Ma’ia’i, L. (2020, April 18). Boom time for New Zealand’s rats as lockdown gives them free rein in cities. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/18/boom-time-for-new-zealands-rats-as-lockdown-gives-them-free-rein-in-cities-aoe

As a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, New Zealand has been finding it difficult to manage the plethora of rats that have suddenly emerged. The vermin population grew significantly in 2019 as a result of a successful production of seeds, but when pest control halted because of the lockdown, rats are facing virtually no threat as they seemingly “colonize” urban spaces. While this is naturally a public health concern, it’s also an environmental threat– this invasive species has significantly harmed the Kiwi population due to their flightless and thus extremely vulnerable nature. Shockingly enough, the most effective management of vermin during lockdown has been private trapping, which many residents have made into a competition of sorts.

This article capitalizes on the pros and cons of the lockdown from a strictly environmental standpoint. On the surface, it’s easy to see the sudden halt in car emissions, factory pollutants, and carbon emissions to name a few as a great thing for the environment. However, this example exhibits how this stagnancy is reflected in the management of invasive species, in turn significantly hurting more vulnerable native species. On the bright side, it’s good to see citizens coming together to try and fight the vermin by making the situation into a competition of “who can catch the biggest rat?” or “who can catch the most?”. While this likely stems from a public-health perspective, these measures are nonetheless important when it comes to uniting as a community to help protect native species that are at risk.

UN Environment. (2020, February 11). Kenyan women fight invasive species by planting indigenous trees. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/kenyan-women-fight-invasive-species-planting-indigenous-trees

Zipporah Matumbi, a Kenyan environmental activist, is involved in a program called the Tree Establishment for Livelihood Improvement Scheme that works to preserve indigenous trees in forests overrun by invasive species. For example, the eucalyptus tree is invasive in the environment she lives in, and its large consumption of water affects the river levels; this, in turn, prompted her to bring together a group of women to plant native African bamboo in its place. What started as a small project has evolved exponentially as she is now in charge of 12 different groups. They are currently focused on replacing the invasive lantana camara flower with native trees to help the environment.

Matumbi’s hands-on manner of dealing with invasive species has greatly inspired many women to volunteer with the Kenya Forest Service in her area, once again reinstating the importance of an informed public when dealing with invasive species and environmental issues in general. It’s interesting to hear about their approach to preventing the spread of the lantana by digging up the roots “to suppress their regrowth and prepare the area for rehabilitation by introducing indigenous trees”. Her emphasis on protecting the environment shows beyond her volunteer work– she’s brought in experts to learn how to avoid dependency on unsustainable methods and forest practices, as well as encouraging members of her local community to dispose of lantana on their own properties and farms. This communal system is really fascinating and shows how when an entire community is committed to protecting their local ecosystems and environments, change is more accessible and less daunting than it may initially seem.

Ontario Continues to Take Action Against Invasive Species. (2020, February 13). Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://news.ontario.ca/mnr/en/2020/02/ontario-continues-to-take-action-against-invasive-species.html

Ontario, the only Canadian jurisdiction with a “stand-alone invasive species legislation” has been looking into sustainable ways to best approach an influx of invasive species in their province. Recently, the government has been trying to prevent the entry and spread of 13 species in order to protect both their environment and economy. Measures such as the 2015 Invasive Species Act and the allocation of over $2 million towards research are steps to help protect native plants and valuable ecosystems from the spread of invasive species across the province.

This report shed light on the importance of governmental action and funding to help prevent invasive species. John Yakabuski, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, discussed how these steps at the government level are necessary to “preserve and enhance the economic opportunities that ecosystems provide for our communities and industries.” I found this article interesting because of its emphasis on securing a healthy environment for the future generations which should be a priority across all countries when dealing with invasive species. Not only is the Canadian government dedicating funds towards the research, management, and monitoring of possible spreads, but they are also investing in the promotion of public education on invasive species’ negative impacts on the ecosystem, economy, and indigenous species.

India

NewIndianXpress. (2020, March 19). Flora at fight. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/mar/19/flora-at-fight-2118473.html

There is a large debate rising in India about what is considered an “invasive species”, mainly concerning the Eucalyptus tree or other ornamental plants that bear flowers. Some argue that plants like these are detrimental to the biodiversity of Indian ecosystems or areas, while others claim that these areas have adapted to the species and that the invasive species is actually benefiting the environment. Additionally, there has been debate on when such a species can be considered a functionable habitat for animals or insects, or when it has coexisted for a long enough time with a native species.

While there is a lot of debate on whether or not certain species are in fact detrimental to a given environment, there is a collected consensus in India regarding the importance of preserving native species over invasive ones, mainly because indigenous species help encourage a healthier ecosystem. Journalist Seetha Gopalakrishnan builds on this idea, saying that “Although there are environments that have adapted to invasive species, any ecosystem would be more productive with the presence of a native plant species”. I liked this article because it didn’t undercut the difficulty of removing invasive plants; instead, it explained realistic solutions to better the environment, something that should be a given for environmental science as a whole. While it’s difficult to dig up every invasive species, it’s more accessible to give urban planners indigenous plant species to use instead of invasive ones.

Nathaniel Bloomfield and Professor Andrew Robinson. (2020, February 18). The wicked risks of biosecurity: Invasive species in Australia. Retrieved June 29, 2020, from https://phys.org/news/2020-02-wicked-biosecurity-invasive-species-australia.html

Invasive species are becoming more prominently a threat to the economy, lifestyle and welfare in Australia. Some examples of their invasive species are the cane toad, tramp ant, and the fall army worm which are difficult to manage and control. In this sense, biosecurity has come to be an important tool to consider in the management of invasive species. It is meant to stop these species from entering a country, to regulate them if they do arrive, and to eradicate their spread; however, there are threats and risks that come with using biosecurity, arising from the unpredictability of the species it seeks to prevent.

This article was interesting because it highlighted the necessity of some form of biosecurity, while also explaining how it can be improved to better benefit the welfare of Australians. Taking the tramp ant as an example, the article touched on the devastating effects of this invasive species– it would threaten farming, livestock, marsupials, native insects, and humans. The article alluded to a foundation of environmental science: the importance of the general public. It explained how the success of biosecurity is dependent on an informed public, simply because active surveillance is difficult in terms of its many expenses and lack of resources. I think this helps to show why being aware of invasive species in one’s environment (or just being aware of issues threatening the area you live in) can be a way of helping to manage invasive species. After all, the article was sure to point out that “an early report can make the difference between something becoming established or being eradicated.”