unit v - high profile invasive species from around …...unit v – high profile invasive alien...

UNIT V – H I GH PROF ILE Invasive Alien Species from around the world

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Unit Objectives: By the end of the unit, students should:

1. Have a basic knowledge of some of the worst invasive

species in the world. 2. Have an understanding of the types of pests that are

being intercepted at their own port of entry.


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Unit V - Table of Contents Introduction Session 1. Invasive Plants

▪ Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) (tree) ▪ Caulerpa (Caulerpa taxifolia) (Alga/Seaweed) ▪ Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) (Grass) ▪ Floating Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Aquatic Plant) ▪ Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) (vine, climber) ▪ Lantana (Lantana camara) (shrub) ▪ Miconia (Miconia calvescens) – (tree) ▪ Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta) (Cactus) ▪ Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) (wetland plant, herb) ▪ Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) (herb)

Session 2. Insects and Diseases

▪ Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) (Insect) ▪ Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) (Insect) ▪ Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) (micro-organism) ▪ Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) (Insect) ▪ Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium) (insect) ▪ Rinderpest (Rinderpest virus) (micro-organism)

Session 3. Aquatic Nuisance Species and Injurious Wildlife

▪ American Comb Jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) (comb jelly) ▪ European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) (Crustacean) ▪ Opossum Shrimp (Mysis relicta) (Crustacean) ▪ Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) (fish) ▪ Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) (mollusk) ▪ Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis) (reptile) ▪ Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) (bird) ▪ Cane Toad (Bufo marinus) (amphibian) ▪ Coqui Frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) - (amphibian) ▪ Feral Pig (Sus scrofa) (mammal) ▪ House Cat (Felis catus) (mammal) ▪ House Mouse (Mus musculus) (mammal) ▪ Nutria (Myocaster coypus) (mammal)

Unit V. Lab Exercise – Port Interception Record


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Introduction The types of invasive species that will be encountered in prevention activities at a port of entry depend entirely on the IAS pathways that are being managed (e.g., sea, air, and overland shipping, trade, and travel) and the origin of commodities and vectors (e.g., ballast water, containers, commodities, and vehicles) of concern. The best source of this kind of information lies in the historical pest interception record at a port of entry. There is no substitute for experience as a teacher in the port of entry. As time passes, a port inspector will develop valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities, relative to IAS pathways and vectors, which are based on repeated successful pest mitigations (e.g., imported produce with a history of disease infection or hitchhiking insects). However, it is very good to have some basic understanding of the ‘big picture’ of IAS issues and problems around the world – a context in which the local situation fits. The objective of this session is to provide a general overview of some of the worst invaders in the world, and to have participants investigate the IAS that have been intercepted at their own ports of entry. "One Hundred of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species" is an online database that was developed by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group, which is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand. It was funded by La Fondation TOTAL, and is part of the Global Invasive Species Database. Species included in the database collectively illustrate the range of impacts caused by biological invasions. The following are a few representative samples of the worst invaders from each of the four taxa groups – invasive plants, insects and diseases, aquatic nuisance species, and injurious wildlife. URLs: ▪ http://www.issg.org/ ▪ http://www.issg.org/database/species/search.asp?st=100ss&fr=1&sts#SpeciesList


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Session 1. Invasive Plants It is estimated that there are about 250,000 species of vascular plants in the world (Wilson, 1992). Of this total, over 22,000 species have been documented as invasive, somewhere in the world (3%) (Randall, 2003). It is important to remember that most species become invasive in only certain habitats. Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a native bush tree in eastern Australia. However, it is very invasive in the Florida Everglades. Pond apple (Anona glabra), is a small tree that is native to the Florida Everglades. However, it has proven to be very invasive in many tropical regions, where it poses a serious threat to biodiversity of wetlands. It has become a very serious problem in the Wet Tropics of Northern Australia, and poses a serious threat to native Melaleuca forests. Here are some examples of the different types of invasive plants – aquatic herbs, terrestrial herbs, grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees. Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) (tree) Brazilian pepper tree, which is native to South America, is a pioneer of disturbed sites. However, it is also successful in undisturbed natural

environments (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). It was introduced into south Florida in the early 1900s as an ornamental shrub, and now infests over 300,000 hectares of the fragile Florida Everglades (Hight et al., 2002). Left unchecked, Brazilian pepper forms thick monospecific stands that total replace native plant and animal communities Anonymous, 2006H). Common Names: Brazilian holly, Brazilian

pepper, Brazilian pepper tree, Christmas berry, faux poivrier, Florida holly, Mexican pepper, pimienta de Brasil, poivre rose, Rosapfeffer, warui Caulerpa (Caulerpa taxifolia) (Alga/Seaweed) Caulerpa is an invasive marine alga, native to the South Pacific, which is widely used as a decorative plant in aquaria. A cold-tolerant strain was inadvertently introduced into the Mediterranean Sea in wastewater from the Oceanographic Museum at Monaco, where it has now spread over more than 13,000 hectares of seabed. Caulerpa forms dense monocultures that prevent the establishment of native

