how have non-native species impacted biodiversity?

Question

environmental science

Answer 1

In a bad, bad way.

Around here, the japanese buch homeysuckle can COMPLETELY take over the understory of a forest in a matter of years. THe big bushed grow until they shade out all other plant life except the trees - and I doubt that the seedlings of the big trees would make it through them either.

I've walked through woods that 15 year ago were normal, and now whoel sections are exclusively honeysuckle.

With much of the native fauna biting the dust, the animals will be next to go - they'll leave the area if the plants they usually eat are no longer there.

Answer 2

In Britain, the Spanish bluebell is taking over from the native British Bluebell. Japanese Knotweed is totally colonising our riverbanks and verges, and the Grey Squirrel has almost completely wiped out the native Red Squirrel.

The whole ecological balance of an area can be destryoed by one species, be it animal or fauna, being affected by a non-native species.

Answer 3

Where I am (and I know other areas have it to) we have a problem with the Snakehead fish...nasty, and nasty looking, buggers. People worry because they could really harm native species.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakehead_%28fish%29
"It is thought that snakeheads could become invasive species and cause ecological damage. They can not only breath atmospheric air, but survive on land for up to 4 days and are known to migrate on land to other bodies of water using their fins.

Snakeheads became infamous in the US because of their appearance in a pond in Crofton, Maryland, in the summer of 2002. They are prohibited in several other countries like Australia because their introduction to new ecosystems may displace indigenous species."

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364_18958-54177--,00.html
"They have sharp teeth like a pickerel or a pike and their maximum length can reach up to 33 inches. Coloration is generally tan with dark brown mottling. Snakehead have no natural predators in the U.S. and they are voracious carnivores. If you catch this fish, do not put it back in the water and call the nearest DNR Operations Service Center."

Answer 4

Severely

Answer 5

I have read that the lion fish that has been released by pet owners that no longer want them are surviving in the non native water ways along with the red sea banner fish in waters of Florida. They are competing with native fish for food and shelter and are more adaptive and driving the native fish out...or eating them in a rate that they cannot compete.