Articles tagged with Invasive Species
A new study confirms that reducing lionfish numbers by 75-95% can allow rapid recovery of native fish biomass and aid larger ecosystem recovery. Native species such as Nassau grouper and yellowtail snapper increased by 50-70% on reefs where lionfish were kept below threshold densities.
Researchers at Duke University tested a theory on bacterial dispersal patterns using E. coli, finding that spreading out to multiple habitats simultaneously can be beneficial but also increases the risk of population collapse due to the Allee effect. This study has implications for managing invasive species and understanding the impact...
Researchers found that alien harlequin ladybirds are less likely to be parasitized by common wasps and flies than native UK species. The study supports the Enemy Release Hypothesis, suggesting that native predators and parasites may struggle to attack invasive species.
A new model suggests that characteristics like phenotype and interaction mechanisms are key to understanding the chances of an invasive species succeeding. The study challenges Darwin's original theory on naturalization conundrum, indicating that ecological relationships alone are a weak predictor of invader success.
Researchers found that house sparrows' immune cells become more attuned to finding dangerous parasites at the edge of their range in Kenya. This adaptation may help the birds thrive in new areas with novel pathogens. The study aims to understand what gives invasive species an edge, informing efforts to manage and eradicate them.
Researchers developed precise monitoring systems by analyzing gut microbiota of invasive Asian carp and native gizzard shad, revealing key differences between species. The study uses next-generation gene sequencing technology to identify biomarkers for each species, promising a new approach to preventing their spread in the Great Lakes.
Native European shrimps have been shown to outcompete and devour invading American shrimp populations, preventing their establishment. This phenomenon of biotic resistance highlights the resilience of native species in defending against invasive species.
A new study by UC Davis reveals a strong correlation between human life expectancy and the loss of endangered species, with countries experiencing high GDP growth showing higher percentages of invasive birds and mammals. The research highlights the need for better scientific understanding of human-environment interactions.
A new special issue of the NeoBiota journal explores advancing risk assessment models to address climate change, economics, and uncertainty in pest control. The article focuses on interactions between pest risk and climate change, policy and economics, as well as pest control and surveillance.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the rise of early Appalachian Mountains and cooling oceans allowed invasive species to upset the North American ecosystem 450 million years ago. This geological shift triggered evolutionary changes in ancient seas, leading to a change in survival patterns among native organisms.
A recent study reveals that the emerald ash borer invasion has fueled a population boom for four species of birds in the Detroit area. The four species considered in the study include three woodpeckers and a white-breasted nuthatch, which are all benefiting from the abundant food source provided by EAB-infested ash trees.
The program aims to study exotic invasive pests and develop sustainable approaches to counter problem organisms threatening biodiversity in central and southern Texas. Researchers will focus on native ant species, such as the fire ant, tawny crazy ant, and Cactoblastis moth, to improve competitiveness of native species.
Researchers discovered significant lionfish populations and large predatory fish at 300 feet deep in the Atlantic Ocean. The findings raise concerns about the control of this invasive species that's devastating native fish populations.
Native predators in the Caribbean cannot control the aggressive lionfish population growth, highlighting the need for human intervention. The study found that lionfish populations were lower in protected reefs due to targeted removal by reef managers.
A new study challenges the claim that crabs returned to Antarctica due to warming seas. The research analyzed over 16,000 crab records and found no evidence of a mass migration from elsewhere. Instead, it suggests that King crabs have been uniquely adapted to the Antarctic environment for centuries.
Research reveals Ailanthus tree's rapid growth and dominance in Pennsylvania clearcuts, displacing native plants. The tree's spread has accelerated with human activities like logging, mining, and drilling.
A study found that Cuban tree frog chorusing impairs the acoustic behavior of green tree frogs, causing them to double their call rate. The researchers suggest this may come at a cost, diverting energy away from essential functions.
Invasive crazy ants are displacing fire ants across the southeastern US, eliminating native species and reducing biodiversity. Crazy ants outcompete fire ants for food sources and damage electrical equipment, making them a significant pest.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy found no evidence of widespread Asian carp presence in the Great Lakes, contrary to recent reports. Instead, they detected DNA only in areas where Asian carp have been caught, suggesting that live fish are the most likely source of the invasive species.