Brazilian pepper in south Florida (James Cuda, University of Florida. http://www.forestryimages.org/images/768x512/0002008.jpg


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Cogongrass in a tree seedling plantation in Mississippi, USA (Charles Bryson, USDA ARS).

http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1115003

Caulerpa (A. Meinesz, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=115&fr=1&sts

=sss

seaweeds and exclude practically all marine life, affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: caulerpa, killer alga, lukay-lukay, Schlauchalge, sea weed. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) (Grass) Cogongrass is invasive throughout its introduced range around the world – and costs hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and control costs annually. It only documented beneficial use is a thatch for building huts and roofs. In the fall, the dry foliage creates a heavy fuel load that can lead to intense wildfires. This poses a serious threat to timber production in the Gulf Coast Region of the Southern United States (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006; Bryon and Carter, 1993; Dickens, 1974; Dozier et al., 1998). Common Names: alang-alang, blady grass, Blutgras, carrizo, cogongrass, gi, impérata cylindrique, japgrass, kunai, lalang, ngi, paille de dys, paillotte, satintail, speargrass Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) (Aquatic Plant) Floating water hyacinth is considered one of the world’s worst weeds (Holm et al., 1977). It has the highest growth rate of any saltwater, freshwater or terrestrial vascular plant (Wolverton and McDonald 1978) and causes drastic changes in infested waterways. In slow-moving to still waterways, water hyacinth forms dense mats that lower dissolved oxygen content, alters river hydrology, and increases organic sediment (Batcher, undated). Interlocking mats of the plants also displace native aquatic plant and animal communities, eventually forming floating islands which are colonized by grasses and other plants. This process can lead to rapid changes in wetland ecology, e.g., shallow areas of water will be converted to swamps. Water hyacinth also has direct effects on water chemistry. By absorbing large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients, it


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Floating Water Hyacinth (Colin Wilson, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=70&fr=1&sts=sss

John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, United States. http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1624015

deprives phytoplankton of nutrients. This leads to reduced phytoplankton, and in turn, to reduced fish stocks. As large amounts of water hyacinth begin to decompose, anaerobic conditions (oxygen deficiency) are created under the mats, which lead to increased fish death. Severe infestations also interfere with recreational and commercial use of a water body, and cause substantial economic hardship in some communities. Infestations also adversely impact the quality of drinking water, and pose a health risk by creating conditions for disease carrying mosquitoes (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006; Matthews and Brand, 2004; Cock, 2001). Common Names: aguapé, bung el ralm, floating water hyacinth, jacinthe d'eau, jacinto de agua, jacinto-aquatico, jal kumbhi, lechuguilla, lila de agua, mbekambekairanga, wasserhyazinthe, water

hyacinth

Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) (vine, climber) Kudzu is a leguminous, semi-woody vine, from Asia, that forms dense infestations, smothers all herbs, shrubs, and trees in an infested area. It was originally planted in the southern United States for erosion control, in the early to mid-1900s, and now infests at over 1 million hectares in the eastern states. Control costs and losses due to kudzu are now estimated to be over $500 million per year (Westbrooks, 1998).

Common Names: kudzu, kudzu vine, Kudzu-Kletterwein Lantana (Lantana camara) (shrub) Lantana is a cosmopolitan invader with about 650 varieties in over 60 countries or island groups. It is established and expanding in range in

many regions of the world, and impacts severely on agriculture and farming. It replaces native forests when land is cleared for agriculture. Lantana has been the focus of

Lantana (Auckland Regional Council, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=56&fr=1&sts=sss


