Post on 26-Dec-2015
What is an invasive species?What is an invasive species? Exotic Species are species that occur
outside of their natural ranges because of human activity (1).
An exotic species becomes invasive when it out competes native species and hurts the ecosystem
Does anyone have an example of a invasive species?
Exotic Species are species that occur outside of their natural ranges because of human activity (1).
An exotic species becomes invasive when it out competes native species and hurts the ecosystem
Does anyone have an example of a invasive species?
Types of invasive speciesTypes of invasive species
Animals Plants
Pathogens
Animals Plants
Pathogens
What is the problem with an invasive species?
What is the problem with an invasive species?
Can cause an imbalance in the natural environment (1).. Out compete native organisms Change abiotic factors Threaten agriculture Endanger the health of plants and animals
Can cause an imbalance in the natural environment (1).. Out compete native organisms Change abiotic factors Threaten agriculture Endanger the health of plants and animals
Humans- Can simply carry a organism. Some invasives can stow away on a ship or
plane. Wind- Seeds can be carried great
distances. Water- Organisms can be transported
on natural “rafts”
Humans- Can simply carry a organism. Some invasives can stow away on a ship or
plane. Wind- Seeds can be carried great
distances. Water- Organisms can be transported
on natural “rafts”
Examples of Invasive Species: Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum
mantegazzianum) Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) Lionfish (Pterois spp.)
Examples of Invasive Species: Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum
mantegazzianum) Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) Lionfish (Pterois spp.)
Zebra Mussel(2)Zebra Mussel(2)
Originally from the Caspian and Black Sea.
Introduced to the Great Lakes in 1988. Cause many problems:
Can harm other fresh water mussels Can block intake pipes for power plants Can cause problems for recreational
activities.
Originally from the Caspian and Black Sea.
Introduced to the Great Lakes in 1988. Cause many problems:
Can harm other fresh water mussels Can block intake pipes for power plants Can cause problems for recreational
activities.
Giant Hogweed(2)Giant Hogweed(2)
Native to Eurasia Introduced to the United States in 1917. Originally used as an ornamental plant It out competes other plants for
resources. It produces a toxic sap.
Native to Eurasia Introduced to the United States in 1917. Originally used as an ornamental plant It out competes other plants for
resources. It produces a toxic sap.
Asian Tiger Mosquito(2)Asian Tiger Mosquito(2)
Originally from Asia. Introduced to Hawaii in the late
1800’s. Continental United States in 1985.
Can be a vector for disease. Ex. West Nile Virus
Originally from Asia. Introduced to Hawaii in the late
1800’s. Continental United States in 1985.
Can be a vector for disease. Ex. West Nile Virus
Lionfish(2)Lionfish(2)
Native to the Pacific Ocean Introduced to the water around the
United States in 1992 through the aquarium trade.
Preys on native species. Has poisonous spines.
Native to the Pacific Ocean Introduced to the water around the
United States in 1992 through the aquarium trade.
Preys on native species. Has poisonous spines.
Lionfish (6)
Lionfish video (6)
What can you do?What can you do?
1. Obey the rules. Do not
transport plants and animals when you travel.
2. Never release pets into the wild.
3. Learn about invasive species in your area for identification.
4. Use native plants.
ReferencesReferences1. Primack R. 2006. Essentials of Conservation Biology. fourth Ed. pp. 225-235.
2. USDA. 2009. National Agriculture Library. National Invasive species Information Center. http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/main.shtml
3. a. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/invert/images/zmussel2.jpg b. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/invert/images/zmussel1.jpg
4. http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/hogweed.shtml
5. http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/asiantigmos.shtml
6. http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/lionfish.shtml
7. http://njaes.rutgers.edu/stinkbug/about.asp
8. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/eab_general.htm
9. a. http://www.mdinvasivesp.org/species/vertebrates/Northern_Snakehead.html b. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Northern_Snakehead_face.jpg