Invasive species
An invasive species is a species which is not native to the place where it is found. It has moved from its native area, where it grew naturally, into a new area. Often it becomes a nuisance species, because in its new habitat it lacks its old enemies. Normally, as a species evolves, so do the things which eat it or parasitise it. Free of natural restraints, the invading species outcompetes its new neighbours.
Kudzu, for example, is called "The weed which ate the South" because it went out of control in the southern United States. The introduction of starlings to North America is another example.
Natural events sometimes allow species to invade new places, as in the Great American Interchange.
The sparrow in North America
The house sparrow, Passer domesticus, native to Europe and Asia, has been introduced to North and South America and Australia.
It was introduced deliberately to the U.S.A. in the late 19th century by Eugene Schieffelin. He wanted to introduce to America all the birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare. Two of these species were great successes: starlings and house sparrows. He organized a society for the importation of foreign birds, incorporated in Albany.[1]
Invasive Species Media
Canada goldenrod as a roadside weed in Poland
Vinca plants spreading along a border
The brown tree snake has had an impact on the native bird population of the island ecosystem of Guam.
Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is considered one of the world's worst invasive species.
Cats are considered invasive species in Australia and negatively impact wildlife worldwide.
Lantana, abandoned citrus, Sdei Hemed
The Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. This male specimen was found ashore in 150 metres distance to the banks of the Elbe river in the German federal state of Brandenburg. It behaves defending against the viewer by erecting the body and showing its hairy claws. The carapax’s width is estimated at six centimetres.
Cargo ship de-ballasting
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