Articles tagged with Invasive Species
A study found a significant correlation between hotel stays and exotic pest detections in New Zealand, suggesting that both international and domestic tourism can facilitate the spread of invasive species. The researchers emphasize the need for continued biosecurity measures to manage these risks.
Researchers discovered all-female, forest-dwelling drywood termite colonies in Japan and found they evolved through human-assisted hybridization, leading to stronger offspring and double breeding. This can outcompete incumbent species, posing a risk to homeowners with drywood termite infestations.
Native marine macroalgae thrive in environments created by natural groundwater seeps, benefiting from enhanced nutrients despite lowered salinity levels. In contrast, tainted groundwater seeps support invasive species, threatening native algal dominance.
New research reveals that invasive species can arrive in Antarctic waters from almost anywhere across the globe via biofouling on ships' hulls. Fishing, tourism, research, and supply ships expose Antarctica to non-native species threatening its pristine environment.
Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University created a computer simulation predicting the spread of an invasive beetle species threatening Japan's cherry trees. The model, based on river lengths and roads, provided accurate results comparable to real-world data.
A team of biologists and engineers created a robotic fish that scares mosquitofish away, altering its behavior and physiology. The study found that the mosquitofish showed fearful behaviors, weight loss, and reduced fertility when confronted with the robot.
Coastal organisms thrive on floating plastic debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, expanding their biogeography. The discovery reveals that plastic pollution is providing a habitat for coastal species to survive and even thrive in the open ocean.
A new article from McGill University researchers advocates for bolstering planetary biosecurity to address potential biological contamination risks from space missions. Early detection and rapid response protocols, informed by knowledge gained from invasion science, are crucial for preventing the spread of alien biological contaminants.
The article highlights the dangers of biological contamination from space travel, citing examples of bacteria resistant to ionizing radiation and disinfectants found in NASA 'clean rooms'. Researchers propose the use of invasion science to address this threat, leveraging insights on epidemiology, rapid evolution, and early detection.
A team of scientists, including Dr Phill Cassey, are calling for greater recognition of the biosecurity risks ahead of the space industry. The research highlights the potential for 'alien organisms' to survive the journey and cause invasive species threats.
A URI researcher has published a series of articles in the journal Biological Invasions to address concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion. The study found that the editorial board was overwhelmingly American and white, with most papers published by Americans and Europeans.
A new study found that human-caused bird extinctions lead to the loss of ecological roles, including pollination and seed dispersal. Introduced alien species do not fill these gaps, highlighting the disproportionate impact of human actions on biodiversity.
A CABI-led study developed a framework for assessing the performance and responsiveness of an invasive species system in Kenya. The approach enabled identifying opportunities and challenges from various actor perspectives, highlighting the need for better financing, leadership, and coordination to effectively manage invasive species.
Recent study reveals that non-indigenous tropical species are occupying 'empty niches' in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, altering ecosystem functioning. The findings suggest that these species are successful invaders due to their distinct biological traits, rather than direct competition with native species.
Researchers found that most anglers weren't thinking about how invasive species could affect their own lives, highlighting the need for personalized messaging. Tailoring education campaigns to an angler's values and risk perceptions can motivate action, such as decontaminating boats or attending cleanup events.
Invasive fish and crustaceans significantly reduce lake organism abundance, degrading water quality. Researchers provide guidance on managing waterbodies to prevent ecosystem collapse.
Researchers found that rusty crayfish exhibit increased diet specialization and boldness in mid-abundance lakes, where individual behaviors become more diverse. This specialization can lead to impacts on spawning fish populations and ecosystem dynamics.
Research reveals that biological invasions are threatening the evolutionary history and ecological strategies of birds and mammals. The study found that 11% of their phylogenetic diversity is at risk, with a greater impact on bird species due to their vulnerability to invasive species.
Native Mediterranean species have been found to prey on the invasive Pacific red lionfish and silver-cheeked toadfish, suggesting direct human management measures are needed to control their populations. The study documents native predators for both species, including loggerhead turtles and dolphinfish.
