By: Yunchao Zhang and Noah Lee EXOTIC SPECIES Photos by Greenberg art and NPS
By: Yunchao Zhang and Noah Lee
EXOTIC SPECIE
S
Photos by Greenberg art and NPS
What are exotic species? Non-native, Non-endemic “Unnatural”, “Artificial” Usually not domesticated Brought in from outside its natural distribution NOT ALL are problematic Most are invasive
Photo by Wikimedia
The Negative Impact Huge Threat to biodiversity-second only
to habitat destruction Ability to change a habitat Endangers native species Alters gene pool Costs $1.4 trillion every year globally Very difficult to get rid of
Photo by Pnej
Causes Increased international trade Increased tourism When European settlers brought
hundreds of plants to North America Accidental and intentional release Increased sea travel-Ballast
Photo by Birdphotos
Specific Examples
Asia Chestnut Blight Fungus Zebra Mussel Australian Paperbark Tree Brown Tree Snake Nile Perch Sea Lamprey Goats of St. Helena
Asia Chestnut Blight Fungus
Photo by Delaware Nature Society
Zebra Mussel
Photo by Lakeside Views
Photo by Uniserve.edu
Australian Paperbark
Tree
Photo by Onionhound on Wikimedia
Brown Tree
Snake
Nile Perch
Photo by Jirehtoursandtravels
SEA LAMPREY
Photo by Armin Kubelbeck
Goats of St. Helena
What can you do? Financial support Do not buy non native plants Do not release animals into the wild Do not “Pack a pest” Volunteer Be Educated
What Others are Doing Global Invasive Species Program Federal Invasive Species Council Parks, NPS, UN, EPA, NFWF Ballast Water Regulation More Conducted Studies Preventing Potential Invaders
Contacts Local parks The NPS, EPA, and
NFWF Voice your opinion
to EVERYONE
Photos by James Montgomery Flagg