http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/invasive_species/ Learn how invasive species threaten ecosystems. Read about new methods of minimizing risks of introducing exotic species and dealing with those we already have. en-us Tue, 13 May 2008 01:05:01 EDT Tue, 13 May 2008 01:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/invasive_species/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080509171616.htm Reducing the spread of some invasive species into our lakes could be as simple as asking boaters and fishers to dry out their equipment, says one biology professor studying invasive species in Lake Ontario. When anchor rope, fishing line and the boats themselves are thoroughly dried, the invasive species and their eggs will die, rather than spreading to another location, she explains. "It's such a simple thing for the general public to do, and yet it could make a big difference in the way that our lake ecosystems function." Tue, 13 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080509171616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512092420.htm Scientists in Louisiana are reporting development and successful testing of a new cost-effective system to kill unwanted plants and animals that hitch a ride to the United States in the ballast water of merchant ships. These so-called "invasive species," such as the notorious zebra mussel, devastate native organisms and infrastructure and cost taxpayers billions of dollars annually. Mon, 12 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512092420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080504195011.htm Native, possibly giant, earthworm science in the Pacific Northwest is advancing with the discovery of two new specimens from opposite sides of the interior Columbia River basin. University of Idaho soil scientist Jodi Johnson-Maynard, an associate professor in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, said an earthworm that was most likely a giant Palouse earthworm was found in early March near Moscow. Mon, 05 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080504195011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062734.htm The relatively recent expansion of China's overseas trade probably accounts for China's being less invaded than the United States by alien plants, but the potential for invasion of China by shrubs, trees, climbers and aquatic plants is high. Decisive action is needed now to avert potentially large economic losses from invasive plants in China and other countries in Asia. Fri, 02 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501062734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501154209.htm Scientists rediscovered the highly distinctive greater dwarf cloud rat, last seen in 1896. Thought to be extinct, Carpomys melanuru has never before been discovered in its natural habitat. It has dense fur, black mask around large eyes, and a broad/blunt snout. It was found in the canopy of a large tree, on a branch covered with moss, orchids, and ferns. This gives hope for the conservation of one of the world's most diverse, threatened mammal fauna. Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501154209.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424115706.htm In less than three decades the round goby has become one of the most colorful features of the southern Baltic. The fish, which comes from the Black Sea, has rapidly adapted to Baltic conditions and can locally dominate coastal fish populations. This has led to competition with indigenous fish species, such as the flounder, but it has also become a significant contribution to the diet of important predatory fishes, such as cod and perch. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424115706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409205136.htm When Charles Darwin first set foot on Patagonia, he was a fresh-faced 22-year old yet to finesse his revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection. But traveling around the tip of South America aboard the HMS Beagle--part of an epic, five-year scientific expedition--the young naturalist had his eyes opened to the immense diversity of species and landscapes. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080409205136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408100536.htm Pretending to be dead is an effective self-defense strategy adopted by young fire ant workers under attack from neighboring colonies. This tactic makes them four times more likely to survive aggression than older workers who fight back. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408100536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402151409.htm Scientists have provided the first description of a fungus responsible for the wilt of redbay trees along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Plant pathologists have now provided results from their assessment of the fungus, the beetle that carries it, and their combined effect on redbay and other members of the laurel family, including sassafras, spicebush and avocado. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402151409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401170543.htm The bombardier beetle is inspiring designers of engines, drug-delivery devices and fire extinguishers to improve spray technologies. The bombardier beetle, found mainly in Africa and Asia, is remarkable in that it can fire a powerful jet of hot, toxic fluid to fight off predators such as birds and frogs. Sat, 05 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401170543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081924.htm The increase in imports and visitors to China in recent years has spurred an influx of economically damaging plants and animals. Massive construction projects, as well as new highways and railways and growth in domestic air travel, are exacerbating these biological invasions. Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401081924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327093626.htm US Forest Service scientists with the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry have completed a study on ways to make high-value koa trees grow faster, while increasing biodiversity, carbon sequestration, scenic beauty and recreation opportunities in native Hawaiían forests. Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327093626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326111641.htm Researchers are investigating a radical new design for cargo ships that would eliminate ballast tanks, the water-filled compartments that enable non-native creatures to sneak into the Great Lakes from overseas. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326111641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326093056.htm Scientists have made the first global-scale analysis of the processes leading to freshwater fish invasion in river basins. This phenomenon affects most river ecosystems of countries of the Northern hemisphere. However, in the context of economic growth developing countries are now experiencing, their river basins, home to the greater part of freshwater fish biodiversity, are at risk of the same fate unless vigilance is applied. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326093056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325115859.htm Scientists have sequenced the genome from the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Tribolium is the first beetle and the first insect pest, whose genome has been sequenced. This research may have a big impact on agriculture. Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080325115859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324173459.htm It turns out ants, like humans, are true farmers. The difference is that ants are farming fungus. Entomologists are providing new insight into the agricultural abilities of ants and how these abilities have evolved throughout time. Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324173459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317134259.htm Most people who suffer severe infection with West Nile virus still experience symptoms years after infection and many may continue to experience these symptoms for the rest of their lives according to new research. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080317134259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310131535.htm When exotic species invade new territory, they often present a major threat to the other plants and animals living there--that much is clear. In addition to their destructive tendencies, invasive species can also have a surprisingly "creative" side. Researchers discovered that an invasive population of the freshwater snail harbors a tremendous amount of genetic variation for key life-history traits, such as fecundity, juvenile size, and age at first reproduction. And that means they have a remarkably large potential for evolutionary change. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310131535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190645.htm To the list of threats to tropical rainforests you can add a new one -- trees. It might seem that for a rainforest the more trees the merrier, but a new study warns that non-native trees invading a rainforest can change its basic ecological structure -- rendering it less hospitable to the myriad plant and animal species that depend on its resources. Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226171618.htm The majority of non-native fish introduced to freshwater habitats around the world actually do more good than harm, according to a large study. The lead researcher believes that environmental changes to freshwater ecosystems will inevitably have implications on the distribution of native freshwater fish with a growing reality that we will increasingly depend upon non-native introductions, especially as aquaculture production increases. Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226171618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225213534.htm An ant that is native to Eurasia is threatening to become the latest in a procession of species to invade Europe, as a result of inadvertent human introduction. The invasive garden ant, Lasius neglectus, which is a threat to native species, may already be more widely established than expected. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225213534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080223111456.htm Burmese pythons -- an invasive species in south Florida -- could find comfortable climatic conditions in roughly a third of the United States according to new "climate maps" developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Although other factors such as type of food available and suitable shelter also play a role, Burmese pythons and other giant constrictor snakes have shown themselves to be highly adaptable to new environments. Non-native giant constrictor snakes, such as the Burmese python are now spreading from Everglades National Park in Florida. New "climate match" maps show where climate in the U.S. is similar to places in which Burmese pythons live naturally (from Pakistan to Indonesia). A look at the map shows why biologists are concerned. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080223111456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213133316.htm Garlic mustard has become an invasive species in temperate forests across the United States, choking out native plants on forest floors and threatening ecosystem diversity. Ecologists have now created a computer model that in combination with quarantined research tests he believes will be able to predict the perfect predator -- a pest that can be introduced into a forested area that will help reduce the garlic mustard population. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213133316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212192320.htm Bringing grains of pollen to waiting blackberry and red raspberry blossoms may be the special talent of a small, emerald-green bee. The hardworking bee, native to Oregon and California, may help with pollination chores, augmenting the work of America's best-known crop pollinator, the European honey bee. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212192320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204212915.htm Mapping worldwide freshwater fish invasions allowed the identification of major invasion hot spots and demonstrated that economic activity is the main determinant of freshwater fish invasions at the global scale. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204212915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131101747.htm Traditional ecosystems in which communities of plants and animals have co-evolved and are interdependent are increasingly rare, due to human-induced ecosystem changes. As a result, historical assessments of ecosystem health are often inaccurate. Scientists are now suggesting that efforts should focus less on restoring ecosystems to their original state and more on sustaining new, healthy ecosystems that are resilient to further environmental change. Accepting some permanent changes may increase health of ecosystems. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131101747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123131744.htm Ever since a forward-thinking trio of physicists identified the phenomenon known as self-organized criticality -- a mechanism by which complexity arises in nature -- scientists have been applying its concepts to everything from economics to avalanches. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123131744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123180747.htm Scientists warn that unless more research is carried out to highlight the damage caused by invasive species, more livelihoods and natural ecosystems will be ruined as a consequence of their effects. Invasive alien species are those that occur outside their natural range and threaten the existence of native plants and animals. They can be plants, animals or microorganisms that are introduced intentionally for economic or agricultural purposes, or accidentally, through tourism, travel or trade, or when domestic animals become feral. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080123180747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116142805.htm Parasites occasionally change the behavior or looks of their host, but a nasty tropical nematode alters both, making its ant host's parasite-filled abdomen resemble a ripe red berry. According to biologists, this behavior is a strategy the nematode evolved to entice birds to eat the ant's abdomen and spread the parasite in their droppings. Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116142805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220203704.htm Scientists have genetically engineered a mosquito to release a sea-cucumber protein into its gut which impairs the development of malaria parasites, according to new research. Researchers say this development is a step towards developing future methods of preventing the transmission of malaria. Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071220203704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071226004546.htm Cannabinoids may suppress tumor invasion in highly invasive cancers, according to a study published online December 25 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071226004546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218101226.htm The ability of Argentine ants to change from carnivorous insect eaters to plant sap-loving creatures has helped these invasive social insects rapidly spread throughout coastal California, according to a new study, displacing many native insects and creating ant infestations familiar to most coastal residents. Tue, 25 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071218101226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206224647.htm The sea louse, a parasitic copepod, is widely distributed among wild fish species along the Norwegian coast. The parasite is found in large numbers in the lumpfish, which is now considered to be one of the primary hosts of the parasite. The lumpfish in turn infects several types of farmed fish when it comes into the coast during the spring months. Sun, 16 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071206224647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203135742.htm Beetle droppings -- known in the scientific world as frass -- are crucial to forests recovering from fire.Armed with a pair of tweezers and a handful of beetle droppings,researchers have discovered why bug-sized dung is so important to areas ravaged by fire. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203135742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203103358.htm Researchers use information on zebra mussels and quagga mussels preferred habitats and needs for survival to create a map to better determine where the species may appear next. There is considerable interest in determining the range of habitats an invasive alien species could possibly reach. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071203103358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207091940.htm Researchers have discovered how a key protein switch allows chikungunya virus to spread to new vectors. The study explains how the virus has increased its ability to infect and be transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071207091940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071129083858.htm One hundred seventy-eight species in the continental U.S. and 39 in Hawaii have the dubious distinction of landing on the newest and most scientifically sound list of America's most imperiled birds. WatchList 2007 reveals those birds in greatest need of immediate conservation help simply to survive amid a convergence of environmental challenges, including habitat loss, invasive species and global warming. Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071129083858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126092140.htm Moths and butterflies, particularly silkworms, are well known producers of silk. And we all know spiders use it for their webs. But they are not the only invertebrates who make use of the strength and versatility of silk. Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071126092140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071123202701.htm Invasive plants are rapidly becoming a threat to wildlands. One of the ways these aliens are dispersed is through large mammals that forage and excrete seeds in new locations. A new study has found horses to be a source of dispersal along recreational trails in Colorado. Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071123202701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119103548.htm Animal conservationists are turning to physics to investigate whether global warming is responsible for killing sun-loving South American tree frogs. When in their natural habitat, the Costa Rican tree frogs prefer to live on leaves and branches high above the ground. They enjoy basking in the hot sun -- which is unusual because frogs normally avoid prolonged exposure to high levels of light due to the risk of overheating and dehydration. Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071119103548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115135430.htm There's one more reason to try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, scientists have discovered: bites from mosquitoes that aren't infected by the West Nile virus may make the disease worse in people who acquire it later from West Nile-infected mosquitoes. Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071115135430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071117211405.htm An entomology professor has discovered how to use scorpion genes to create a hypervirulent fungus that can kill specific insect pests, including mosquitoes that carry malaria and a beetle that destroys coffee crops, but does not contaminate the environment as chemical pesticides do. Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071117211405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108141601.htm A population of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci has become one of the world's worst invasive species -- devastating many crops in China and elsewhere in the process -- through mating behaviors that help it invade the territory of native whitefly populations, according to a new study. Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108141601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108180659.htm Researchers have identified a new class of compounds that may inhibit West Nile virus in humans. West Nile virus, a member of the flavivirus family which also includes dengue virus and yellow fever virus, can cause disease in humans, horses, and other vertebrate species when transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071108180659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016205904.htm Charles Darwin Foundation botanists have published a list of all the introduced plants growing in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, the third largest town in Galapagos. 261 species were recorded, 39 of which were found growing wild. Despite 95 percent of the archipelago falling under the Galapagos National Park, invasive plants spreading from the inhabited areas are having large impacts on the native flora and fauna. Fri, 19 Oct 2007 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016205904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016092103.htm In the jungles of Central and South America, a group of birds has evolved a unique way of finding food -- by following hordes of army ants and letting them do all the work. Some of the birds rely solely one species of army ant. Brumfield pointed out that, "This makes the professional army-ant followers sensitive to many of the very real threats to this ecosystem, like deforestation, global warming and other similar issues. If anything affects the ant population, it could be devastating for these birds. But what is perhaps most surprising is that, despite the bird's dependence on one primary ant species, the specialization has persisted for millions of years." Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016092103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016160644.htm Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus appears to be more prevalent than previously believed, affecting certain populations disproportionately and is being found more often outside of health care settings, according to a new study. Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071016160644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071014191236.htm Progress is being made in coordinated efforts to halt the spread of imported fire ants, according to scientists studying this invasive pest that now inhabits more than 320 million acres in several southern states and Puerto Rico. Fire ants cause millions of dollars in agricultural damage each year. Not only do they build large mounds that damage nearby plant roots and farm equipment, they also cause painful stings to animals and people. Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071014191236.htm