Researchers found no evidence of widespread Asian carp presence in the Great Lakes, but detected DNA from bighead and silver carp. Live fish are considered the most likely source of the DNA, contradicting reports of bird or boat spread.
New research reveals that invasive green crabs are helping to restore Cape Cod's distressed salt marshes by filling the void left by declining native predators of sesarma crabs. The study found that green crab presence had a significant deterrent effect on sesarma herbivory, allowing grass regrowth in areas previously depleted.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have created a method using environmental DNA (eDNA) and Light Transmission Spectroscopy (LTS) to detect invasive aquatic species in real-time. This innovative approach enables rapid identification of high-risk species before they cause significant damage.
Researchers examined biological and environmental properties of invasive species, finding three to four key factors that influence their success. This discovery opens new avenues for marine research and management.
Experiments predict that Daphnia lumholtzi can invade European lakes and outcompete native species, leading to substantial declines in population growth. The invasive species' ability to thrive at low temperatures also poses a threat.
The invasive spotted-wing vinegar fly (Drosophila suzukii) prefers sweet and soft fruits, posing a significant threat to US fruit crops. Researchers found that certain wild fruits may serve as reservoirs for this species, while other varieties are more likely to be infested.
Researchers found Asian needle ant successfully displacing Argentine ants in an urban environment, suggesting it may be the next dominant invasive species. The Asian needle ant's ability to tolerate cooler temperatures gives it a head start over Argentine ants, allowing it to reproduce and build nests earlier.
A team of researchers has identified six new cryptic species that could serve as a potential biocontrol agent for the invasive Brazilian peppertree in Florida. The discovery highlights the importance of careful identification and assessment to address the complex issue of cryptic species complexes.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that removing around 100 artificial waterbodies can prevent toads from occupying 268,000 square kilometres of land. This could protect numerous species, including northern Quolls and goannas and snakes, badly affected by toad invasions.
The River Thames has been invaded with over 96 non-native freshwater species, according to a recent study published in Biological Invasions. The research suggests that globalisation and shipping activity have facilitated these invasions, resulting in significant biodiversity loss and ecosystem service degradation.
The University of Notre Dame has received a $599,931 EPA grant to develop early detection technology for invasive species using environmental DNA. The research will test the efficacy of this method across diverse groups of high-risk invasive species, including mussels, snails, crayfish, and plants.
The Rasberry Crazy Ant, an invasive species in Texas, has been identified as Nylanderia fulva, which will aid in controlling its spread. The species is now known to be distributed more widely than initially thought and may have invaded all Gulf Coast states.
A survey of nearly 2,000 US and Canadian science teachers found that one out of four released live animals into the wild, posing a significant risk to invasive species. The study highlights the need for educators and biological supply house owners to be aware of the potential consequences of releasing non-native species.
The University of Nevada, Reno is supporting the commercial harvesting of invasive crayfish at Lake Tahoe to improve clarity and take away a food source for other invasive species. The estimated 220 million crayfish could be harvested, stimulating local tourism and providing a new market for restaurants.
A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers estimates the annual economic cost of ship-borne invasive species in the Great Lakes at $138 million, with potential costs as high as $800 million. Replacing shipping with alternative modes could bring net benefits to society within 30-50 years.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that removing the invasive Tamaligi tree greatly improves the health of its diverse native forests in American Samoa. Native tree species quickly recover and persist after control efforts, while biomass levels are restored to equivalent pre-invasion levels.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that common carp have driven Louisiana red swamp crayfish away from Lake Naivasha, leading to a shift in the food web. The carp's dominance has resulted in the crayfish being forced to eat lower-quality diets, making it nearly impossible to catch them.
Researchers warn that Ireland's indigenous small mammals, such as the wood mouse and pygmy shrew, will die out in up to 80% of their available habitat due to the introduction of foreign species. The study found that invasive species have already led to a significant decline in native species populations.
A new study shows that the arrival of the Harlequin ladybird has led to a rapid decline in historically-widespread species of ladybird in Britain, Belgium, and Switzerland. The research found that five out of eight studied species declined substantially since the Harlequin's arrival.
