Parvin, F. (2023, November 23). Bangladesh survey records invasive alien plants threatening protected forests Retrieved February 9, 2024, from https://news.mongabay.com/2023/10/bangladesh-survey-records-invasive-alien-plants-threatening-protected-forests/ 

A survey reveals 44 invasive plant species with 7 being harmful, all in 5 five Bangladesh forests. Two foreign plants were introduced to Bangladesh in 1980 in an attempt to gain profits, but today the other five species can be seen in the market and are used for ornamental reasons. These invasive plants are planted around houses, despite the threat they pose to the local environment, one plant known as the “yellow dot” plant (Sphagneticola trilobata) is even poisonous to children and animals. This poisonous plant poses a risk to animals who come in contact with the plant, ultimately disrupting the ecosystem. Also, The 7 invasive plants compete with native plants, and this alters the population of native species and hurts their biodiversity. The survey was intended to improve the identification of invasive species, prevent invasive species from being introduced and spread, as well as raise awareness. 

The article addresses the impact of invasive species and the importance of protecting ecosystems. The article talked about the interactions between exotic and native species, as well as how humans and markets have introduced invasive plants to ecosystems in Bangladesh. I found the article informative and find that it’s right and important that the Bangladesh government is taking steps to protect their native species and restore ecosystems. 

Joshi, A. (2023, November 23). Nepal’s water hyacinth helps exotic fish invade, harming native species: Study Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://news.mongabay.com/2023/11/nepals-water-hyacinth-helps-exotic-fish-invade-harming-native-species-study/ 

A study testing the impact of invasive plant species water hyacinth on exotic fish species in Pokhara, Nepal suggests that the invasive plant is helping exotic fish invade lakes, which is resulting in less biodiversity and a damaged food web.  The study suggests that lakes in Pokhara, Nepal are in danger, and native fish populations are plummeting.  The source of the problem is humans. Humans have used up the land and have caused water pollution. Also, Exotic fish such as Nile tilapia and glassfish were introduced to these lakes by humans, and the invasive plant as well. Luckily change is being implemented, and the Nepal Supreme Court has made policies regarding this matter. On September 28 Nepal’s supreme court issued that all human-made landmarks within 65 meters of the banks of Fewa Lake in Pokhara will be removed. Also, methods are being implemented to remove the invasive plant water hyacinth, for example, uprooting devices are being implemented, but the problem is far from being resolved, and native fish species continue to struggle.  

The article addresses the urgency of controlling the spread of invasive species and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The study showed how exotic fish hurt aquatic ecosystems by providing competition for native fish, and in this case, the additional invasive plant water hyacinth aids in the survival and spread of exotic fishes, showing how invasive species pose immense threats to food webs in ecosystems. But the article also shed light on human impact, and how water pollution has made matters worse. Overall because of humans these lakes face danger, and it’s up to humans to solve this issue. Luckily changes are being made so hopefully water quality will improve, and research will be developed. However, the success of these lakes depends on the success of human conservation efforts, ultimately highlighting the importance of acting early on invasive species and preventing their spread.

Regan, H. (2023, September 5).  Invasive species cost the world $423 billion every year and are causing environmental chaos, UN report finds. Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/05/world/invasive-species-global-threat-report-climate-scn-intl-hnk/index.html 

Every year $432 Billion is spent because of invasive species, as well as 200 new invasive species are introduced every year. Preventing damage caused by invasive species has been very costly and has quadrupled every decade. Even if so much money is being spent, it’s used for a good cause. The $432 Billion has protected the extinction of crops and animals, as well as food security. So without efforts, it’s safe to say that the dangers of invasive species would set back our economy as well as our society. Currently, 37,000 invasive species are known, and out of all those species 3500 stand out as being a  “Severe global threat.” These 3500 species can potentially disrupt agriculture on a global scale by destroying native crops, polluting waterways, and spreading disease. Scientists and researchers believe that the invasive species threat is worsening alongside climate change. So just like with climate change governments are taking action against invasive species and making sure biodiversity is not at threat by invasive species. 

I found it impressive how much money is spent on invasive species, but I believe it’s for the better good, and benefits our economy and society. Globally I hope we continue addressing invasive species and striving in research and development that can help aid our ecosystems and prevent crop loss and biodiversity loss by invasive species. This article gave interesting statistics about invasive species, and ultimately addressed their devastating impacts It talked about how biodiversity is put in danger by the introduction of new invasive species, as well as how our billion-dollar efforts have helped mitigate climate change. The article made sure to address how scientists are working to address the threat of invasive species by developing solutions and policies to help eradicate and detect invasive species.

king, M. (2023, October 19).  DFO monitoring an invasive crayfish species found in N.S. lake. Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://globalnews.ca/news/10036722/dfo-monitoring-an-invasive-crayfish-species-found-in-n-s-lake.

The Invasive species Procambarus clarkii, also known as the Red swamp crayfish, has been found in Canada for the first time in Three Miles Lake. The red swamp crayfish originates in north Mexico and the southern United States, they are a highly invasive generalist species. This species has posed many concerns about the overall health and function of several ecosystems, and unfortunately, damages in Canada can already be seen. The red swamp crayfish disrupts the land by burrowing, and competes with native crawfish for food and shelter,  posing difficulties for native crawfish, and food web stability. Fortunately, researchers are developing solutions, and have partnered with federal and provincial partners. Also, awareness has been raised and spread past Three Mile Lake,  and locals have been advised not to interfere and move the invasive Red swamp crawfish, to prevent the further spread of this invasive species. 

