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>.