What North American species have become invasive, ecological hazards elsewhere?

Question

No military,political, or economic references please.

Answer 1

In addition to the grey squirrels, raccoons, fungi and others mentioned above:

Mink, especially in Great Britain, but also in other regions of Europe. These are especially damaging to native birds, mammals, amphibians and even fish. "Animal rights" activists who release minks from mink farms into the wild create far more ecological devastation than most oil spills.

Canada goose have become pests across much of Europe and Asia.

Muskrat, a big wet rodent that burrows into banks and can damage rivers, creeks, dikes and irrigation fields has established in many regions of Europe.

Rainbow trout and brown trout were introduced deliberately into many lakes and streams throughout the world, where they outcompete native fish.

Largemouth bass are another fish that was introduced deliberately into many areas because of its qualities as a sport fish and tastiness. It has devastated aquatic environments in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and throughout the Pacific Islands.

There are a variety of flowers and weeds that have spread far and wide, including pansies, daisies, vetches, toadflax, purple loosestrife and others. I'm not sure how many of them originated in North America however. Botany's not really my strong suit.

There is a small comb-jelly (Ctenophora) native to the Atlantic coast of North America that was introduced into the Black Sea with ship ballast water. Since that introduction, numbers of native fish have plummeted in the region, virtually destroying not only the ecosystem, but also the commercial fisheries that fed many of the people of the region. The comb-jelly eats all of the zooplankton that normally nourish young fish. It has also recently spread to the Azov, Marmara, Aegean and Caspian Seas as well.

The fungus Aphanomyces astaci was introduced into Europe along with North American crayfish. Called crayfish plague, the fungus has devastated native crayfish populations.

One of the best known American native species that has become a serious pest elsewhere is the cane toad, Bufo marinus. It has now been introduced to a wide variety of Pacific Islands, Australia, the Caribbean, and even Egypt. Bullfrogs have been having similar impacts in many regions where they have been introduced as well.

The Caribbean tree frog, or coqui has been introduced into areas such as Hawaii, Australia and the Galapagos. Their mating call is extremely loud, but the primary concern is the effect they may have on native insects, and the competition with native birds for insect food.

The predatory rosy wolf snail was native to SE USA, and was introduced deliberately into areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans to control giant African snails, but instead they have devastated native snails in those areas - especially Hawaii and Mauritius.

The mesquite bush native to Texas and other regions has been introduced in many areas for erosion control, such as the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Africa and Australia. But it competes with native vegetation and forms impenetrable thickets that suppress grass growth and chokes out other understory species.

Red-eared slider turtles, a popular pet species, have significantly effected native turtle populations, as well as some birds, fish, and even dragonflies in Australia, SE and Far East Asia, Europe, Israel, South Africa and other areas.

Yellowjacket wasps were introduced into Australia from either Europe or North America, and are not particularly welcome there.

Those are some of the biggies - there are others as well. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

By tradition and culture most Americans are scared of powerful governments. There is no way US citizens will willingly let a Canadian or Mexican have any direct input on their lives. The US government can barely regulate assault weapons and impose taxes, much less force americans to use pesos and learn french. On the other hand we do have a trading bloc with Canada and Mexico that was formed by NAFTA. The basis of the European Union is the European coal and steel community, a trading bloc itself. Out of this trading bloc came the EU, but I think this is as far as the US will go. In addition to fears of big government, Europe differs in its size and history, most Europeans are amazed that they can drive for 8 hours and still be in the same state in the US, Cali and Texas for an example. Open borders and close ties are more needed in a continent like Europe than in North America. Europeans have a history of killing each other in bloody conflicts and some think by building close ties it will help stop wars in the future. If you actually talk to some Europeans though, they will tell that the EU is garbage and that it only benefits Germany and France. So in summation there isn't a North American Union because we don't want one and don't need one.

Answer 3

Animals that are native to North America that have been transplanted in other countries with negative consequences. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, gray squirrel, honey bee, etc etc. Yes there are many more.

The cat and the rat are both European invaders to just about everywhere.

National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC): gateway to invasive species information; covering Federal, State, local, and international sources.
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/index.shtml

Answer 4

Rabbits - Australia
Happy Caving Carroll

Answer 5

Gray squirrels and racoons in Europe I also think a North American crayfish was introduced to Europe which carries a disease that is killing off the native crayfish, Black Locust trees can't think of many others

Answer 6

Well, if you allow European references taken by Americans as well as others
Rats almost everywhere
Cats on islands in Pacific without them before taking out native birds
Rabbits in Australia

Answer 7

I know of some poisonous mushrooms and plants, but can't seem to remember where they are beginning to be a problem.