invasive species

San Luis Obispo County uses dogs and more to inspect for invasive mussels in local lakes
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San Luis Obispo County uses dogs and more to inspect for invasive mussels in local lakes

New Times San Luis Obispo. (2023, July 06). SLO County uses dogs and more to inspect for invasive mussels in local lakes. Retrieved September 04, 2023, from https://www.newtimesslo.com/news/slo-county-uses-dogs-and-more-to-inspect-for-invasive-mussels-in-local-lakes-14070905 

 

Quagga and Zebra mussels, not native to California are being found in lakes throughout it making them an invasive species. These mussels lay up to a million eggs up to three times per year. They outcompete native species for food, damage boats, and reduce water quality. To get rid of these mussels, boat inspections are done before and after they enter lakes. During these inspections, people find the large mussels, and dogs sniff out the hard-to-see juveniles. Boaters also “wash the hulls thoroughly, remove all plant and animal material, drain and dry all areas including the lower outboard unit, dispose of any unused bait in the trash, and empty and dry any buckets”(Rajagopal).

 

This article is related to environmental science because it talks about two invasive species and the damage they cause to the environments they get introduced to. This damage comes from these fast-reproducing animals out-competing other species for food, destroying many species shelters like algae, and lowering water quality. This can ruin the lakes for not just the organisms in the lakes, but also people who go fishing for food, and organisms in the surrounding area. Thankfully an effort is being made against these invasive mussels from entering other lakes through inspections and protocols for boats entering and leaving the lakes. I found this article interesting since I have never heard of freshwater invasive mussels in California. However, I do find the approach to stop the mussels very effective in preventing them from entering new bodies of water. We still need better techniques to get rid of the mussels already in the lakes in my opinion.

What are nutria? The invasive species affecting California’s waterways
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What are nutria? The invasive species affecting California’s waterways

FOX 40. (2023, June 07). What are nutria? The invasive species affecting California’s waterways. Retrieved September 04, 2023, from https://fox40.com/news/california-connection/nutria-california-waterways/ 

 

Nutria are a semi-aquatic rodent that lives in freshwater wetlands, rivers, and channels. Unlike beavers and muskrats, they are not native to California or anywhere in the United States. However, they are invasive in 20 states with California being the newest one. They reproduce quickly, grow up to 20 pounds, are two feet long with big feet and yellow to orange teeth. They eat up to 25% of their weight and an additional 10% of food is wasted and thrown out each day. They make soil unstable in wetlands by consuming vegetation that holds the soil together. In some cases, marshland has erupted and converted to open water.

 

This article is related to environmental science because it talks about an invasive species and its negative impact on plants that hold our wetlands together along with its ecosystem causing an eruption of soil besides damaging native plants. While the article does not mention any solution, it does explain how bad Nutria are for California. I found this article interesting and intriguing. This is because while I knew Louisiana had a large Nutria problem, I was unaware that this issue was in California, especially close by to Menlo Park in the San Francisco Bay’s Delta. I really badly want to see them for myself, even though I know that they damage our ecosystems and are viewed poorly by most. I wonder if California, a rich state can start paying people to hunt the nutria, like they do in Louisiana. Especially since their population has not gone too high yet in California. Nutria can also be used to help many communities because of their fur and meat.

An invasive fruit fly found in California has put part of LA County under quarantine
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An invasive fruit fly found in California has put part of LA County under quarantine

USA Today. (2023, July 31). An invasive fruit fly found in California has put part of LA County under quarantine. Retrieved September 04, 2023, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/31/invasive-tau-fruit-fly-california-quarantine-order/70498975007/  

 

Twenty Tau fruit flies, native to Asia, have been spotted near Los Angeles. They are pests that ruin agriculture and natural resources. They host their offspring in crops and native plants. The CDFA put the area under quarantine to prevent the spread of these flies to other areas. This quarantine stops people from moving fruits and vegetables outside of their property. If produce is not used, it must be double-bagged before being disposed of. There will also be a crop inspection for larvae within two hundred meters of the detected area. Also, to kill the flies, traps with pheromone lures will be used.

 

This article is related to environmental sciences because it talks about dealing with an invasive species, and the destruction it causes to our environment, businesses, and food. This issue is important because if not properly dealt with can result in the destruction of our ecosystem and food system making wildlife and people suffer. Thankfully, using methods talked about in environmental sciences we have a solution that has worked in the past. My personal reaction to this article is mostly surprise, considering that we already have native fruit flies, and a new type of fruit fly does not seem like it would cause too much damage compared to other invasive species like feral pigs. However, this article does explain the damages they cause which makes sense why invasive Tau flies are taken a lot more seriously than other invasive species. I still wonder why the government is not trying as hard to eradicate invasive California species like feral pigs. 

