In Latvia, the introduction of the invasive moss species Campylopus introflexus has raised alarm among environmentalists. First documented in the country in 2005, this moss has rapidly spread across peat extraction areas, becoming a significant concern for local ecosystems.
Originally native to the Southern Hemisphere, including parts of South America and Africa, Campylopus introflexus was introduced to the British Isles in the 1940s and has since proliferated throughout Europe. In Latvia, it has been identified in over fifty locations, primarily in degraded peat bogs.
Experts warn that invasive species can disrupt local flora and fauna, suppress native species, and threaten ecosystem stability. The Latvian Botanical Society highlights that while this moss currently poses little immediate harm, its rapid spread necessitates careful monitoring to assess its long-term impact on native plant communities.
Research indicates that Campylopus introflexus creates dense mats that can hinder the growth of native plants and reduce biodiversity. This has raised concerns about the potential loss of local insect populations that rely on diverse plant life for sustenance.
Efforts to control this invasive species have proven largely ineffective, prompting calls for habitat restoration and the re-establishment of natural moisture regimes in affected areas. As researchers explore the ecological implications of this moss, they emphasize the importance of preserving Latvia's unique biodiversity.