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 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:05:01 EST 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/2009/11/091110211333.htm Researchers have identified a key component that increases the toxicity of golden algae which kills millions of fish in the southern U.S. every year. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110211333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091107115833.htm Tree-dwelling ants generally live in harmony with their arboreal hosts. But new research suggests that when they run out of space in their trees of choice, the ants can get destructive to neighboring trees. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091107115833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090540.htm Researchers have identified and synthesized the chemical cues by which Argentine ants distinguish colony-mates from rivals. By exploiting these chemicals, researchers have demonstrated that normally friendly Argentine ants can turn against each other and fight. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028090540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161736.htm Predicting harmful algal blooms, or HABs, in the Great Lakes is now a reality as NOAA announces an experimental HAB forecast system in Lake Erie. HABs produce toxins that may pose a significant risk to human and animal health through water recreation and may form scum that are unsightly and odorous to beach visitors, impacting the coastal economy. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917161736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134716.htm Supervolcanoes and cosmic impacts get all the terrible glory for causing mass extinctions, but a new theory suggests lowly algae may be the killer behind the world's great species annihilations. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019134716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016112639.htm An international partnership of 54 countries led by the United Kingdom's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is celebrating a decade of work to set aside seeds for future generations from 10 percent of the world's wild flowering species. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016112639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013132129.htm Five giant non-native snake species would pose high risks to the health of ecosystems in the United States should they become established here, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013132129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093803.htm Human activities have meant invasive species have been able to populate parts of the world to which they are not native and alter biodiversity there over thousands of years. Now, an international team of scientists has studied the impact of the black rat on bird populations on Mediterranean islands. Despite the rat's environmental impact, only the tiny European storm petrel has been affected over time by its enforced cohabitation with the rat. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002100351.htm Scientists in Oregon found that rangelands that have been grazed by cattle recover from fires more effectively than rangelands that have been protected from livestock. These surprising findings could impact management strategies for native plant communities where ecological dynamics are shifting because of climate change, invasive weeds and other challenges. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002100351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002104022.htm A powerful fish-killing toxin could have cancer-killing properties as well. The toxin, called euglenophycin, has a molecular structure similar to that of solenopsin, an alkaloid from fire ant venom known to inhibit tumor development. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002104022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164414.htm A long-term study of Africanized bee invasion of Mexico's Yucatan shows that "killer bees" may actually increase food resources for native bees. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002105359.htm The pathogen that causes sudden oak death disease in California has a different genetic fingerprint than fungal strains found in nurseries in Oregon and Washington, according to scientists. This discovery will allow scientists to distinguish infections in other states as likely having originated from either California or the Pacific Northwest. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002105359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915154859.htm If future warming trends that scientists have projected are realized, one of the country's most aggressive exotic plants will have the potential to invade more US land area, according to a new study. The study found that tamarisk -- prevalent today in some parts of the region, but generally limited to warm and dry environments -- could expand its range into currently uninvaded areas. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915154859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170914.htm Whether for introduced muskrats in Europe or oak trees in the United Kingdom, zebra mussels in United States lakes or agricultural pests around the world, scientists have tried to find new ways of controlling invasive species by learning how these animals and plants take over in new environs. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830100003.htm Scientists are investigating the chemical makeup of a mosquito- and ant-repellent essential oil from a native Samoan plant. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090830100003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917131540.htm In the late 1920s, people intentionally introduced birds known as Japanese white-eyes into Hawaiian agricultural lands and gardens for purposes of bug control. Now, that decision has come back to bite us. A recent increase in the numbers of white-eyes that live in old-growth forests is leaving native bird species with too little to eat, according to a new report. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917131540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918153121.htm It won't be as easy as some had hoped to catalog all the factors that influence the spread of an invading species, a new study suggests. If it is difficult to predict the course of an invasion, it will be difficult to control it. And there are hundreds of destructive invaders in the US alone, from kudzu to zebra mussels to the light brown apple moth. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918153121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140926.htm Ecologists have discovered that timber plantations in Hawaii use more than twice the amount of water to grow as native forests use. Especially for island ecosystems, these findings suggest that land management decisions can place ecosystems -- and the people who depend on them -- at high risk for water shortages. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910184308.htm Estimates say more than 70 million ash trees have been destroyed nationally by the emerald ash borer insect. An Iowa researcher is racing the clock to collect seeds from different ash species including green, white, blue and black ash, and many variations within each species before they are killed by the pest. He thinks he may be about 10 percent there. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910184308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914111305.htm The number and diversity of male partners a queen honeybee has could help to protect her children from disease, say scientists, who are investigating possible causes of the widespread increase in bee deaths seen around the world. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090914111305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143640.htm Agricultural researchers are trying to outwit one of southern Australia's worst agricultural weeds. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103628.htm Spring and summer often find homeowners out in their yards, busily attempting to control the onslaught of dandelions in a quest for green, weed-free lawns. Responding to criticism that synthetic herbicides can be harmful to the environment, researchers around the world are experimenting with organically derived weed control methods. Researchers recently studied the effectiveness of pesticide-free mulched maple and oak leaves on common dandelions in established Kentucky bluegrass comparable to residential lawns. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143727.htm Canadian scientists have identified a drastic invasion of round goby into many Great Lakes tributaries, including several areas of the Thames, Sydenham, Ausable and Grand Rivers. A number of the affected areas are known as "species-at-risk" hot spots. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723081800.htm The ice is melting, the sea level is rising and species are conquering new habitats. The warming of the world climate has many consequences. Researchers now report that climate change influences the size of aquatic organisms. