As reported by the House of the Sea on Wednesday in a press release, an accidental discovery in the Australia facility first drew attention to the possible presence of "Caenoplana variegata". An investigation in collaboration with the Zoological State Collection Munich has confirmed this first evidence for Austria.

Spread of Flatworms

According to the information, the carnivorous flatworms mainly reach Europe via the plant trade and are increasingly spreading there. Their poisonous slime protects them from predators, while their prey such as maggots, snails, and earthworms play a crucial role in a healthy soil ecosystem.

Land planarians also seem quite tough, as complete animals can arise from their body fragments due to their regenerative ability. And their special digestion even allows them to decompose prey animals outside their bodies, reports the House of the Sea.

Call for "Citizen Science Project"

"Species and environmental protection begins at your own front door. It is our responsibility to preserve the native flora and fauna - because much is migrating or dying out without us noticing," emphasized Jeff Schreiner, the new zoo director of the House of the Sea. To monitor and contain the spread of the planarians, a "Citizen Science Project" has been called for. Suspicious sightings of these planarians with photo and location should be reported by email to [email protected].

(APA/Red)

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