A comprehensive review examines how climate change affects invasive alien species in Canada, highlighting the urgent need for policy development and further investigation. The study predicts profound consequences for environments, economies, and societies worldwide, including the spread of infectious diseases in the Arctic.
The Notre Dame research team has demonstrated a novel DNA detection method called laser transmission spectroscopy (LTS) that can rapidly determine the size, shape, and number of nanoparticles in suspension. The technique is highly sensitive and takes only a few seconds to score a sample for species presence or absence, making it a prom...
A study published in BioScience found that US East and Gulf Coast ports are disproportionately affected by unmanaged ballast water, allowing invasive species to harm local ecosystems. The West Coast is better protected due to more stringent open-ocean exchange practices.
Researchers argue that economic behavior is linked to ecosystem vulnerability to invasive species. Biological invasions serve as a model for studying general ecological processes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting impacts of global change on ecosystem services.
A new study uses the Tilman model of competition between invasive species to understand how prostate cells invade bone marrow and take over the microenvironment. The research reveals that cancer cells follow a similar path to ecological invasions, highlighting the potential for ecological modeling to understand metastasis.
Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.
Researchers successfully establish and release parasitic fly Cyzenis albicans to control invasive winter moths in four sites. The flies have shown active preying on the moth's young, marking a significant milestone in controlling defoliation of eastern Massachusetts trees.
A new study suggests that the threat posed by invasive Asian carp to the Great Lakes ecosystem is real and warrants action. The research finds that separating the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins through hydrological separation could provide a permanent solution to prevent further ecological and economic harm.
Biological invasions are becoming more frequent worldwide, causing multiple extinctions of native species and economic damage. Hazard-reduction plans could minimize these impacts at a low cost, similar to those for natural disasters.
A University of Georgia researcher developed new models to explain how invasive Asian ladybugs have quickly spread throughout the country and into Canada. The models predict that invasive species feeding on both lower-level food sources and competing species will spread faster.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast warn that the Irish hare faces a serious threat from the invading European 'brown' hare. The study suggests that disease, parasite transmission, and climate change may give the invasive species an edge over native species.
A new University of Florida study has identified the southern US as the origin of invasive red imported fire ants worldwide. The research used molecular genetic markers to track the ants' movements and found that all but one invasion came from the southern US.
Researchers at UC Davis are presenting innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, including electrification of vehicles and producing biofuels. The university is also exploring celestial superfluids, which offer potential breakthroughs in materials science and technology.
A team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame and The Nature Conservancy has successfully validated their environmental DNA (eDNA) technique for detecting invasive Asian carp in the Chicago-area waterway. This breakthrough method, which uses genetic material from aquatic organisms to identify species presence, has been hailed...
Invasive species can halt natural speciation processes, leading to mass extinction events. The Late Devonian ecosystem collapsed due to dominant invasive species, wiping out locally adapted species and preventing new life forms from arising.
A new study reveals that historical socio-economic factors, not current ones, drive alien species richness in Europe. The researchers found that economic activities from 1900 were more influential on the establishment of invasive species than those from 2000.
A study found that 75% of Spanish zoos have insecure animal housing, putting invasive species and the environment at risk. Birds are most likely to escape from these areas, emphasizing the need for improved zoo security measures.
A recent study found that invasive species and over-exploitation of water resources are the biggest threats to fish in the Mediterranean basin. The researchers used data on 232 fish species and their distribution range to show that fish communities are exposed to the greatest threat of extinction when these pressures are present.
Clement Loo, a University of Cincinnati doctoral student, presented his research on invasive species and the Shifting Balance Theory at an international conference. His paper argues that this theory is more nuanced than traditional Fisherian gradual mass selection in understanding the evolution of invasiveness.
A $2.5 million grant from NOAA will support research on invasive species in the Great Lakes, aiming to predict future invasions and develop effective control measures.
Parasites in invasive species can cause significant harm to local invertebrates, fish stocks, and ecosystem services. The discovery challenges previous thinking that parasites-free invaders do well in new locations.
Researchers at NC State University developed a set of guidelines to improve pest-risk mapping, including increasing international collaboration and incorporating climate change. The recommendations aim to increase the accuracy and consistency of pest-risk maps, which inform strategic and tactical management decisions. By addressing unc...