

Video summary of the day.

The Day of Extraction

Invasive Plants and Gardening Alternatives

If you intend to plant in a space, we suggest several options of native flora that can easily meet your expectations, whether in terms of aesthetics or functionality.

We encourage you to discover, appreciate and reconsider the rich botanical heritage of your area, while reinforcing the integrity, stability and longevity of the local ecosystem with your contribution.

Atzavara

The’a catamaran(Agave americana) It is a very ancient introduced species (dating back to the 16th century) as an ornamental and textile plant for obtaining coarse fibres. It is native to Mexico and the southern United States. It has a low dispersal capacity from seed, so it usually appears at distances close to the points where it has been planted. It displaces native coastal dune species through competition for space and habitat alteration. It shows a great capacity to proliferate via root shoots. The azavea is included in the Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Exotic Species, which prohibits its trade, transport and planting, as well as other restrictions on its possession.

The alternatives for gardening could be: the’Agave attenuata, the Beschorneira yiccoides or the Furcraea selloa «marginata»«.

Yuca

The and you(Yucca) is a species native to America that was introduced in the early 20th century. When it appears in arid areas it competes advantageously with native plants, growing into dense communities that hinder natural regeneration. This plant was commonly used to create living fences and its use was probably very widespread in the past. Its removal is not easy, as it spreads by forming extensive underground rhizomes.

Cat's claw

The’cat's claw (Carpobrotus edulis) It is of South African origin, but today it is found in virtually all temperate regions of the world, especially in coastal areas. The invasive nature of the species is not only detrimental to soil depletion or, simply, by preventing the establishment of native species in areas rich in the local species' biomass, but pollinic competition has also been demonstrated: the cat's claw, a prolific pollen producer, selectively attracts pollinating insects, which fail to adequately fulfil their ecological role for the less abundant, native species, whose reproduction is consequently reduced.

The alternatives for gardening can be: the Rosemary (Sage rosemary) or the thyme (Thyme).

If you intend to carry out work in an area colonised by an invasive plant, once the extraction is complete you must take the plant remains to an authorised waste manager. The area must then be restored and revegetated to prevent the spread of further invasions. For further information, contact the local council of the relevant municipality.

Several severely threatened species of fauna and flora continue to make Pals Beach their home thanks to tasks such as these carried out by our Dune Protectors, an efficient team of volunteers. Salvem la Platja de Pals works closely with the observers of the Montgrí Natural Park, the Medes Islands and the Lower Ter, closely monitoring the evolution of these habitats to prevent the displacement of local species.

Keep an eye out for upcoming activities to preserve the area's valuable dune space!

Photographs: Joan Rusca, PNMMBT and Catalan Flora (Creative Commons BY-NC-ND). Technical advice: Gisfera.