ipl-logo

Alien Species Risk Assessment

1207 Words5 Pages

Only after detecting an invasive alien species is it possible to intervene, and prevent, manage or stop the invasion. The control measures needed are based on the extent of the invasion, the species invading and in which environment it is invading.

There is a large gap in knowledge and data regarding invasive reptiles (Moffitt et al. 2008), which threatens successful control and eradication (Hoskin 2011). Many of the eradication and control measures utilized in the past are either not shared (Howald et al. 2007), shared in grey literature or only focus on successful programs (Myers 2003, Simberloff 2003;2009). Very little research has focused on the initial dispersal and spread of invasions, adding to the unreliability of risk assessments …show more content…

There are many forms and methods of risk assessment, and a comprehensive overview of these is given by Hayes and Barry (2008). No one method can be utilized for all species with great accuracy, there is however consensus within literature on risk assessments as to which four factors influence the likelihood of successful invasion the most (Bomford et al. 2005, Hayes and Barry 2008, Bomford et al. 2009, Kraus 2009, Mahoney et al. …show more content…

2008). However, as the popularity of exotic pets, and subsequent abundance of non-native reptiles in the country grows, the probability of alien reptiles establishing themselves in South Africa increases(Van Wilgen and Richardson 2012). The examples from other countries show the potential threats and should act as a warning. Furthermore, impacts of invasive alien herpetofauna have not been studied to the same extent as other invasions. Partly through lack of focus, but also due to the fact that herpetofauna are hard to study in their natural environments, and that changes brought by these aliens can be too subtle to detect (Kraus 2009).

Following a risk assessment, action can be undertaken to prevent or stop an invasion. If a species has established, the alternatives are to eradicate or accept and control the invasive species. Prevention is by far the most preferable as it is the most cost-effective (Jarrad et al. 2011b), least detrimental to native flora and fauna and most likely to succeed (Genovesi 2005;2007, Bogich et al. 2008, Bomford et al. 2009). The best way to prevent invasion is to keep unwanted aliens outside the country. This requires legislation, sufficient resources and knowledge and data on pathways and the process of

Show More
Related

Effects Of Burmese Pythons On The Florida Everglades Ecosystem

432 Words | 2 Pages

According to “Pythons eating through everglades mammals at a astonishing rate” states “From rabbits to deer even to bobcats, invasive pythons appear to be eating through the everglades supply of mammals real research shows” Although “Pythons eating through everglades mammals at a astonishing rate” says “Raccoon observations dropped by 99.3 percent, opossum by 98.9 percent and bobcat by 87.5, The scientists saw no rabbits and foxes at all during their study. But in “ Natural resources management Burmese pythons” says “ of particular concern is their predation of protected species we are attempting to recover, like American alligator and the endangered Key Largo Wood rat. However “Article 2 “ states “ This disruption in the Natural food chain has partially serious impacts to the ecosystem and may threaten many affect species in the near future. In order parts in the ecosystem people put honeysuckle nightshades( birds) are coming back then places without honeysuckle. But pythons eat birds, pythons are overpopulated and eat them also they may go extinct.

Read More

SBI3UB Biology: Key Questions On Biology

1421 Words | 6 Pages

Biology SBI3U-C Unit 5 Lesson 17 Key Questions: 53. Using the shark anatomy picture and the key provided, classify the 10 sharks labelled 1-10 in the diagram below. 1) Rajidae 2) Alopiidae 3)

Read More

Summary Of Tina Loo's Species At Risk

1502 Words | 7 Pages

In Canada one can think about the idea of something being at risk. This could be anything from the county to our own health. Although when talking about species at risk it is understood that this would have to do with animals. In this case if nothing is done to help and conserve the at risk kind then it is most likely going to go extinct. This notion can be seen in the article written by Tina Loo “Species at Risk” where she gives a twist on species at risk and says that it is the Canadian historian.

Read More

Burmese Python's Impact On The Everglades

533 Words | 3 Pages

The scientists want to be able to educate people about these snakes, so they can find out how to solve the problem. The invasive Burmese pythons, are negatively impacting the population of other animals in the Everglades. These pythons do not belong in Florida. With them around, Florida’s small mammals and birds living in the Everglades will be gone for good.

Read More

Biologist Lara Cibeles

997 Words | 4 Pages

Biologist Elizabeth Flores Breton 's Interview Elizabeth Flores Breton, a founding biologist of EcoPlan 's sea turtle protection program in Cabo San Lucas, believes strongly in conservation and protecting our natural resources in rational ways. Breton was born in Mexico City but discovered Cabo San Lucas about two years prior to our filming and commented, "In this area, taking care of nature is critical because we have the presence of many horseback riding tours and people who come in on their vehicles; sea turtle predation in this area has been going on for years, and it is important to start a conservation program for these animals." Biologist Lara Cibeles, Leader of Planet Ecology and Conservation Camp Biologist Lara Cibeles, who

Read More

Pythons In The Everglades

229 Words | 1 Pages

The Burmese pythons are an invasive species that are wreaking havoc on the habitat of the everglades. As these reptiles have no natural predators in the area they are thriving and decimating the native small mammals

Read More

The Pros And Cons Of Secure Fence Laws

294 Words | 2 Pages

The border between the United States and Mexico is nearly 2,000 miles long. Over the past few years, the United States had form a policy called Secure Fence Act to prevent drug sellers and terrorists out of America (Clifford). The act constructed fences to cover about one third of the border between Mexico and America along California, New Mexico, Texas and so on. Unfortunately, there were less environmental considerations when making the policy. The Los Angeles Times reported that in additional to build the fences, the United States government has been eluded over thirty environmental and cultural laws (Campbell).

