Invasive Species – A Threat to the Environment Todor Toto Elena 10/1
May 19, 2015
Invasive Species – A Threat to the EnvironmentTodorTotoElena10/1
What are Invasive Species? (4, 6)
A broad term
Definition – “a species of animals or plants non-native to an environment in which their numbers are growing rapidly “
May be used for native species
Poison hemlock (US)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/Conium.jpg
Alien Species (1, 4)
“Alien species” & “Invasive species” - not interchangeable!!!
Alien species that doesn’t do harm - Introduced
Example: Goldfish (on picture) http://jerkmag.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/goldfish3.jpg
Characteristics of Invasive Species (4, 6)
Grow rapidly
Common species – extinct
Food chain
Chain reactions - catastrophic to economies and habitats http://danceswithflowers.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/ipresents.jpg
Ecological Problems Caused by Invasive Species (6)
Remove natural controls → other species flourish
Extinction
Genetic pollution
Both animal and plant species are threatened
http://imghost.indiamart.com/data/1/P/MY-978044/poultry-chicken_250x250.jpg
http://www.birding.in/images/Birds/red_junglefowl.jpg
Economic Problems Caused by Invasive Species (6)
Rapid decline in tree populations
Large amounts of crops destroyed
Damage to fish industries
Damages are often worth billions of dollars
Methods of Introduction (7)
Intentional - purposefully brought by humans, usually for profit
Accidental - a species “hitchhiking” onto a man-made vessel and traveling to another environment
Red foxes:introduced to Alaska to help fur trade
http://www.wildnatureimages.com/images%203/Red-Fox-Road..jpg
Killer bees: accidentally made their way into Brazil
http://www.thinkrabies.com/killerbee.jpg
Dealing With Invasive Species (1, 8)
Identification and location
Once identified → removed with pesticides
Harder and more costly to remove
Poisoning, hunting, or transportation out of the area
Social awareness and involvement
Removing harmful vines
http://www.watershedactivities.com/projects/summer/media/vineremoval3.jpg
Examples of Invasive Species (2)
Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis)
Description
Native range
Introduced range
http://www.cwsd.org/images/canadagoose.jpg
Genetic pollution of Greylag Goose
Feeds on valuable crops
Kills and diminishes small fowl populations
Droppings - environmental hazard
Often collides with aircrafts
http://www.europe-aliens.org/images/factsheetMaps/31_bracan.jpg
Examples of Invasive Species (3, 9)
Canadian Waterweed (Elodea canadensis)
Description
Native range
Introduced range
http://www.shorelineweedcontrol.com/images/weeds/waterweed.jpg
Outnumbers native plants
An obstacle for fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing
Attempts to remove it by blocking sunlight, poisoning, and introducing species that eat it
http://www.europe-aliens.org/images/factsheetMaps/61_elocan.jpg
Sources & Bibliography1. "Alien Species ". Southern Crossroads. June 5, 2010
<http://southerncrossroads.info/capeoffire/alien-mug-shots-know-the- enemy/>. 2. “Canada Goose”. Delivering Alien Species Inventories for Europe. June 5, 2010
<http://www.europe-aliens.org/speciesFactsheet.do?speciesId=50357#>.
3. “Canada Waterweed” . Delivering Alien Species Inventories for Europe. June 5, 2010
<http://www.europe-aliens.org/speciesFactsheet.do?speciesId=1052#> .
4. "DAISIE". Delivering Alien Species Inventories for Europe. June 5, 2010 <http://www.europe-aliens.org>.
5. "Explore Your Watershed". Carson River Watershed. June 5, 2010 <http://www.cwsd.org/images/canadagoose.jpg>.
6. "Global Invasive Species Database ". Invasive Species Specialist Group. June 5, 2010 <http://www.issg.org/database/welcome/>.
7. "Invasive ". Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. June 5, 2010 <http://www.invasive.org>.
8. "Invasive Species Information Center". Natural Agricultural Library. June 5, 2010 <http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/>.
9. "Shoreline Weed Control ". Shoreline Weed Control. June 5, 2010 <http://www.shorelineweedcontrol.com/images/weeds/waterweed.jpg>.