The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo is to hold a talk shedding light on why invasive species have come to dominate the island’s plant population.

Scientist Alison Copeland will provide an update on progress she has made in a doctoral research project in which she investigates Bermuda’s vegetation communities.

The talk, titled “The Origin and Invasion Success of Bermuda's Introduced Flora”, will take place on March 24 from 7pm to 8.30pm in the Bermuda Zoological Society classrooms at Flatts.

The first part of the lecture will focus on the results of a complete inventory of Bermuda’s plant species, including native and introduced species.

Ms Copeland will discuss how species end up getting classified as invasive.

During her research, Ms Copeland has found only about 3 per cent of Bermuda’s more than 1,500 plants qualify as invasive species.

In the second part of the talk, she will explore the plant and landscape characteristics that have made the island one of the most “invaded” in the world.

The lecture is free to attend — but guests were encouraged to make a $10 donation to support vital BZS education and conservation programmes.

The prevalence of invasive plants was highlighted last year by David Wingate, the former chief conservation officer, who published a free guide, A Practical Guide to Garden Management in Bermuda, to making properties and yards friendlier to native species.

• For more information, call 293-2727 or e-mail marketing@bzs.bm