Folar. “29 May Invasive Plant Removal & Bird Surveys in Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve.” Folarorg, 29 May 2020, folar.org/2020/05/29/habitat-restoration-sepulveda-basin/. 

Different types of mustards, such as shortpod and black mustards, are non-native to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve—the only officially designated wildlife reserve within Los Angeles. In an effort to protect the federally-endangered Least Bell’s Vireo bird species, volunteers have been removing the mustards within the reserve. What makes the plant particularly dangerous is its ability to create a thick, near-impenetrable biomass. The California Native Plant Society has found that the removal of the shortpod and black mustards allows them to discover invasive weeds and thistles hiding under the mass. Thus, by removing the mustards and the initially-hidden invasive weeds, significant restoration has occurred; invasives have been eradicated and, in turn, pollinating, native plants have been transplanted in their place.

The emphasis on community here is quite striking. Numerous volunteers and advocacy committees stepped up to help with this ambitious project, such as the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Steering Committee and Encino-Lake Balboa Neighborhood Councils. Given the aforementioned steps needed to help restore the area’s biodiversity and protect endangered birds, this communal effort was necessary to make a substantial difference. According to the Friends of the LA River Group, “All together, this project re-establishes native vegetation, improves wildlife habitat, reduces fire hazard, and addresses climate change by assisting drought-tolerant native plant species.” Such noticeable restoration efforts were able to happen by first educating the surrounding community and then calling on them to use their newfound knowledge to help make a difference in their local reserve ecosystems. Volunteers were specifically trained to identify targeted bird species, carry out crucial data collection in the field, and monitor the bird population in the area. Unfortunately, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers are unable to continue helping at this time, but their impact is clear in the reduced invasive species and flourishing bird populations.

Weiss, Abby. “A Big Rat in Congress Helped California Farmers in Their War Against Invasive Species.” Inside Climate News, 7 Dec. 2020, insideclimatenews.org/news/05072020/california-agriculture-invasive-species-nutria-farming/#:~:text=The%20nutria%20is%20one%20of,and%20polluting%20canals%2C%20Harder%20said.

The nutria, a large swamp rat, has been causing extensive damage throughout California’s Central Valley. They are native to South America, but were brought over to California in the 1800s to help grow the fur farm industry. Especially in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region, these rats have heavily jeopardized the soil and water supply in the area. What’s more, they’ve also been known to cause flooding (by damaging local irrigation canals) and carbon sink destruction (by eating enormous amounts of plants and other carbon dioxide-absorbing organisms). Their persistent ravaging and invasive destruction have been harming the area’s economy, so much so that California Representative Josh Harder brought a stuffed nutria carcass into the floor of the House to convince the representatives to pass a nutria-eradication bill. 

This article is particularly unique because it focuses on passing legislation related to invasive species in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. While the prominence of the nutria is worrying–it’s established in 17 states now–it can often be difficult in politics to justify allocating money towards the prevention of invasive species when humans are suffering. After all, the proposed bill would provide $12 million to assist with nutria eradication (with California receiving a substantial portion of $10 million). Oftentimes, it’s easy to only focus on short-term issues, especially when humans are involved. It’s common rhetoric to hear certain parties shout “People over owls!” or whatever the animal in question is, claiming that putting money towards animal eradication or preservation is a waste, bad for suffering humans, and insensitive to the economy. Even so, it’s absolutely necessary to consider the long-term implications of legislation like that of nutria eradication. According to Harder, “For the last year, the rodents have plagued California’s Central Valley region, posing risks to agriculture and the environment by eating up crops and polluting canals.”

“California’s Invaders: Southern Watersnake.” CDFW Prod, 1 Aug. 2020, wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Southern-Watersnake#:~:text=In%20California%2C%20southern%20watersnakes%20are,reservoir%20along%20the%20American%20River.

Southern watersnakes, while not venomous, have proven to be an invasive species, especially in the Sacramento area. It’s believed that these snakes were introduced into the wild by pet owners, deterred by the ill-tempered and smelly nature of these snakes. Like many invasive species, these southern watersnakes out-compete native and at-times threatened species for space, resources, and food. Specifically in northern California, the snakes are currently intimidating the federally-threatened giant garter snake. A combination of their freshwater-wetland habitat, overland dispersion abilities, and high reproductive rates, the watersnakes are interfering with the garter snake population’s dependence on their wetland habitat and native fish-amphibian food diet.