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723081800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105146.htm Like most invasive plants introduced to the U.S. from Europe and other places, garlic mustard first found it easy to dominate the natives. A new study indicates that eventually, however, its primary weapon -- a fungus-killing toxin injected into the soil -- becomes less potent. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141411.htm The green mussel is known for being a notoriously invasive fouling species, but scientists have just discovered that it also has a very powerful form of adhesion in its foot. The stickiness of the mussel's foot could possibly be copied to form new artificial adhesives. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150250.htm Thread-like fungi that grow in soils at high elevations may play an important role in restoring whitebark and limber pine forests in Canada. Researchers are looking for ways to use fungi to help pine seedlings get a strong start. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707093744.htm Scientists have studied the coralline algae fossils that lived on the last coral reefs of the Mediterranean Sea between 7.24 and 5.3 million years ago. Mediterranean algae and coral reefs began to resemble present day reefs following the isolation of the Mediterranean from the Indian Ocean and global cooling 15 and 20 million years ago respectively. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707093744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110122.htm Kudzu, the nuisance vine that has overgrown almost 10 million acres in the southeastern United States, may sprout into a dietary supplement. Scientists are reporting the first evidence that root extracts from kudzu show promise as a dietary supplement for a high-risk condition -- the metabolic syndrome -- that affects almost 50 million people in the United States alone. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804081454.htm A classic example of a mutualism, or a mutually beneficial relationship between two species, is that of warm-climate Acacia plants and their ant tenants. The plants provide the ants with shelter within their hollowed-out thorns and food in the form of nectar and protein. The ants, in return, defend the tree viciously, attacking anything that comes near – from other insects to birds and small mammals. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804081454.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110042.htm An annual Lake Tahoe health report describes a spreading Asian clam population that could put sharp shells and rotting algae on the spectacular mountain lake's popular beaches, possibly aid an invasion of quagga and zebra mussels, and even affect lake clarity and ecology. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819110042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719193246.htm Two separate strategies for reducing the spread of red imported fire ants (RIFA) are being combined by scientists as part of a strategy that could potentially add to the arsenal against this spreading pest. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719193246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720190609.htm A switch from annual to multiyear colonies and a willingness to feed just about any prey to their young have allowed invasive yellowjacket wasps to disrupt native populations of insects and spiders on two Hawaiian islands, a new study has found. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720190609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717121426.htm A study of oyster reefs in a once-pristine California coastal estuary found them devastated by invasive Atlantic Coast crabs and snails, providing new evidence of the consequences when human activities move species beyond their natural borders. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717121426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090726092331.htm Marine pest species costing billions in damage to fisheries, coastal communities and infrastructure are spreading as the world's shipping nations continue to largely neglect bringing into effect an international treaty setting out requirements for consistent handling and treatment of ships' ballast water, according to new report. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090726092331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730155551.htm When Tony Goldberg is not whacking through the brush of central Africa, one of the world's great cauldrons of emerging human and animal disease, he is scouring another disease hot spot: the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. The goal of Goldberg's study is to ferret out the reasons why one neighborhood might be in the eye of the West Nile storm while another neighboring area is not. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730155551.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803205933.htm For the first time, researchers have definitively shown that shipwrecks and other man-made structures increase the potential for large invasions of unwanted species into coral reefs, even comparatively pristine ones. These unwanted species can completely overtake a reef and eliminate native corals, dramatically decreasing the diversity of marine organisms on the reef. Coral reefs can undergo fast changes in their dominant life forms, a phenomenon referred to as phase shift. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803205933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801194319.htm A trap to keep stinks bugs from Asia out of people's homes is being developed. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, has expanded its range to Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware and Oregon since its discovery in Pennsylvania about a decade ago. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801194319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112425.htm A new report on the health of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary indicates that the overall condition of the sanctuary's marine life and habitats is fair to good, but identifies several emerging threats to sanctuary resources. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618175333.htm For the first time, researchers have reported the sighting of the emerald ash borer -- an ash-destroying beetle -- in New York state. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618175333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090731085825.htm Researchers have assessed snail and slug species that are of potential threat to the nations agriculture industry and the environment, should they ever be introduced in the US. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090731085825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728102301.htm Governments must act urgently to halt loss of habitats and invading species that are posing major threats to biodiversity and causing species extinctions across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, according to a new study. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090728102301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719185452.htm Black cherry trees, native to the United States, are an invasive species in Europe and thrive in that part of the world. Experiments show why: A soil-borne pathogen keeps these trees in check in the United States, but is too weak to stop them from spreading in Europe. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719185452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719193026.htm Throughout much of Florida's famed Everglades, an invasive, light-green vine called Old World climbing fern now cloaks the forest floor. Besides smothering shrubs and even small trees with its dense, spongy mats, the intrusive fern, known to scientists as Lygodium microphyllum, also forms soft, twining stems that climb tree trunks. Underneath this layer of living fern, dry, dead lygodium stems accumulate, boosting the wildfire hazard. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719193026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725115152.htm A promising biocontrol agent for garlic mustard, one of the most problematic invaders of temperate forests in North America, has been identified. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725115152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722083723.htm Many animal species such as snakes, insects and fish have evolved camouflage defenses to deter attack from their predators. Biologists have now discovered that trees in New Zealand have evolved a similar defense to protect themselves from extinct giant birds, providing the first evidence of this strategy in plant life. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722083723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719185107.htm Kudzu, "The Vine that Ate the South," could meet its match in a naturally occurring fungus that scientists have formulated as a biologically based herbicide. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719185107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090705141721.htm Even in its native Argentina, the fire ant wins in head-to-head competition with other ant species more than three-quarters of the time. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090705141721.htm