Invasive Species
Simply red (squirrel) is better
We struggle against invasive species, but sometimes research helps to finally understand what can be done to preserve the status quo. The red squirrel is healthy in Europe and in Scotland, but where pine forests are less common and the greys virus can strike, none remain.
From rabbiting to killer shrimps: IAS (Part II) in detail
Part II of the impact invasive alien species have on ecosystems and biodiversity. The modern ecologist calls rabbits an IAS, but European scientists have started counting the cost of all of their aliens and invaders.
IAS lose us ecosystems and biodiversity
Research into invasive species and their impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. An IAS is an Invasive Alien Species, whether human-directed or not, whether plant or animal, or the disease/parasites they carry.
Changing climate may help invasive Asian tiger mosquito spread north
The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) could be heading further north. A changing climate is creating conditions that may allow the Asian tiger mosquito to spread into northern Europe. The invasive mosquito species is associated with transmitting various infectious diseases.
Bitterling battle between parasite and host
The invasive species in this case is the recently-introduced (40 years ago) Asian mussel, Anodonta woodiana, whose larvae parasitise bitterling fish (Rhodeus amarus). These European fish use many Unionid mussels' gills as a safe haven for their vulnerable eggs.
Study highlights worrying numbers of UK ladybirds
A study has found that native UK ladybirds are declining as the invasive harlequin ladybird species spreads across Europe.
Invasive Burmese Pythons vs. The Everglades
The Burmese python is an invasive species with established populations in the Everglades National Park in Florida. The pythons are having a devastating effect on native mammal populations.
A new weapon against invasive species
The proposed Joint Work Programme to improve communication strategies in the global biodiversity community.
Invasive coconut-smelling ants reach Hawaii
A super colony of invasive odorous house ants has been established in Hawaii, the first confirmed infestation outside mainland USA. The odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) that emit a coconut odour when crushed have travelled to Maui, 2,500-miles from the United States mainland.
Invasions from 'above' worse than those from 'below'
New research shows that invasive species introduced 'upstream' spread more rapidly and colonize more successfully than species that are introduced downrange within a given habitat.
Help spot the invaders on British shores urges marine charity
New arrivals are crowding out native British species around the UK's coast says a marine charity which is enlisting the public to help map the extent of the invasion. The Marine Conservation Society has launched a Marine Non-native Species ID Guide to help spot these invaders so it can build up a picture of the extent of the influx.
Invasive species continue to affect ecosystems after removal
Scientists from the University of California have thrown new light on how invasive species can affect local ecosystems, even after their removal from the environment. The Kudzu Vine, Brown Tree Snake, the Common Carp, Garlic Mustard and the Blue Mussel - just a few of hundreds of invasive species threatening ecosystems across the planet.
Tackling invasive species together
The UK Environment Agency has released a list of the top 10 most threatening invasive species and there are fears that many UK rivers may fail to meet European ecological status targets as a result of the impacts of these species on ecosystems.
Trade in snakes, macaques, sharks out of control, CITES affirms
CITES convention examines effects of trade on at-risk species like long-tailed macaques, sharks, and several snake species. Unsustainable wildlife trade not only devastates local ecosystems, it also causes great suffering to individual animals and can introduce invasive species that damage ecosystems abroad.
Rodent eradication declared a success in South Georgia
50 tonnes of rodenticide spread by helicopter to remove invasive species. South Georgia has been colonised by invasive rodent species. These introduced rodents feed on the eggs and young of ground-nesting native birds, which can offer no resistance. Every year thousands, perhaps millions, of young birds are eaten alive by rats.
Wild parakeets face a UK cull
The government announces measures to kill the non-native species that is becoming a pest. The UK government is to remove a species of parakeet from the British countryside because it poses a threat to crops, electricity grids and native birds.
Alien invasion of the Antarctic
New research looks at the risk of biological invasion with fresh produce in the Antarctic region. With an exponentially increasing population of tourists and researchers, the Antarctic region is currently at increasing risk of non-native species introductions.
£100 million investment for UK river wildlife
New funding to clean rivers and waterways to boost wildlife. The funding represents the start of a four year programme to tackle pollution, invasive weeds and removing redundant man-made structures like dams and weirs that inhibit the growth and development of natural wildlife.
Native plants pushed out by introduced species as cities grow
Urbanisation is a human phenomenom but plants too are affected by the growth of cities and a new study finds flora is becoming less diverse. While the number of species in the city has remained constant at around 700, the team found many changes in the make up of the city's flora. Many non-native plants have been introduced and flourished in the city in the past 70 years, while native plants have been declining at a rate of 2.4 species-a-year.
Special ELF 'mini-harpoons' to halt Caribbean Lionfish invasion
In the Dutch Caribbean, special Lion Fish Eliminating Devices are now being implemented in an effort to halt the alarming spread of this voracious intruder. The Lionfish is creating an ecological disaster on the Caribbean coral reefs. The devices, which are not actual harpoons, have been specially developed to enable divers to capture the highly poisonous lionfish from a safe distance.
How invasive species can trigger mass extinctions
Researchers from Ohio suggest that human activity that is allowing the introduction of invasive species into ecosystems tcould potentially lead to the Eath's sixth mass extinction. 65 million years ago dinosaurs dominated the Earth. Global temperatures were between six and 14 degrees Celsius warmer than at present and sea levels were over 300 metres higher. 40% of the present land mass was under the sea.
Invasive Species and Climate Change
How climate change can give a boost to non-native species with potentially devastating results. A recent study indicates that a combination of a warmer world, more extreme weather and higher levels of planet-warming carbon dioxide have the potential to devastate ecosystems.
Arizona's cotton growers target invasive pest with new strategy
A joint initiative by cotton growers, the USDA and the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has used a combination of genetically engineered crops and the deliberate release of sterile pink bollworm to almost completely eradicate this invasive pest from the state's cotton crop and allowed Arizona's cotton growers to reduce their use of pesticides.
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