A kill-list featuring 37 species of mammals, exotic pets and plants has come into force across Europe.

Among the "invasive alien species" that countries must now eradicate or contain are grey squirrels, water hyacinths, and raccoons.

Other animals on the list include the Muntjac deer, which are in the UK, and the South American coati, which has been spotted in Mallorca, Spain.

Five species of crayfish are also on the list, along with three types of squirrel and the sacred ibis bird.

Each member state can decide how to tackle the blacklist.


Image: Water hyacinths can spread rapidly

Pets and zoo animals on the banned list can be kept until they die, while wild animals will likely need to be culled.

The EU describes an alien species as any organism that has been transported across ecological barriers like mountain ranges or oceans, becoming established in a new area.

It said that while many were brought to Europe intentionally "for their beauty, usefulness or commercial value", others have arrived by accident.

There are currently more than 12,000 alien species in the European environment, but the ones the EU is targeting are those which are invasive - "lacking predators or competition" to keep them in check.

Image: The South American coati is on the list - it has a foothold in Spain

Roughly 10-15% of alien species arriving in Europe eventually become invasive, according to the EU.

Some academics are concerned that the list is too short - it doesn't cover the notorious Japanese knotweed or common ragweed, for example.

Sven Bacher from Fribourg University in Switzerland told the New Scientist: "We are all a bit concerned with the low numbers of species on the list.

"We estimate there are around 1,000 to 1,500 invasive alien species in Europe and this is only a very poor selection."

The EU says the list is likely to be expanded in the future.