Negron, J., & Liebhold, A. M. (2025, December 16). Spread of the invasive emerald ash borer in urban forests. USDA Forest Service. https://research.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/articles/spread-invasive-emerald-ash-borer-urban-forests 

The emerald ash borer is an invasive species that attacks and kills ash trees. It was accidentally introduced into the United States from Asia and first discovered in Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has spread quickly across the eastern United States, killing most ash trees in areas it has invaded. In Colorado, the insect was found in a boulder in 2013, but later it was found along the Front Range. Scientists found that the emerald ash borer spreads faster in cities where ash trees are more common than in natural forests, making it harder for the insect to move. Insecticide treatments and Colorado’s drier climate also help slow the insect population growth.

This article shows how invasive species can cause serious damage, but also how local conditions can reduce their impacts. I think the slower the spread of the emerald ash borer in Colorado, the better, because it gives communities more time to prevent this problem and protect their trees. Ash trees provide shade, lower summer temperatures, and help reduce energy costs in cities. Losing them would be harmful to communities and also expensive. This article shows the importance of early management and planning when dealing with an invasive species. If communities act early and use scientific research, they can reduce the damage and protect the environment.

Alvarez, J. (2025, November 10). We are no match for the invasive lionfish, the feral hog of the sea. Texas Monthly. https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/invasive-lionfish-gulf-spearfishing/ 

This article explains how lionfish, an invasive species from India and East Asia, are causing serious damage to the Gulf of Mexico’s underwater ecosystems. These Lionfish likely entered the U.S. through aquarium releases and now have spread rapidly because they have no natural predators in the Gulf. They eat almost any fish that they can get, mostly young fish. This, in turn, has led to major declines in native species and has harmed many coral reefs. Scientists have reported that a single lionfish can reduce native fish populations by up to 79%. Because Lionfish reproduce extremely quickly, removing them is impossible. Currently, the only way to control their population is to hunt them one by one.

This article shows just how dangerous invasive species can be, even when they appear harmless. I think it’s also alarming that this was most likely a human-caused problem. The damage these Lionfish cause not only affects marine life but also the fishing industry and the coral reefs that many communities depend on. The fact that scientists have to rely on divers to kill these lionfish shows just how serious an invasive species can be once established. This also underscores the importance of preventing an invasive species before it becomes detrimental.

Hoskins, L. (2025, October 14). Florida vs. the Burmese python: How an invasive giant is changing the Sunshine State. Florida Museum UF. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/blog/florida-vs-the-burmese-python-how-an-invasive-giant-is-changing-the-sunshine-state/ 

This article explains how the Burmese python, which was an invasive species originally from Southeast Asia, has changed Florida’s ecosystem. It was introduced mainly through the exotic pet trade, the python has now slowly established itself throughout South Florida. As of large and highly effective predator, it has caused a massive decline in most Native wildlife, which are crucial for the ecosystem. Scientists report that some mammal populations have declined by more than 90 percent in areas where pythons are most common. A parasite called snake lungworm has made the problem even worse, now it’s killing native snakes across many Florida counties. Although more than 23,000 pythons have been removed, experts believe this represents only a small fraction of the total population. Removing them all is nearly impossible.

The article highlights how damaging an invasive species can be once it’s established and has a large population. I think the Burmese python is especially alarming because it has completely disrupted the food web of the Everglades and continues to threaten other endangered species, such as the Florida panther. It also shows how strict regulations are on exotic pet trades. Once an animal such as the pythons spreads, even advanced tools like public hunts and detection dogs are too slow to chip the problem. This example makes it clear again that early action is necessary, as are strong environmental policies, to prevent future invasions before they cause irreversible harm.

Becker, R. (2025, November 4). ‘Emerging threat’: An invasive species is upending life in the Delta, with no help on the way. CalMatters. https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2025/11/tiny-invaders-golden-mussels-delta/ 

Golden mussels, an invasive species native to Asia, have spread rapidly in the Delta in just 1 year. Thick colonies that cover boats, docks, and underwater pipes cause serious problems for water systems used by cities and farms. These muscles breed and multiply very quickly and can clog pumps and water intakes, putting many drinking water supplies and agricultural areas at risk. Farmers and water managers are now seeing many mussels piling up on equipment. The economic damage can be huge, since mussels already cost billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and repairs. Even though the invasion is growing rapidly, the state does not have a specific plan or funding to help the Delta deal with the damage.

