The
IUCN recently posted an article about "invasive aliens." No, these are not the type found in summer movies like
Super 8
. These are the species - animal and plant - that invade habitats where they do not belong.
Biodiversity is being lost at an unprecedented rate, with a whole host of factors contributing to the disastrous declines. Habitat destruction is well-documented as being one of the leading causes of species extinctions, but invasive alien species are also to blame. But what exactly is an invasive species? Invasive species are those organisms which have been introduced by man, either accidentally or on purpose, to areas in which they are not naturally found, and have thrived to the extent that they have taken over their new environment.
It is important, however, to make the distinction between these species and ‘non-native’ species. Plenty of species are introduced to areas outside of their natural range, and are hence non-native, but not all of these will become invasive. Many will not be able to adapt to the new environment at all, and may eventually die off. Other non-native species cope well in their new surroundings without ousting native species from the ecosystem, co-existing without competition. An ecosystem can support this change as its original components and key players are still there. The non-native species may itself prove beneficial to human wellbeing and in some cases may become part of the landscape, as in the case of the Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) in Tuscany or the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in many areas of North America and Europe. What causes a species to be labelled as invasive rather than simply non-native is its ability to out-compete native species, impacting on the biological diversity of the region and even on the livelihoods of human communities.
Invasive species in New Jersey include foreign bugs, plants, animals and aquatic creatures.
Invasive species are introduced species that can thrive in areas beyond their natural range. They are characteristically very 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.
For example, the East Asian stink bug is
in NJ now and does literally stink.
The European green crab and the Asian Shore Crab threaten our native acquatic populations.
The Flathead Catfish which is normally found in the Mississippi basin,
has been found in NJ in places like the Delaware and Raritan Canal.
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| Giant Hogweed flower head |
The Giant Hogweed sounds like something from science-fiction. This species that can grow up to 20 feet and it produces sap that cause blisters and severe burns that leave scars on humans.
Last fall, the
first North American instance of invasive Chinese pond mussel was confirmed by New Jersey state biologists in Hunterdon County after DNA testing.
The USDA's website offers state lists and news. For NJ information, see
invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/nj.shtml
Further Reading