Already, the southern watersnakes have established themselves in the Sacramento River, along a Folsom marsh, near Lake Natoma, and in Machado Lake. While many invasive species tend to come from other countries and continents, these snakes are actually native to the southeastern United States. I found this point interesting, especially the origin story behind it. It’s thought that the snakes were introduced in Texas through a snake dealer from the area. However, they managed to escape captivity into the wild during a hurricane. As of 2008, these snakes were no longer allowed to be imported into California without a permit. While it might seem humorous that the snakes became invasive as a result of a faulty local dealer and unfortunate weather, this specific situation demonstrates the necessity of caution when dealing with animal species. Invasive species don’t need to come from another continent to be dangerous; a mixup in Texas can lead to the potential extinction of another threatened garter snake species in California. With this in mind, exercising caution should be at the forefront. It’s easier to be especially careful when dealing with species as a preemptive measure than to later try to clean up the ecological and environmental consequences of an invasive species in the future. Sometimes these issues can’t be resolved, reinstating the necessity of caution in the first place.

“African Clawed Frog.” Newport Bay Conservancy, Sep. 2020, newportbay.org/wildlife/reptiles-amphibians/african-clawed-frog/.

The African Clawed frog, initially brought over to the United States for tests on frog pregnancy, had come to be an invasive species in California. These frogs have a tendency to stay underwater for long periods of time, making them often difficult to discover and thus eradicate. In Big Canyon, California, populations established themselves many years before the general populace caught on—by then, however, it was much too late to eradicate them. The African Clawed frogs have now established themselves in the area; because they thrive in the given habitat and its climate, removing and controlling the species has proven to be extremely difficult. Even so, scientists have decided that attempting to regulate the frogs in the area is the most feasible step forward. At the moment, environmentalists at Big Canyon are replacing the existing pond with a freshwater one and draining the pond sequentially to help maintain the frog population.

An interesting takeaway from this article is how crucial it is to avoid introducing new species to an environment and, if unavoidable, to swiftly intervene as soon as possible. Unfortunately, these steps did not occur in the case of the African Clawed frogs. After the frogs were used for the preliminary pregnancy tests in the labs, they became a popular pet at aquariums. However, these frogs populate at prodigious raes—one estimate suggests that over 100,000 lived in a single water body. The problem now reaches beyond Big Canyon and the frogs have been spotted throughout Orange County as well. The article leaves the reader with a quick, to-the-point request: “You can do your part, too. Please don’t release exotic pets into the wild.” To that note, this example certainly wasn’t a tale of optimism. Native species and their surrounding environments are suffering because of uneducated individuals releasing their pet frogs into the wild and, subsequently, environmentalists who were unable to intervene quickly enough. It can often seem easy to point fingers in situations like this, but it’s more productive to consider that educating the populace on the damaging effects of invasive species could help prevent issues like these from spiraling out of control.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Invasive Species Fact Sheet: Piranha, Family Characidae.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1 Aug. 2020, nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=86499&inline. 

Piranhas are freshwater fish commonly known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth. While they tend to hover around 12 inches in length, they’ve been known to reach over 16 inches. It’s important to note that while piranhas aren’t yet an invasive species in California, their given characteristics in combination with a Californian climate have made many scientists especially wary about the potential consequences should they be introduced into the wild. The most likely possibility for this would be if an aquarium owner released a pet piranha. At the moment, piranhas cannot be imported, transported, or possessed without a permit in California as a preemptive measure against their potential release.

This article was interesting because it considers the potential impacts that piranhas might have on California ecosystems, native species, and environments. This worry seems to stem from the fact that a piranha was actually found in a pond in Riverside in 1987, a park pond in Santa Barbara in 1989, and a lake in Ventura in 1998. Luckily, they never populated, but the potential impacts they could have if they did spread would be dangerous, possibly irreversible. Not only do piranhas prey on native species, but they also compete with these species for their habitats and food sources, harming native biodiversity as well. It’s interesting to consider how the California Department of Fish and Wildlife compiled this piranha fact guide preemptively, even though piranhas have yet to become fully established as an invasive species. Guides like these provide an interesting perspective on the importance of information regarding invasive species; having comprehensive articles like these are especially helpful for scientists and everyday citizens in the event that a piranha is found. With accessible knowledge, these issues can be confronted quickly and, hopefully, with successful efficiency and eradication.

