A species invasion can have a drastic impact on a local ecosystem, with far-reaching and sometimes irreversible effects. The world’s history is rife with the woes of a species brought in intentionally or otherwise. Here in the US, we have more than just a handful of invasive species, but the ones listed here are causing quite a bit more havoc than a few aphids on a rosebush. In many areas where invasive species have moved in, there are programs in place where you can participate in their population control. It takes everyone’s help to combat a widespread problem like invasive species!
Have you ever seen the effects of an invasive species?
Saying the Asian carp is an invasive species is a bit of a misnomer, because in fact, there are eight different carp under the umbrella term “Asian carp” that are deemed invasive to the US, and four of them are establishing themselves with such a swift force that they have attracted federal attention in the fight to eradicate — or at least control — their populations. Not only do they overpopulate ecosystems and reduce food for other fish, some species are startled by boat motors and leap out of the water, causing minor to serious injuries to boaters, kayakers, and anglers.
Lionfish can be considered the bullies of the sea. Originally from Indo-Pacific waters, the lionfish has surged in numbers in foreign Atlantic and Caribbean waters, from the northeastern US down through the Bahamas and South America. This beautiful scourge is a fast-acting death blow to local reef systems, as it eats indiscriminately in large amounts, breeds wildly, and fiercely and aggressively stakes out its territory. Word on the street is that they are quite tasty, but watch out for those venomous spines!
Zebra mussels are probably the most ubiquitous of all the mussels Americans are familiar with, and indeed, they can be found everywhere. But they are reproducing to such prolific numbers that indigenous species of mussels are being overtaken rapidly, and being securely anchored to boats, boulders, and other mussels, they seem to have no plans of going anywhere. Despite their flashy name, zebra mussels are not particularly palatable to humans, but various species of fish and ducks are natural predators.
Named for the hairy patches found on their claws, the Chinese mitten crab in itself is not that bad of a creature. But its invasion of the California coastline has caused significant damage to the local ecosystem, through the burrowing habit that is characteristic of the mitten crab, leading to mass erosion of riverbanks. Also rapid breeders, the mitten crab is an omnivore, giving rise to tougher competition for food in estuarine systems.
The sea lamprey, besides looking like the lead character of a horror film, are a threat to native species of the Great Lakes for their parasitic nature. Victims of the sea lamprey die of massive blood loss or infection, as the lamprey’s teeth secrete an anti-coagulant. Apex predators in the Great Lakes, such as the lake trout, are being remarkably diminished due to these little suckers.
The northern snakehead is a terrorist in the freshwater bodies of the US, for its ability to adapt to any water temperature and environmental condition, and aggressive dominance over a widespread area, and voracious appetite for indigenous fish species. With no natural predators, the snakehead also possesses the power to breathe air, surviving for up to four days out of water, and even longer if burrowed in mud.
