Source: Greenberg
Some are sharp, some are spotted, and some are beautiful looking, but all invasive species are bad for public lands. Invasive species are organisms that cause ecological or economic harm in a new environment where it is not native. An invasive species can be introduced to new ecosystems through the ballast water of ocean-going ships, intentional and accidental releases of species, aquarium specimens or bait and other means.
Dog Strangling Vine: Ontario’s Invading Species
Some nonnative species don’t cause harm but those that do can cause the extinction of native species. They often compete with native organisms for resources, reduce biodiversity and alter natural habitats. For example, in Toronto, the dog-strangling vine is an ongoing problem in meadows and understories. In meadows, the plant acts as a filter on plants that are smaller or weaker in competing for resources and takes over the whole landscape. In understories, they were found to replace plants of similar niches. To learn more about this invasive species, watch the interview with expert Darwin Soudhi below.
Invasive species thrive and flourish at new locations because of the right biological properties that allow them to grow quickly in numbers. Once they secure their location, they usually reproduce and spread quickly and out-compete native plants and animal species for resources. Most invasive species can survive in a variety of different habitats and climate regions. They often are free of predation and disease.
These changes, small or large can result in huge economic impacts and fundamental disruptions in all ecosystems. No matter where they came from, how they got here or what trouble they bring, invasive species are a serious concern and immediate action needs to be taken. For more information on how you can help reduce the effects of invasive species, listen to the podcast linked below.
https://soundcloud.com/jumpysnake/so-podcast-final/s-rEmNg
-Ryan Chew, Cindy Liu, Noah Rudlowski
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