A rush to curb wild pig prevalence in California leaves conflicting groups speculating about the animal’s future
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A rush to curb wild pig prevalence in California leaves conflicting groups speculating about the animal’s future

New Times San Luis Obispo. (2023, February 02). Cover: A rush to curb wild pig prevealence in California leaves conflicting groups speculating about the animal’s future. Retrieved September 03, 2023, from https://www.newtimesslo.com/special-issues/a-rush-to-curb-wild-pig-prevealence-in-california-leaves-conflicting-groups-speculating-about-the-animals-future-13437638 

 

An estimated 400,000 invasive wild Eurasian boar-domestic pig hybrids are roaming throughout California. They create a lot of damage to both nature and farms as they reproduce very quickly, eat and destroy crops like grapes, and ignore the contours of landscapes other animals like deer follow. However, it is hard to get rid of them due to laws that make hunters pay $25 per pig. Trophy hunters do not care for these pigs, and many easy hunting methods like night hunting and trapping are illegal. However, Senate Bill 856 has been passed, loosening pig hunting regulations and allowing people to hunt unlimited pigs for $25 a year instead of per pig. The bill will go fully into effect in 2024, despite opposition from some.

 

This article is related to environmental science because it talks about people dealing with a rapid increase in California’s wild pigs, an invasive species with a large and harmful ecological impact on our environment. Specifically, it mentions how destructive the pigs are in California, and solutions people are creating. However, there is no solution that can instantly kill off all wild pigs. This is due to many people wanting to utilize them, the government charging money to kill the non-valuable animals, and other hunting restrictions. These conflicts described in the article are why I think this article relates to environmental science. My personal reaction to this article, is mostly surprise and curiosity. I already was aware that near Coyote Park (south of San Jose) there was a wild pig population, however, I did not know that wild pigs were a statewide issue, and that these pigs are not normal wild boars, instead a mixed breed between Eurasian boars and domestic pigs. I also was unaware of the damage they cause, as I just saw them as interesting local animals. I only wonder why we do not do the same things we do in Texas to try to quickly kill off as many pigs as possible with non-lead bullets, and allow native species to thrive while using their dead bodies for uses like animal food.

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A River of Purple

Conservancy, W. R. (2023, July 9). A river of purple. countrymessenger.com. Retrieved August 28, 2023, from https://www.countrymessenger.com/news/a-river-of-purple/article_36cc9932-1b53-11ee-881e-57dc225720d4.html 

 

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive plant species that has become a significant concern in wetland ecosystems across the United States, including California. Native to Europe and Asia, it was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant but has since spread rapidly, particularly in areas with moist soils. Known for its striking purple-pink spikes of flowers, purple loosestrife can grow in dense stands, crowding out native wetland vegetation. Its aggressive growth and prolific seed production enable it to dominate wetland habitats, displacing native plants and reducing biodiversity. This invasive plant can have detrimental effects on local wildlife, as it provides less suitable habitat and food for native species. Additionally, the dense stands of purple loosestrife can impede water flow and increase the risk of flooding in affected wetlands.

 

The invasion of purple loosestrife in California’s wetlands is a pressing issue that deserves attention from the environmental science community. The potential ecological impacts of this invasive plant are significant, as it alters the composition of native plant communities and disrupts the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems. As we enter 2023, finding effective strategies to manage and control the spread of purple loosestrife is paramount. However, it’s important to approach this problem with a nuanced perspective. While it’s essential to protect native habitats and species, we should also consider the potential ecological roles of invasive species in the context of a changing climate. It’s a complex challenge to strike a balance between preserving native ecosystems and recognizing the adaptability of certain invasive species. Still, proactive measures should be taken to prevent the unchecked spread of purple loosestrife, considering its potential to harm wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them.

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Abandoned Pets Rescued and Relocated

Edhat News. (2023, April 18). Abandoned Turtles to Be Relocated from Park to Rescue. Edhat. Retrieved August 28, 2023, From https://www.edhat.com/news/abandoned-turtles-to-be-relocated-from-park-to-rescue

 

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is another invasive species of concern, particularly in aquatic environments in California. Native to the southern United States, these turtles are now widely distributed across the state. They are often kept as pets but have been introduced to natural habitats when people release them into the wild. Red-eared sliders are easily recognizable due to the distinctive red stripe behind each eye. In the wild, they outcompete native turtle species for resources and are known to disrupt aquatic ecosystems. Their appetite for aquatic plants and small invertebrates can have cascading effects on local food chains and water quality. Their adaptability to various water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, makes them a formidable invasive species in California.