Removing invasive barred owls from western US coastlines had a significant positive effect on the survival of northern spotted owls, arresting population declines. The treatment also allowed spotted owls to disperse into previously occupied territories.
Scientists used DNA data and predictive modelling to identify regions where an invasive sea squirt could thrive in South America. The study found that a slight change in currents and sea temperature may lead to the species' expansion across northern Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
Researchers found that non-native species are more successful in the less-diverse Pacific, where they outnumber native species by 30%, compared to the more-diverse Atlantic. Predation also played a crucial role in controlling invasive species, particularly in tropical regions.
Researchers confirm lionfish have invaded Brazilian waters, posing a significant threat to local ecosystems and species. The invasive fish can disrupt ecosystems and disperse quickly due to their broad diet and unique hunting style.
Researchers used environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect the presence of invasive New Zealand mud snails in waters they inhabited incognito, revealing a new population in central Pennsylvania. The eDNA technique allowed for early detection of the snail's invasion, even when traditional methods would not have found them.
Researchers detected Argentine ant eDNA in surface soil samples from Kyoto and Kobe, indicating habitat distribution and hotspots for invasive species. This method could contribute to targeted measures and successful elimination results by combining with pest control plans.
The economic impact of Invasive Alien Species on Africa's agricultural sector is estimated to be $3.6 trillion a year, with cassava and citrus fruits being among the most affected crops. The study highlights the need for measures to prevent new species from arriving and established species from spreading.
A recent study found that invasive Clavelina oblonga marine fouling species reduces diversity in communities it invades and interferes with their recovery following natural disasters. The study suggests that succession patterns do not hold true in the presence of invasive species.
A comprehensive checklist of 9250 Hymenoptera species in northern North America is being published. The list includes nearly 230 species of ants and over 100 species of wasps, providing valuable insights into native pollinators and biological control agents.
A new study by Resources for the Future found that at least 27% of new invasive pests in the US were initially detected by members of the public. The researchers suggest leveraging the public's role to improve early detection and control of invasive species, which cause significant economic and environmental harm.
A new analysis reveals that biological invasions have caused over $1.28 trillion in economic damage globally since 1970. The study highlights the urgent need for effective management policies to mitigate the rising costs of invasive species, which are projected to increase by trillions of dollars in coming years.
A recent study estimates that invasive species have caused at least $1.288 trillion in economic losses globally since 1970, with costs tripling each decade.
Scientists at CABI have confirmed the presence of the highly invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) in Kenya, posing a significant threat to the country's rice production. The discovery was made through DNA barcoding analyses and confirms the species' potential to spread further, highlighting the need for strict quarantine measures.
Researchers found that Amami tip-nosed frog altered its hind limb length in response to the invasive mongoose, with longer legs potentially aiding escape. The frog's endurance also increased under strong predation pressure from the mongoose, but not its burst movement ability.
New research from Swansea University found that warmer temperatures help invasive species establish themselves and alter ecosystem structures. The study analyzed the synergistic effects of temperature and invasions on communities, revealing that temperature and invasion act together to increase species loss and create smaller networks.
A study led by University of California, Davis found that invasive European green crabs increased 30-fold after 90% were removed from a California estuary. The explosion was due to cannibalization of younger individuals by adult decapod crustacea.
A new study suggests that limiting the numbers of invasive species may be a better goal than eliminating them altogether. The research, led by Stephanie Green, proposes a strategy called functional eradication to curtail the impact of destructive and widespread invasive species.
A new study shows that species can rapidly adapt to invasive species and their impact on climate change, affecting survival and response strategies. The experiment used fruit flies, finding that exposure to invasive species led to rapid evolutionary changes in size, reproduction, and development.
A new study from Cornell University examines public attitudes towards non-native birds and whether people are willing to manage them to protect native cavity-nesting birds. Researchers found that citizen-science project participants were more likely to have negative views of non-native species and undertake management practices.
A long-term study led by CABI scientists reveals that the invasive harlequin ladybird has caused a severe decline of the two-spotted ladybird in northern Switzerland. The researchers found that the harlequin ladybird dominated broadleaved hedges, but not pine stands or meadows.
