Invasive Species
Invasive species are non-native organisms whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. They disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native flora and fauna, altering habitat structures, and changing nutrient cycles.
Characteristics & Impact
- Rapid proliferation: Lack of natural predators allows exponential growth.
- Resource competition: Displacement of native species through superior resource acquisition (light, water, nutrients).
- Habitat alteration: Modification of soil chemistry, fire regimes, or hydrology.
- Hybridization: Genetic dilution of native populations.
Management Strategies
- Eradication: Physical removal or chemical control (herbicid
- Biological Control: Exploiting unique biological vulnerabilities of the invasive population. For example, recent efforts in Australia regarding the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) involve leveraging intraspecific cannibalism to control populations. See Australian Cane Toad Control: Leveraging Intraspecific Cannibalism for details on this specific intervention.
Case Study: Cane Toad in Australia
- Origin: Introduced to Queensland in 1935 from Hawaii (originally from Puerto Rico) to combat sugar cane beetles.
- Outcome: Disastrous spread due to lack of natural predators and high reproductive rates.
- Current Control: Scientific efforts focus on exploiting the toad’s unique biology, specifically intraspecific cannibalism, to mitigate their impact on native biodiversity.