Lists

• Black List and Watch List (Current version August 2014)
• Black List and Watch List (version March 2013)
• Black List and Watch List

The lists of invasive neophytes of Switzerland are an important tool for many public and private actors. They are helpful in the decision making process and enable setting priorities in the prevention, containment, and control of invasive neophytes.

The Release Ordinance (in German: Freisetzungsverordnung FrSV) regulates the handling of organisms in the environment. Self-control and information obligation of customers and due diligence are required in the handling and release of organisms. Handling of any sorts is forbidden for some of the RO plants. For more information (available in German):

 Legal basis, Release Ordenance (FrSV) and List of forbidden species.

The AGIN, the Working Group Invasive Neobiota, is an initiative of the cantons. The group provides advice and recommendations, including the recommendations on limiting the selling of alien problematic plants (available in German).

The Black List and the Watch List reflect the current knowledge in the scientific research. Nevertheless, new alien species will keep coming in our country, or neophytes that have long been here suddenly become invasive. Therefore, the lists are never conclusive but rather temporary and dynamic, constantly discussed and updated by a group of experts.

Definitions

• Neophytes: alien plant species that have been introduced purposely or accidentally through human activities after 1500 a.C. and that are established in the wild.
• Invasive Neophytes: Neophytes that spread strongly and rapidly and, in this way, cause damages.
• Black ListSchwarze Liste: List of invasive neophytes that currently have or are expected to have a high spread potential in Switzerland based on current knowledge. In addition, damages are high and confirmed in the sectors of Biodiversity, Health and/or Economy. Occurrence and spread of these species must be prevented. 
• Watch List: List of Invasive neophytes that currently have or are expected to have a medium to high spread potential in Switzerland based on current knowledge. In addition, damages are medium to high in the sectors of Biodiversity, Health and/or Economy. Occurrence and spread of these species must at least be observed, and new information and data about them must be collected and compiled.

Note: The spread potential and damages are evaluated on the basis of several criteria --> see catalogue of criteria (in German)

Black List (State August 2014)

xxx  Occurrences are highly common
xx    Occurrences are common
x      Occurrences are rather occasional, but can be locally invasive

Watch List (State August 2014)