Introduced species

The European Commission decided Thursday to refer Greece and five more countries to the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) for failing to implement provisions in the bloc's regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

The five other countries referred to the ECJ are Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Latvia and Portugal.

More than 700 animals including cows, goats, cats, dogs and rabbits, which have been abandoned, abused or are disabled have had the chance to begin a new chapter in their lives after being taken in by Sibel Çağlar on Turkey's first farm sanctuary in the western province of İzmir. 

A European study in which Greece participated found more than 755 alien species that have invaded the Mediterranean waters of the European continent. The non-indigenous species are a huge problem for the Mediterranean as well as for European rivers and lakes, say experts.