Reports, F. (2020, September 04). Invasive European frog-bit found in Mid-Michigan. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://www.manisteenews.com/local-news/article/Invasive-European-frog-bit-found-in-Mid-Michigan-15542224.php

European frog-bit is a type of invasive plant that’s recently been found in a handful of Michigan’s lakes, most prominently located in the Waterloo Recreational Area. First detected in southeastern parts of Michigan in 1996, this plant – often compared to a densely-matted water lily with leaves – has quickly spread across the Peninsula and beyond. This can mostly be attributed to human transportation and movement, attaching onto boat motors, trailers, and other aquatic gear. Though unintentional, the spread of this invasive species is harmful for Michigan’s environment; as the frog-bit thrives in its aquatic ecosystem and grows denser, it assumes a mat-like formation that impedes and alters habitats for ducks and fish. Measures such as detailed surveys of lakes and even the careful hand-removal of visible plants continues in Michigan to try and combat this plant’s spread.

I found this article particularly interesting because of how it explained the plant’s method of travel that ultimately allowed it to become an invasive species. For example, it describes, “While waterfowl, currents and stream flow can spread the plant and its seeds, European frog-bit, like most invasive species, travels farther and faster by human movement.” It’s interesting to consider the role humans play in the spread of these harmful species; oftentimes, people are painted as the subjects combating these invasive plants and animals, not aiding their spread. However, similar to the case of zebra mussels, this species has evolved in a manner that promotes expansion and widespread transfer of seeds which human transportation naturally assists, albeit unintentionally. Thus, the power to eradicate this species lies heavily on the shoulders of individuals living in Michigan, specifically those who interact with these aquatic environments often. By taking the time to make sure that one’s trailer or boat motor is free of aquatic organisms, these small tasks will hopefully have a large impact in the future.

Reports, S. (2020, August 21). Managers work to control spread of northern pike at Lake Roosevelt. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/aug/24/managers-work-to-control-spread-of-northern-pike-a/

The Spokane Tribe and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have been forced to come up with creative solutions due to the invasive presence of northern pike in Washington lakes, most notably Lake Roosevelt and Lake Spokane. These pike are especially dangerous to native salmon and steelhead populations, due to their aggressive nature and voracious predation habits. Fish biologists are moderating the situation and trying a multitude of diverse approaches to best combat this invasive species. One of the biggest setbacks they face lie in the tendencies of the pike in question: they can live for more than 20 years, can consume more than 75% of their body length, they populate exceptionally quickly, and a female can produce nearly 250,000 eggs. These characteristics make the pike especially difficult to manage, but Washington biologists are still working to eradicate the species, even under the pressure of Covid-19 restrictions.

This article quickly brought up some setbacks these biologists are facing in relation to the current pandemic, something unique to many other invasive species articles. The lead fish biologist for Colville Tribe Fish and Wildlife Department, Holly McLellan, explains how “the field crews started suppression four months late due to the COVID-19 pandemic [and] we began limited sampling in June… catch rates have been low this year with only 265 northern pike removed. However, we have had a positive angler response with 390 heads turned in for the $10 reward so far this year. We will continue suppression work through November.” Even under these pressures, there have been some effective measures that I found especially interesting. On top of listing the northern pike as a prohibited species and generally prohibiting its transportation, the department also has not only removed all fishing limits on pike fishing but actually encourages fisherman to catch as many as they can. They’ve also implemented certain suppression programs in heavily-affected lake watersheds, and currently offer a high bounty of $10 for each fish head turned in. Once again, there’s an emphasis on community and local engagement here. I think it’s very informative to see how policies and regulations are directly tied in to the surrounding community—the use of monetary incentives and removal of fishing daily harvest limits are all good examples of this.

Domel, J. (2020, April 01). Invasive wild pigs continue to threaten fields. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://texasfarmbureau.org/invasive-wild-pigs-continue-to-threaten-planted-fields/

Texan farmers are currently facing a farming crisis at the hands – or, perhaps, hooves – of invasive wild pigs. According to Dr. John Tomecek, a wildlife specialist at Texas AgriLife Extension Service, there’s estimated to be over 5 million feral hogs in Texas alone. Each sow can have potentially 3 litters a year, meaning the population is constantly growing if regulations are not put into place. These pigs have a largely negative impact on the farming community: they destroy freshly-planted seeds, degrade water quality of nearby rivers, introduce E.coli to these streams, and prey on livestock or other small creatures in the area. While there are some smaller-scale solutions for farmers that include traps and hunting, there are currently no toxicant options for eradicating these wild pigs on a large scale.

