Hi everyone,
Today's topic is a rather controversial one: is killing invasive species
necessary? We'll take it apart for you to come up with your own opinion.
Enjoy!
Definition
Firstly, let's clarify what an invasive species is. An invasive species is a
species that is not native and most likely causes harm to the ecosystem where
it now lives. This does not include animals that migrate to another area.
Why is it a problem?
Depending on the species and the ecosystem, invasive species can cause a lot
of harm to their surroundings. Often invasive species have no predators in
their new habitat and reproduce in such large numbers that they massively
overpopulate, causing death for other species. Or they bring sicknesses the
local animals are not accustomed to, and that kills them. For example black
and brown rats are an invasive species on
the Galapagos Islands:
Black and brown rats were introduced to the Galapagos Islands in the 17th century. They came in the holds of pirate and trade ships and then came ashore. Because many of the birds living on the islands are endemic (only found in one place), they did not know how to deal with these new rat species. These invaders would eat the bird's eggs and chicks. This also affected many local reptile species. Because of this problem, three of the archipelago's native rat species have gone extinct and many giant tortoise species are critically endangered.
Black and brown rats were introduced to the Galapagos Islands in the 17th century. They came in the holds of pirate and trade ships and then came ashore. Because many of the birds living on the islands are endemic (only found in one place), they did not know how to deal with these new rat species. These invaders would eat the bird's eggs and chicks. This also affected many local reptile species. Because of this problem, three of the archipelago's native rat species have gone extinct and many giant tortoise species are critically endangered.
However, sometimes invasive species may have positive effects in some cases, as
they may be able to cope with arising problems local species cannot deal with.
This is becoming increasingly important with climate change and the problems it
brings. For example, scientists are currently trying to find a way to avoid all
the trees in German forests dying due to the heat in summer. One idea is to
introduce different types of trees that can withstand heat. They are not native
to Germany, but they could be a solution.
What is being done
Worldwide there are many projects to kill invasive species. For instance, on
the Galapagos Islands
of North Seymour, Rabida and Pinzon rat poison was dropped from a helicopter
to kill the black and brown rats. It was successful and the giant tortoise
population is now growing again.
Generally, it is hard to give a statement that applies to all cases, as with
most things. But invasive species are often more harmful than helpful when
they aren't introduced to a region with a specific purpose, and it is mostly
necessary to kill them to save local species. Invasive species tend to
threaten the local ecosystems and therefore their introduction may reduce
biodiversity, which is generally to be avoided. So our take on this problem is
that each case should be viewed individually and action should be taken
depending on whether or not the native biodiversity is at risk.
Your Green World Team💚
Sources:
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/invasive-black-rats-in-galapagos/
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/invasive-black-rats-in-galapagos/
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