Articles for tag: Invasive Species

Florida Everglades

How the Florida Everglades Are Battling Invasive Species Like the Burmese Python

Annette Uy

The Florida Everglades—the largest subtropical wilderness of the United States—boasts a unique and fragile ecosystem. Home to a myriad of species, this landscape weaves together a delicate balance of flora and fauna. However, in recent decades, this balance has been disrupted by the uninvited presence of invasive species, most notably the Burmese python. This article ...

These Strange Fish Are Spreading Fast in Michigan’s Lakes

Suhail Ahmed

On a windy spring morning near a Lake St. Clair launch, an angler showed me a thumb-length fish with marble eyes and a suction-cup belly. It wriggled like a gecko, then clamped to the dock plank and wouldn’t budge. That stubborn little creature – a round goby – has gone from oddball curiosity to headline-making ...

The Invasive Species Wreaking Havoc in Michigan’s Waters Look Like Aliens With Attitude

The Invasive Species Wreaking Havoc in Michigan’s Waters Look Like Aliens With Attitude

Annette Uy

Imagine peering beneath the surface of Michigan’s shimmering lakes, only to discover creatures so bizarre, so outlandish, they could be extras from a science fiction blockbuster. Yet these invaders are very real — and their impact is anything but make-believe. With their armored bodies, wild colors, and strange behaviors, invasive species are turning Michigan’s waters ...

oysters rock

Demark’s Oyster Hunt Turns Foodies into Citizen Scientists

April Joy Jovita

A unique event in Denmark is blending gastronomy with coastal ecology, transforming food lovers into citizen scientists. The annual Østerjagten (Oyster Hunt) at the Salling Sund Bridge in Limfjorden invites participants to wade into shallow waters, collect oysters, and contribute to marine research—all while enjoying gourmet dishes prepared by top chefs. How the Oyster Hunt ...

Japanese knotweed invasive species

The Controversy Over Protecting Invasive Species: Should We Intervene or Let Nature Take Its Course?

Annette Uy

The controversy over protecting invasive species has become a pressing issue in the fields of ecology and conservation. Invasive species are organisms that spread beyond their native habitat, potentially causing harm to the environment, economies, and even human health. As their presence grows on a global scale, the debate intensifies: should humans intervene to manage ...

Detailed view of insect larvae feeding on a leaf, highlighting nature's ecosystem.

Biosecurity Breakdown? Experts Warn of New Ecological Intruders in Britain

Jan Otte

Britain’s ecosystems are under siege not by an invading army, but by silent, creeping threats that could reshape its biodiversity within a decade. A new expert-led report has identified 145 non-native species lurking on the horizon, with 20 posing the highest risk to native wildlife, infrastructure, and even human health. From ravenous salmon to tree-destroying ...

Invasive Iguana

9 Invasive Species and Their Impact on Native Ecosystems

Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to new environments, pose significant threats to ecosystems, native species, and economies. These species often thrive due to a lack of natural predators, proliferating and outcompeting local flora and fauna. Understanding the impacts of invasive species is crucial for developing strategies to protect native ecosystems. This article ...

Eriocheir sinensis in water

Invasive Chinese Mitten Crab Discovered in the Pacific Northwest—A Growing Ecological Concern

April Joy Jovita

The invasive Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has been confirmed in the Lower Columbia River, sparking concerns among scientists and wildlife officials. Known for their hairy, mitten-like claws, these crabs have caused environmental disruptions in other regions, notably in California’s San Francisco Bay, where they contributed to riverbank erosion and infrastructure damage. Their arrival in ...

Green leafed trees in forest

How Invasive Species Impact Native Wildlife

Anna Lee

Invasive species are organisms that are introduced to a region where they do not naturally occur. This introduction can be accidental or intentional, often resulting in significant impacts on local ecosystems. Typically, these species thrive in new environments due to a lack of natural predators or competitors, allowing them to spread rapidly and establish dominance. ...