Invasive species are introduced species that can thrive in areas beyond their natural range. They are characteristically adaptable, aggressive, and have a high reproductive capacity. Their vigor combined with a lack of natural enemies often leads to outbreak populations that threaten and endanger native species.
Did you know that NJ has a problem with feral cats and feral pigs?
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| Stink Bug via http://media.nj.com/hunterdonnews_impact/ |
Both the European green crab and the Asian Shore Crab are some of the aquatic creatures threatening our native populations.
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| Flathead Catfish caught in the Delaware River near Lambertville blogs.courierpostonline.com |
It might be exciting to think about catching one of these - they grow up to 100 pounds - but they can really do damage to the native populations of striped bass, eels, sturgeon and shad that they feed upon.
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| Giant Hogweed flower head |
It produces sap that cause blisters and severe burns that leave scars on humans.
And there is the carpet-like algae that has been seen on the Delaware River in 2008. It's probably a form of didymo, but has been given the disgustingly common name of "rock snot."
The Ledger article was written by Brian T. Murray who often writes about environmental issues in our state - from the fall season deer and car collisions, to invasive freshwater mussels discovered in Hunterdon County, and the way environmental issue mix with politics and business, as with windmill farms in NJ.
Further Reading
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