Read More

Stop The Cane Toad Analysis

312 Words | 2 Pages

The reading states that several measures have been proposed to stop the spread of the cane toad in Australia and provides three reasons of support. However, the professor states that the measures in the reading passage are unsuccessful and cause unwanted damage and refutes each of the authors ' reasons. First, the reading states that one way to prevent the spread of the toad would be to build a national fence. The professor opposes this point by saying that this way will not stop the spread of the cane toad.

Read More

The Problem Of Burmese Pythons Are Changing The Everglades

950 Words | 4 Pages

Sadly this whole problem was started by humans. This exotic pets we brought here because greedy pet store owners want to sell them to uneducated pet owners. All the pet store owners want is money and are not worried about the repercussions. Those who buy these animals don’t know how to take care of them and the snakes grow larger than they expected. So the owners don’t know what to do so they release them into the wild.

Read More

Should Exotic Pets Be Banned In The United States?

536 Words | 3 Pages

Topic:They mess up the wild life. Name:Mandi Powell Having exotic animals in the wild is very bad. The animals will mess up other homes for the other animals, kill other animals, and destroy the food for the other creatures. Destroying wildlife is a horrible thing the snakes killing the mice, the alligators eating the fish in the lake, and the lion eating the zebras. Exotic animals destroy our wildlife by messing up the trees, our ground, and the lakes and ponds.

Read More

The Impact Of Cane Toads On The Australian Environment

985 Words | 4 Pages

Cane toads are an invasive species in Australia with a range of significant impacts on the Australian environment. They were introduced to Australia from Hawaii during 1935, and their population has since grown to approximately 200million, despite multiple attempts at controlling the growth. They primarily inhabit Queensland, New South Wales and Northern Territory. Adult cane toads are usually heavy-built and weigh an average of 1.8kg, with warty skin (wikipedia.org, 2015). They pose a risk to many large predators that are poisoned when they try to eat their highly toxic bodies (Shine, 2014).

Read More

Predator-Prey Lab Report

1347 Words | 6 Pages

Introduction Predation is a biological interaction between two organisms of different species in a community in which one acts as a predator and captures and feeds on the other, the prey. Predator-prey relationships keep animal populations in balance. When prey populations increase more food is available for predators, and they increase in number as well. An increase in predators triggers a decrease in prey populations. As prey populations decrease predator populations soon follow as their food supply diminishes.

Read More

John Kostyack Analysis

412 Words | 2 Pages

John Kostyack has a dramatic approach to the snake debate topic. He uses the fear factor to play on the readers emotions while he makes his point. His first sentence sets the tone for his entire argument, "Giant constrictor snakes have slithered, crushed, killed and terrified their way across movie screens for years. The real horror story, however, is much closer to reality — and to home.” While it’s easy to see that his main appeal is emotional, Mr. Kostyack does establish credibility when he specifically references the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and the National Wildlife Federation (which he is the vice president of).

Read More

Pros And Cons Of Invasive Species

1618 Words | 7 Pages

Invasive Species Invasive, alien species, those which colonise, expand and out compete native species (Smith & Smith, 2009), are a major threat to our habitats, terrestrial and aquatic species, and biodiversity. Agricultural and leisure industries are affected as well as conservation welfare and the continued wellbeing of man, flora and fauna. Whole ecosystems can be distorted and the economic cost of awareness, prevention and eradication systems is substantial. Most invasive species have been introduced by mandeliberately or otherwise. As an island, Ireland has been subjected to less invasive species than larger nearby land masses e.g. Europe, but islands have a less diverse species population and are therefore more vulnerable when invaded.

Read More

Argumentative Essay On Exotic Animals

814 Words | 4 Pages

The quote states “In the last 10-16 years, 1.5 people on average gets killed yearly by captive reptile, 1 by captive cat, 0.81 by captive elephant, 0.125 by captive bear and 0 by captive nonhuman primate,” reports Zuzana Kuhol, a REXANO o-founder “As a comparison, 45,000 people died each year in traffic accidents, 47 from lightning and 1,600 by falling down stairs” (REXANO). However, even though it is rare, it still happens and you can’t predict when it will attack. The quote claims “Exotic animals are wild animals with wild animal instincts, even when born in captivity. A wild animal is never 100 percent predictable.

Read More

More about Alien Species Risk Assessment

Related Topics

Open Document