It’s surprising to me how a species can find itself so far from its native environment, but after further thought it makes sense, most of the time an invasive species finds themselves relocated because of some human influence. So it’s important we not only prevent invasive species from further damaging our ecosystem, but also make sure humans don’t disrupt wild animals, and make sure species aren’t moved around by vehicles. Overall the introduction of the Red swamp crayfish has posed a threat to a Canadian ecosystem disrupting its food web, the invasive species hurts the land and biodiversity of this ecosystem, and this not only has an impact on our environment but on climate change as well.

Bayles, T. (2023, August 17). Blueprint created for invasive species removal in Everglades. Retrieved September 5th, 2023, from https://news.wgcu.org/section/environment/2023-08-17/blueprint-created-for-invasive-species-removal-in-everglades

Scientists from the University of Florida after 10 years published a study on the removal of invasive species Spectacled caiman from the Eastern Everglades. Over those ten years, researchers worked on not only reducing the spread of Spectacled caiman, but also the removal of over 200 Spectacled caiman, and today this study provides a blueprint on how to deal with invasive species on a global scale. The researchers, satisfied with their efforts, continue on their project of removing invasive species by developing tools to locate caiman nests using thermal imaging.

This article showed innovative progress and that the health of ecosystems can be improved by humans removing invasive species. I believe that the article shed light on the importance of not only eradicating but monetization of invasive species. The article also made me think about how difficult it must be to not only monitor and dispatch potentially hostile reptiles, but also small ones like insects.

Mentz, Z. (2023, September 6). Invasive insect species infesting elm trees detected in Ohio for first time. Retrieved September 6th, 2023, from

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2023/09/invasive-insect-species-infesting-elm-trees-detected-in-ohio-for-first-time.html 

The Elm Zigzag Sawfly a Invasive insect native to Asia, has shown up in Ohio for the first time. The distinguished fly was detected infesting elm trees, despite there being no recorded elm tree deaths caused by a Elm Zigzag Sawfly, the fly is still capable of notable defoliation, which poses a threat to the overall health of elm trees. So as a solution, The Northern research station will be monitoring the infestation of the fly.

Even if the Zigzag fly isn’t detrimental to Ohio’s ecosystem, it’s still an invasive species that aggravates the overall health of elm trees, which ultimately disrupts Ohio’s ecosystem. Though I believe that the situation is being handled accordingly and that enough effort is being put into solving this problem, yes it’s indeed an invasive species, but the fly is not going to pose any sort of alarming threat.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. ( 2023, August 17). New York State and Cornell University Integrated Pest Management Program Provide an Update on Spotted Lanternfly in New York City. Retrieved September 5th, 2023, from https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-and-cornell-university-integrated-pest-management-program-provide-update

On August 17th in  Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx. Representatives from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management, and the Department of Environmental Conservation gave an update on New York’s Spotted Lanternfly problem along with insight on how New York residents could help to minimize this invasive species population in New York. With the Spotted lanternflies’ large population, New York residents are fed up with these Lanternflies, and agriculture and the economy is at risk of weakening,

The Spotted Lanternfly can harm New York agriculture and forest health, posing a threat to its ecosystems as well as our economy. I support the intentions of the article, that awareness of this problem should be raised, and anybody could help this cause. Help from the public could make a great impact on the depletion of Spotted Lanternflies in New York, which would help protect agriculture and forest health.

Werly, R. ( 2023, August 25). Tree cutting underway at Hartwick Pines State Park for invasive species management. Retrieved September 5th, 2023, from https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/tree-cutting-underway-at-hartwick-pines-state-park-for-invasive-species-management 

In Crawford County Michigan but specifically Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling has had to face several tree removings due to beech bark disease caused by an invasive species. Due to the tree cutting, a popular section of the park known as Old Growth Trail has been temporarily closed, and this has greatly affected the ecotourism of the park since the trail during summer attracts over a hundred visitors per day. The situation is unfortunate as it’s sad to see so many trees go, but the trees need to be cut or trimmed to permit the spread of the disease. 

The article talked about how beech bark disease has affected ecotourism in the park, along with the overall health of the forest. This problem is a threat to forests, and the tree removal crew is doing their best to fix this situation while keeping environmental harm to a minimum. I believe that the situation is being managed properly. Although the article does not go in-depth on beech bark disease, and the invasive species. It is still important to note that the article brings attention to how invasive species pose a threat to forests in Michigan.

Adopt- a- Topic: Invasive Species & Mgt Phase: United States 

Bayles, T. (2023, August 17). Blueprint created for invasive species removal in Everglades. Retrieved September 5th, 2023, from https://news.wgcu.org/section/environment/2023-08-17/blueprint-created-for-invasive-species-removal-in-everglades 

Scientists from the University of Florida after 10 years published a study on the removal of invasive species Spectacled caiman from the Eastern Everglades. Over those ten years, researchers worked on not only reducing the spread of Spectacled caiman, but also the removal of over 200 Spectacled caiman, and today this study provides a blueprint on how to deal with invasive species on a global scale. The researchers, satisfied with their efforts, continue on their project of removing invasive species by developing tools to locate caiman nests using thermal imaging.

This article showed innovative progress and that the health of ecosystems can be improved by humans removing invasive species. I believe that the article shed light on the importance of not only eradicating but monetization of invasive species. The article also made me think about how difficult it must be to not only monitor and dispatch potentially hostile reptiles, but also small ones like insects.