The article shows how invasive species can cause major environmental and economic problems, especially when they are not addressed early on. I think it’s very concerning that this problem is being overlooked, even though it’s at the center of the invasion and a populated area with farms and ecosystems. The mussels threaten not only boats and other recreational activities, but also water supplies that millions of people rely on. If nothing is done, farmers could lose crops, cities could face higher water costs, and a lot of communities may be forced to relocate. This situation shows how important it is for the state and federal governments to act quickly and support local communities before problems become too big to handle.

Kyriakoulis, V. (2025, September 15). Fruit fly tests in Greece target invasive species threat. phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-fruit-fly-greece-invasive-species.html

In northern Greece, a group of scientists have launched a project to fight the threat of global food security from fruit flies in a project called REACT. The Invasive fruit flies arrived from Asia through human activities such as trade and transportation, which allowed them to travel further than they are naturally capable of. Warmer temperatures in the Mediterranean also make it easier for the fruit flies to survive. In Greece, the flies threaten crops by reproducing quickly and outcompeting native insects. As a result, scientists are using sterile male flies to reduce their populations without harming other species of ecosystems. This solution shows how invasive species are often a result of human activity, as well as climate change making more places suitable for tropical species. It also highlights how managing some invasive species can be done without chemicals or intervention. Using methods that align with their natural life cycle and behaviors can make the solution more sustainable.

This article connects to environmental science because it highlights how humans, climate change, and global transportation can accidentally introduce invasive species that disrupt entire ecosystems and agriculture. The fruit flies in Greece dramatically impact crops, which shows how it affects ecosystems and humans. I found this article really interesting because it is the most creative, and thought out solution I have seen. Using sterile male flies instead of chemicals shows how the solution can be within nature instead of using complicated science to combat the issue. It made me realize that solving environmental problems often takes creative thinking and the answer can actually be within the species behaviors.

Hoskins L. (2025, October 14). Florida vs. the Burmese Python: How an Invasive Giant is Changing the Sunshine State. Thompson Earth Systems Institute. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/blog/florida-vs-the-burmese-python-how-an-invasive-giant-is-changing-the-sunshine-state/

Florida’s famous Everglades have significantly changed due to the invasive Burmese Pythons. The 200 pound snakes were originally brought from southeast asia for the exotic animal industry, however they were most likely released or escaped, after Hurricane Andrew in the 90s, and found Florida’s climate to be suitable for their tropical nature. Not only have the pythons forced their way into the food web by hunting prey due to their generalist behavior, but they have also brought lungworm that has killed many native snakes. The article reported declines in mammals up to 90% in some areas, such as raccoons, opossums, and bobcats. The pythons are hard to detect with their camouflage and wetland habitat. Wildlife researchers are advocating for stronger policies and more education to prevent the everglades from being completely destroyed. Unfortunately, biologists believe long term management is the only realistic way to keep the species in check, but pythons should serve as a lesson that prevention is more effective than control.

This article is a strong example of a generalist species that invades a native habitat. Burmese pythons can eat a wide variety of prey which allows them to survive and reproduce quickly in south Florida. Additionally, the article’s warning about global warming in northern areas that pose threats to the species expansion demonstrates how climate change impacts native and non-native species in unseen ways. By drastically reducing the mammal populations, pythons destroy the ecosystem and natural energy flow. This also highlights the dangers of human activity, prioritizing the exploitation of exotic animals for profit, and risking a permanently changed ecosystem. Personally, I was shocked by how much damage one species has caused in a relatively short amount of time. It’s disturbing that a mistake led to the destruction of an entire ecosystem, and their ability to camouflage and establish themselves so well makes the situation feel almost hopeless, because eradication is now out of the picture.

