Risk assessment for Sika deer (Cervus nippon): risk assessment developed under the "Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention" Contract No 07.0202/2019/812602/ETU/ENV.D.21

Providing evidence-based and scientifically robust risk assessments, as foreseen under Article 5 of the Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (IAS), is one step in the process of developing the list of IAS of Union concern. The aim of the current study is to develop such risk assessments alongside evidence on management measures and their implementation cost and cost-effectiveness to help inform policies and prioritise actions. This study includes eight new risk assessments and associated management annexes, for the following species: Bipalium kewense (Kew Flatworm), Cervus nippon (Sika Deer), Cherax destructor (Common Yabby), Delairea odorata (Cape Ivy), Marisa cornuarietis (Colombian Ramshorn Apple Snail), Mulinia lateralis (Dwarf Surf Clam), Obama nungara (Obama Flatworm), and Pycnonotus jocosus (Red-whiskered Bulbul). This study further includes ten risk assessments from previous contracts, revised according to the comments from the Scientific Forum and other stakeholders, concerning the following species: Asterias amurensis (North Pacific Seastar), Axis axis (Axis Deer), Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry), Callinectes sapidus (Atlantic Blue Crab), Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass), Faxonius immunis (Calico Crayfish), Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (Oriental Weatherfish), Pycnonotus cafer (Red-vented Bulbul), Vespa mandarinia (Asian Giant Hornet), and Xenopus laevis (African Claed Frog). In addition, two risk assessments submitted by a Member State were revised in this contract: Castor canadensis (North American Beaver) and Celastrus orbiculatus (Staff-vine).