 

The presence of red-eared sliders in California’s aquatic environments is a cause for concern among the environmental science community. Invasive species like these turtles can cause substantial ecological disruptions. While they are undoubtedly beloved pets for many, their introduction into local ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences. It’s critical that, in 2023, we continue to work towards finding solutions that mitigate their impact without harming other wildlife. Balancing conservation efforts with responsible pet ownership is a complex task, but it’s one that we must address to protect our natural habitats. The measures taken by some states to regulate ownership and implement eradication strategies for invasive species like the nutria provide valuable lessons. California may need to consider similar actions in the future to safeguard its ecosystems and biodiversity. The timing of such measures is crucial, and procrastination could lead to irreversible ecological damage.

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Discover 10 invasive species in California-Channeled Apple Snail

Baker, L. (2023, June 21). Discover 10 invasive species in California. AZ Animals. Retrieved August 27, 2023 from https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-invasive-species-in-california/ 

 

The channeled apple snail (Pomacea Canaliculata) is an invasive species that has become an issue in California. Originally native to South America, these large freshwater snails were introduced to the state through the aquarium trade and have since established themselves in various water bodies. Channeled apple snails are prolific breeders and voracious herbivores, posing a significant threat to California’s aquatic ecosystems. They feed on aquatic vegetation, including rice, which is a vital crop in the state. Their feeding habits can devastate native aquatic plant communities, disrupt local ecosystems, and impact the habitats of native species. In an attempt to control their population, humans have started destroying their eggs and blasting them with water to disrupt their life cycle.

 

The presence of the channeled apple snail in California is a cause for concern. These invasive creatures have the potential to inflict damage on the state’s delicate aquatic ecosystems. Their unchecked population growth and insatiable appetite for aquatic vegetation, including valuable crops like rice, make them an enemy to local farmers and conservationists alike. It’s imperative that proactive measures are taken to manage and control their spread in order to safeguard the state’s environmental and agricultural interests. However, it’s also important to consider the ethical aspects of invasive species management, striving for solutions that balance ecological preservation with responsible and humane practices.

 

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How We Created a Monster in the American Southwest

Geiling, N. (2023, June 10). How We Created a Monster in the American Southwest. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved August 27, 2023 from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-we-created-monster-american-southwest-180956878/

The plant tamarisk, or salt cedar, was originally brought from Europe to help control erosion. It is disliked by most farmers and conservationists who believe that the main issue of salt cedar is its water consumption. Salt cedar sucks up so much water that it can turn vital desert rivers into salty dry basins. On top of that, it is extremely difficult to remove once it has grown. If you burn it, it will come back, it is very difficult to rip out, and it’s very resistant to herbicides. Halfway down the article, however, it states a different expert’s opinion. He believes that the salt cedar has only spread because dams and other manmade causes have led to the soil becoming saltier and moving the water table deeper, which has allowed the salt cedar to thrive. He also argues that salt isn’t as prevalent or harmful as other people believe. Additionally complicating this debate, was the fact that after salt cedar was removed from a riverbed in 2004, there was a flood.

This article is related to environmental science because salt cedar has an impact on factors that can vastly change an environment which could have larger consequences. It also focuses on broader implications of human activity and how we affect the environment. There are multiple different voices with differing opinions on salt cedars. This helps give me an equal understanding when talking about salt cedar, but it also leads to confusion when needing to have a concrete understanding of the plant and its effects on the environment. The article’s exploration of the ecological and environmental effects caused by human action aligns with the concern of environmental science research, studying interactions in an environment and conservation methods.

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Adopt- a- Topic: Invasive Species & Mgt Gabriel Heiss

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.

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Nutria Invade California Waterways

FOX40 News. (2023, June 30). Nutria Invade California Waterways-California Connection. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://fox40.com/news/california-connection/nutria-california-waterways/

 

Nutria are an invasive species of rodent similar to capybara. They can be found near freshwater or estuaries and are seen around ponds, marshes, rivers, and more. Nutria are often mistaken for beavers and muskrats but can be identified by several features. They have round tails with little hair and teeth that are yellow-orange. Originally from South America, they were brought to the United States for their fur in 1899; however, since then, they have escaped, reproduced, and made a significant impact on the environment. They destroy ten times the plant material that they eat and cause severe land erosion because of their underground burrows. The burrows themselves are also detrimental to the environment by causing severe erosion underneath the soil. 

 

Invasive species can have very large impacts on the environment they move into. Therefore, I believe that this is a cause for concern among the environmental science community. If a solution is not found, the impacts stated before could be very large if left unaddressed, which is why it is essential to environmental science. I feel like in the year 2023, we should have a safe way with little side effects to limit the growth or spread of this invasive species. I imagine that it is not easy to figure out a solution that doesn’t affect other wildlife. We’ve seen other invasive species and their effect on other habitats. I wonder if preventing the spread of the disease is worth it. They have passed laws in California that prevent people from owning and importing them, while Louisiana and Maryland implemented nutria “eradication measures.” When will California need to do the same thing, and will it be too late?