Dr. John Tomecek brought up many interesting points throughout the article. He mentioned some potential solutions, as well as how effective each might be for suffering farmers. One option is large corral style traps that catch the whole sounder (group of pigs) at once; however, if not all the feral hogs in the group are caught, the survivors will learn how to avoid these traps in the future. Another option is hunting the pigs using dogs, a practice that can help to drive out large groups, though GPS trackers indicate that the groups will eventually return overtime. A final option that has proven to be particularly effective is hunting the pigs from a helicopter; this bird-eye-view angle proves to be especially helpful in eradicating this invasive species. This emphasis on communal eradication – where every farmer does what they can to help drive out the wild pigs – seems heavily ingrained in Texas’ approach to managing this invasive species. I found it interesting to hear Tomecek specifically touch on the importance of perseverance when it comes to difficult species such as the hog in question, explaining, “Even when you think you’ve gotten all the pigs, I promise you these are still some there, and we need to keep that pressure on it we’re even going to make a difference.”

Coordinator, O. (2020, October 14). American Bullfrog – Invasive Predator. Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://www.oregoninvasivespeciescouncil.org/news-channel/2020/10/14/american-bullfrog-invasive-predator

The American bullfrog, typically found and native to Eastern United States, has become a highly invasive species in Oregon. They are also considered invasive in other parts of the world, including South America, Asia, and Europe. What makes the bullfrog especially harmful is their capability to spread Ranavirus, an infectious disease passed among amphibian populations that has a mortality rate of 90-100%. This disease is significantly harming native frog populations in Oregon as well as the chytrid fungus. Additionally, female bullfrogs can lay 20,000 eggs at a time which is nearly tenfold the amount that a native female frog might lay.

An interesting takeaway from this article was how the Oregon Invasive Species Council suggests locals (but preferably experts) help in the eradication of this invasive species. According to this article, they emphasize the importance of identifying the species to make sure that it is clearly the American bullfrog; specifically, they suggest that people note that adult females tend to be 7-8 inches long, have dark spots, gold eyes, and large eardrums. I thought it was interesting how blunt and to-the-point the council is with their instructions: “Kill adult females as early in the spring as possible (when they first emerge from hibernation) to prevent the large number of eggs that they disperse… it is advised to destroy eggs when they are discovered which are easily identifiable by their large size.” Words like “kill” and “destroy” jumped off the page for me, suggesting a sense of desperation. In that same vein, people don’t even need to obtain a permit to kill these bullfrogs, indicating the urgency behind their eradication for the safety of the native amphibian population, as well as the maintenance of biodiversity on a larger scale.

Florida’s Snakes: Burmese Python. (2020, April 13). Retrieved November 14, 2020, from https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/burmesepython.shtml

The Burmese Python is commonly found in Southern Florida, and tends to live in freshwater habitats. These snakes thrive best in aquatic places such as marshes or canals, and are commonly found in the Everglades. Initially considered pets, the pythons escaped from their owners’ homes and adapted to the surrounding ecosystem. Though they currently reside mainly in the south, scientists worry that these snakes will be able to adapt to forested habitats and thus be able to spread farther north and perhaps to other southeastern parts of the United States. They have a diverse diet consisting of birds, mice, bobcat, rabbits, raccoons, deer, and even alligators—their invasive presence could potentially threaten biodiversity in certain parts of Florida.

This article was interesting because it mentioned specifically how the pythons became an invasive species, and it’s quite unconventional. Oftentimes, invasive species are introduced on purpose to certain habitats as an attempt to solve a certain issue but only end up introducing a new problem—for example, the Cane Toad in Australia was introduced as a way to help eat insects harming crops, but in turn killed off native species. The Burmese Python, on the other hand, became an invasive species in Florida because people who owned them as pets either intentionally released them or the snakes escaped. The climate and aquatic biomes of Florida provide an ideal environment for the pythons to grow and thrive, despite not being native to Florida. The diverse wildlife in Florida’s freshwater swamps and their expansive diet allow them to populate quickly, growing up to 20 feet in size at the largest.