Design an Invasive Species

What is a non-native species?

• A native species is a species from a particular place or country.

• A non-native species is a species which has been brought to a new place or country by humans.

• These species may have been introduced accidentally or deliberately from all over the world.

Are all non-native species bad news?

No!

• Most non-native species are harmless

• Some may even be beneficial, such as crops and sheep

Are all non-native species bad news?

However, a small number can spread rapidly and cause

damage to the environment or harm our native species.

We call these invasive non-native species.

How did they get here?

What makes a successful invasive species?

Invasive species may:

• Grow quickly

• Spread rapidly

• Be highly adaptable

• Be tougher than our native species

What problems can they cause?

Eat our native species

Compete for food or resources

Spread disease

Damage habitats

Block waterways and cause flooding

What can we do to stop the spread?

Become a Biosecurity Agent!

Report sightings so that invasive species can be removed

Never release unwanted pets

Choose native plant species for gardens and ponds

Dispose of unwanted plants carefully

Check, clean and dry nets and other equipment after fishing or pond dipping

Clean boats before moving between waterways

Case Files

Name: American mink

Where is it from?North America

How did it get here?Escaped and released from fur farms.

What makes it a successful invasive species?An adaptable predator, it feeds on a wide variety of prey.

What problems is it causing?It feeds on our native water vole and ground-nesting birds.

How can we stop it spreading?Sightings should be reported so that mink can be removed.

Name: Harlequin ladybird

Where is it from?Eastern Asia

How did it get here?Arrived by flight, and imported onfruit, vegetables and flowers.

What makes it a successful invasive species?Can survive in many different habitats and is a ferocious predator.

What problems is it causing?It competes with native ladybirds for food, and also feeds on the

nativeladybirds themselves.

How can we stop it spreading?Imported fruit and flowers should be carefully checked for stowaways.

Name: Himalayan balsam

Where is it from?Himalaya mountain range in Asia

How did it get here?Introduced and spread as a gardenplant - floating seeds travel a long way.

What makes it a successful invasive species?Grows rapidly and spreads quickly.

What problems is it causing?It crowds out native species and is more attractive to bees and

otherpollinating insects.

How can we stop it spreading?Gardeners should choose native plants instead.

Name: Signal crayfish

Where is it from?North America

How did it get here?Was introduced to be farmed for food, but escaped.

What makes it a successful invasive species?It grows faster and is hardier and more aggressive than our native

crayfish.

What problems is it causing?It carries deadly crayfish plague which affects native white-clawed

crayfish.

How can we stop it spreading?Captive individuals must not be released.

Name: Carpet sea squirt

Where is it from?Northwest Pacific Ocean

How did it get here?Attached to the hulls of boats

What makes it a successful invasive species?Grows rapidly and can live on lots of different surfaces.

What problems is it causing?It can smother the sea bed and even grows over other animals

and plants.

How can we stop it spreading?Boat hulls should be cleaned before moving between water

bodies.

Your Task!

• Design a brand new, ultimate invasive species!

• Think about where your species has come from - how did it get here?

• What makes it such a successful invasive species?

• What problems is it causing?

• How can we stop it spreading?