Obliterating ecosystems, jeopardizing global economies, and menacing human health, invasive alien species are non-native organisms that instigate extensive mutilation when acquainted with a new environment. These species compete with native wildlife for resources and thrive to the detriment of the local ecosystem.
Figure 1: Mussels
The introduction of invasive species is firmly associated with human activities, oftentimes unintentionally. Ships and boats that travel between different aquatic environments may convey organisms, such as zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), in their ballast water and propellers, respectively. Accordingly, as one of the most disreputable invasive organisms in the United States, these rapidly reproducing mussels clog water intake pipes and reduce water pumping capabilities, prompting power plant companies to dissipate millions of dollars to remove them annually (United States Geological Survey, n.d.).
Figure 2: Cane Toad
However, some invasive species are introduced intentionally. In 1935, 102 cane toads (Rhinella marina) were initially brought to Australia to control cane beetles (Dermolepida albohirtum) among sugar cane fields in North Queensland (World Wide Fund, 2019). Be that as it may, with their impeccable capability to poison their predators and reproduce around 8,000 to 30,000 eggs semiannually, their population escalated to approximately 200 million in 2019 (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts, 2010; World Wide Fund, 2019). Consequently, these species compete for resources and habitat, leading to a decline in the population of the native organisms.
Figure 3: Black wattle
In addition to animals, plants may likewise be invasive. In the 19th century, black wattle (Acacia mearnsii), a plant species native in Australia, was brought to South Africa for commercial purposes (Bruun et al., 2016). Notwithstanding their benefits as a source for firewood and timber, black wattles reproduce multitudinous seeds and require a large amount of water, thereby depleting the environment and humans’ water supply.
Despite the rapid dissemination of invasive species, numerous measures may attenuate their proliferation, as prevention to be the most effective method. For instance, by cautiously cleaning boats prior to moving between various waterways, not releasing intriguing pets into the wild, and planting gardens with native species, individuals may help in extenuating the insurgence of invasive species.
In essence, every living thing has evolved to execute a specialized role within the ecosystem. Accordingly, in the definitive balance of ecosystems, even one invasive species may drastically tilt the scales. Therefore, if every individual stays mindful about his/her role in the promulgation of these organisms, the permeation of invasive alien species may be obviated before it’s too late.