UTA researchers resurrected preserved Daphnia eggs to investigate how species adapt to invaders, finding extensive genetic variation in responses to a novel predator. The team's work allows for real-time observation of evolutionary processes, shedding light on drivers of change in natural settings.
Researchers found that the island-based Guttural Toads had significantly reduced body size and hindlimb length compared to their South African counterparts. This rapid dwarfism raises questions about the evolutionary mechanisms driving this change in less than a hundred years.
The ZOWIAC project will investigate the effects of invasive carnivores on biological diversity and human health, using monitoring, metabarcoding, and spatial analysis to understand their impact. Citizens will also be involved in the research through a citizen science platform.
A new study predicts a 36% global increase in invasive insect species by 2050, with Europe and Asia experiencing the strongest invasions. This research provides a baseline for assessing future biological invasions, enabling proactive measures to contain their spread.
Researchers used data from fishing technology company ReelSonar to model angler movements and predict where aquatic invasives may spread. The study found that anglers who fish frequently in the same area are more likely to transport invasive species.
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 report highlights six of the world's 20 biodiversity targets as partially achieved by 2020 deadline. The UN warns that eight transformative changes are urgently needed to ensure human wellbeing and save the planet, citing encouraging progress in some areas but degrading ecosystems and accelerating loss.
A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.
Researchers found that Hawaiian tiger cowries are voracious predators of alien sponges, eating half their body weight weekly. The study suggests that cowries could help control invasive species, saving the state time and money.
Grassroots knowledge from Indigenous people can help map and monitor ecological changes, improving scientific studies and managing ecosystems. The study reveals negative trends, such as increased invasive species and changes in wild animal health, highlighting the importance of Indigenous and local knowledge for global-scale monitoring.
A study by international researchers predicts that a 20-30% increase in invasive alien species will lead to massive global biodiversity loss. The spread of these species is driven primarily by human activities such as trade and climate change, highlighting the need for ambitious countermeasures.
Researchers at the University of Seville developed a monitoring system using sessile bioindicators to detect changes in coastal environments. The SBPQ methodology confirmed its usefulness in detecting long-term trends and changes in coral reef communities, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that a constantly changing environment enables some species to invade new areas and adapt to their new homes by maintaining genetic diversity. The researchers studied the copepod Eurytemora affinis, which invaded the Great Lakes and other freshwater lakes.
Research on blennies reveals that flexibility in diet and behavior allows fish to transition onto land, while specialization leads to successful adaptation. The findings provide insights into the challenges faced by fish out of water and offer a unique perspective on the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.
Climate change may lead to a decrease in areas suitable for most Invasive Weed Species globally, but not in highly productive agricultural regions like Europe, US and Australia. Existing eradication efforts are inadequate to counter the growing threat of invasive weeds.
A new study found that e-learning increases knowledge, risk perception, and biosecurity behavior among individuals working with invasive species. The 'Better Biosecurity' course improved participants' understanding of the risks and led to better cleaning practices.
A study of over 800 ancient remains reveals the house mouse's global spread from the Middle East to Europe, coinciding with domestic cat arrival. The researchers suggest cats were introduced to control mouse populations and protect food stocks.
A new perspective paper proposes reconciling differing views on range-shifting species to improve management. The authors suggest using the Environmental Impact Classification of Alien Taxa (EICAT) to assess risk and develop management priorities.
A new study suggests that lionfish, an invasive species first identified in the Mediterranean in 2012, are thriving and well-established in the region. The species' generalist diet and rapid spread may disrupt the already stressed marine environment, leading to further ecological damage.
The Asian hornet's rapid invasion of Europe has estimated economic costs of €11.9M annually for France, €9.0M for Italy, and €8.6M for the UK by 2025. The cost of nest destruction is expected to reach €23M if the invasive species continues to spread at a similar rate.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County discovered that female phorid flies feed on crushed invasive snails, a behavior previously only observed in social insects like ants. The study found that species of other snail genera failed to attract the flies, hinting at a peculiar interaction worth further study.
Two research collections showcase new tools using genetic analysis and geospatial technology to detect and track invasive species. The collections provide insights into the practical implications of these innovative solutions for improved management of invasive species.