Gutierrez, B. (2026, January 23). Invasive ramie moth caterpillar found on Kauai. Hawaii News Now. https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/01/23/invasive-ramie-moth-caterpillar-found-kauai/

Hawaiian Authorities recently found invasive Ramie Moth Caterpillars on the island of Kauai. The invasive insect was first detected on the island of Maui in 2018, but has since been found on other islands and most recently on Kauai, most likely due to their ability to fly and disperse long distances, as well as the fact that they reproduce extremely quickly, with each female laying up to 200 eggs. The caterpillars are native to Asia and were accidentally introduced through human trade. While it is still unclear, it is predicted that eggs or larvae rode on imported plants or crops that were being brought in for agriculture. The caterpillars are a major threat to the indigenous Mamaki plant and indigenous snails. To control the spread of the caterpillars, authorities encourage individuals to report any presence of the insect and send it in to prevent their spread. 

This article relates to AP environmental science because the Ramie moth competes with native species, which reduces the resources available for species such as the Kamehameha butterfly. This is an example of interspecific competition where an invasive species outcompetes a native species for a resource. This article was saddening because Hawaii is known for such beautiful and unique endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world, such as the kamehameha butterfly. If outcompeted by the caterpillars, the butterflies could go extinct forever. The story also made me appreciate the power of public action and awareness, especially because the people of Hawaii are proud of the islands’ beauty, and therefore are willing to protect by helping authorities report the caterpillars to reduce the threat.  This serves as a valuable lesson that regular people can help prevent invasive species from harming native organisms by doing small acts like reporting caterpillars to ensure that the native butterfly lives on.

 Hadjicostis M. (2026, January 25). Invasive species become tavern delicacy in Cyprus. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2026/jan/25/invasive-species-becomes-tavern-delicacy-in-cyprus/

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is addressing the invasive species of Lionfish in their waters. Lionfish are native to the Red sea, however, they have invaded the Mediterranean through the Suez canal, partially because of the warming temperatures of the sea that allow the species to thrive. The fish have no natural predators in the region, and feed aggressively on native species, which causes declines in local fish populations that not only are important to the aquatic ecosystem, but also for the people in Cyprus to eat. To manage this, local governments and the European Union are encouraging fishermen to catch the Lionfish and sell them to restaurants. Chefs remove their venomous spines and serve the fish. Although native fish are still being threatened and should be addressed, the problem has a partial solution by providing a source of income for fishermen while also reducing the numbers of the fish. 

This article relates to environmental science because not only does it reflect topics like invasive species and loss of biodiversity in the Mediterranean, but also climate change and human intervention. Rising ocean temperatures in the Mediterranean allow the lionfish to thrive in conditions similar to the Red sea, which reveals another layer of the effects of climate change. I thought this solution was creative and practical because it motivates people to adapt and supports local fishermen. It’s also interesting because this solution is becoming widespread all over the world as lionfish invade waters, such as the Caribbean and Atlantic coast. Overall, while I think this is a relatively harmless solution, it is also disheartening to know that this represents one of the many cases of invasive species caused by human faults and intervention such as the Suez canal and ships that allow species to invade beyond their native waters.

Edwards, O. (2026, January 20). Asian hornet sighting in Wales prompts government warning. BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3z94q2gn0o

In an article by BBC, it was reported that the Welsh government issued an alert after finding the first Asian hornet nest near the city of Wrexham. The hornets originated from Asia, where other bee species have evolved to defend themselves against their top predators. However, the hornets have reached the United Kingdom accidentally through international trade, where they threaten Honey bees by hunting them outside of their hives, invading nests, and killing bees. European bees don’t have familiarity or adaptation like the ones in Asia, causing entire colonies to be at risk of falling apart. This would reduce the number of pollinators in the area, harm ecosystems, lower crop yields, and mess up entire food chains.The government is working with the National Bee Unit to find the hornets and remove their nests as soon as possible. This article shows how threatening invasive species can be on keystone species in foreign ecosystems.

This report connects to environmental science by showing how even small invasive insects can disrupt such big ecosystems. Because bees are essential to pollination as a keystone species, if hornets reduce their population, plant reproduction, food chains, and agriculture will all be changed for the worse. Additionally, Asian hornets and bees in general are r-selected species, and reproduce quickly, making their removal very difficult once they settle into a new location. This article made it scary to think that one small insect could harm an entire ecosystem, and it’s unsettling how one accident in the midst of international trade can have such big consequences. However, it also gives me hope because it shows how early detection is crucial to combating invasive species by tackling them before the population grows.