“Head of the Field Crops Department at the University of Telafer Participates in National Symposium on Invasive Animal Species and Their Environmental and Economic Challenges”

“Head of the Field Crops Department at the University of Telafer Participates in National Symposium on Invasive Animal Species and Their Environmental and Economic Challenges”

As part of its commitment to enhancing the academic and scientific presence of the University of Telafer in specialized scholarly forums, Dr. Mohammed Hassan Salman, Head of the Field Crops Department at the College of Agriculture, participated in a national scientific symposium organized by the Center for Natural History Research and Museum under the Research and Development Department of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The symposium was held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, under the title: “The Reality of Exotic and Invasive Animal Species: Between Environmental Risks and Economic Opportunities.”

The symposium, which was attended by a distinguished group of academics, researchers, and environmental specialists, focused on the current state of invasive and non-native species in Iraq and their increasing impact on ecological balance, public health, and the national economy. It addressed several key topics, including documented cases of invasive species such as the giant African snail, African catfish, and introduced spiders like the black widow. The event also highlighted the documentation of 24 invasive insect species in Iraq’s environment.

Discussions included the environmental behavior of these species and their potential impacts on local ecosystems. The symposium called for the establishment of a national early warning system for environmental monitoring, as well as the development of a legislative and executive framework to address this growing phenomenon.

The University’s participation in this scientific event underscores its dedication to contributing actively to specialized research discourse and supporting national policies aimed at preserving biodiversity. It also reflects the university’s role in developing scientific tools to address contemporary environmental challenges in line with its academic and developmental mission.