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Miconia on a mountainside in Tahiti (Peter Thomas, the Nature Conservancy). http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1624047

biological control attempts for 100 years, yet still poses major problems in many regions (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: ach man, angel lips, ayam, big sage, blacksage, bunga tayi, cambara de espinto, cuasquito, flowered sage, lantana, lantana wildtype, largeleaf lantana, latora moa, pha-ka-krong, prickly lantana, shrub verbean, supirrosa, Wandelroeschen, white sage, wild sage Miconia (Miconia calvescens) – (tree) Miconia is a tree from Central America that forms dense stands which shade out native vegetation with its large leaves and dense canopy. Introduced originally as an ornamental plant on Tahiti in 1937, it now dominates the forests of over 2/3 of that island and has spread to other islands in French Polynesia (Raiatea, Moorea, and Marquesas). Introduced to Hawaii in the 1960s, it is spreading rapidly on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, and Oahu. It is widely regarded as the worst threat to tropical rainforest watersheds (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: bush currant, cancer vert, miconia, purple plague, velvet tree Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta) (Cactus) Common prickly pear is a cactus from Central America which grows up to 2 meters high. This spiny shrub will grow in a broad range of habitats, from rocky slopes, to river banks, and urban areas. It is regarded as the worst ever weed in Australia. Common prickly pear is also invasive in South Africa, where biological control is being explored to help address the problem (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: Araluen pear, Australian pest pear, chumbera, common pest pear,

Infestation of Opuntia stricta in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia (Colin Wilson, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=104&fr=1&sts=sss

Infestation of Opuntia stricta in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia (Colin Wilson, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=104&fr=1&sts=sss


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common prickly pear, erect prickly pear, Feigenkaktus, gayndah pear, nopal estricto, pest pear of Australia, sour prickly pear, spiny pest pear, suurturksvy Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) (wetland plant, herb) Purple Loosestrife is an erect perennial herb with a woody stem and whirled leaves. It reproduces prolifically by seed dispersal and vegetative fragmentation. Any sunny or partly shaded wetland is vulnerable to purples loosestrife invasion, but disturbed areas with exposed soil accelerate the process by providing ideal conditions for seed germination (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Common Names: Blutweiderich, purple loosestrife, rainbow weed, salicaire, spiked loosestrife

Siam Weed (Chromolaena odorata) (herb) Siam weed is a fast-growing perennial shrub native to South America and Central America. It has been introduced into the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Pacific, where it forms dense stands that prevent the establishment of other plant species. It is an aggressive competitor and may also have allelopathic effects. It is a nuisance weed in agricultural land and commercial plantations (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Common Names: agonoi, bitter bush, chromolaena, hagonoy, herbe du Laos, huluhagonoi, jack in the bush, kesengesil, mahsrihsrihk, masigsig, ngesngesil , otuot, rumput belalang, rumput golkar, rumput putih, Siam weed, Siam-Kraut, triffid weed, wisolmatenrehwei

Purple loosestrife along a major highway in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Bonnie Harper-Lore, Federal Highway Adminstration, St. Paul, MN). http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1624025

Chromolaena odorata near Camplong in west Timor, Indonesia (Colin Wilson, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=47&fr=1&sts=sss


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Session 2. Insects and Diseases Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) (Insect) The Asian tiger mosquito was introduced to the United States and other countries from Asia in water, in used vehicle tires. It is associated with the transmission of dengue fever, eastern equine encephalitis and dog heartworm, and possibly with St. Louis and LaCrosse encephalitis viruses (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: Asian tiger mosquito, forest day mosquito, zanzare tigre

Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile) (Insect) The Argentine ant has spread from its native range in South America to all continents except Antarctica. Where established, it becomes a:

▪ nuisance in urban areas ▪ a destructive crop pest ▪ an aggressive invader in natural areas.

Introduced populations exhibit a different genetic and social makeup that leads to increased invasiveness. This permits the formation of fast growing, high density colonies, which are a major threat to native ecosystems. The Argentine ant is the greatest threat to the survival of various endemic Hawaiian arthropods and displaces numerous native ant species around the world (some of which are important seed dispersers and plant pollinators. This results in a decrease of ant diversity and disruption of native ecosystems (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006) The Argentine ant was first recorded in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1908, and is thought to have been introduced there in horse feed that was imported from Argentina for the British calvary during the Anglo-Boer war. In Africa, the Argentine ant has invaded the fynbos biome in the southwestern Cape of South Africa, which is world renowned for its rich biodiversity. Up to 30% of plants in Fynbos communities rely

Asian tiger mosquito (Susan Ellis, Maryland, USA) http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1366025

Linepithema humile (Photo: Linepithema humile (Photo: Linepithema humile (Photo: Linepithema humile (Photo: by by by by Peter T. Oboyski, USGSPeter T. Oboyski, USGSPeter T. Oboyski, USGSPeter T. Oboyski, USGS----BRD)BRD)BRD)BRD) http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=127&fr=1&sts=sss


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on beneficial, native ants to disperse their seeds. The relationship is mutually beneficial, because in return for their services, the ants receive a food reward in the form of a nutrient rich food body – called an elaisome, which is attached to the seed. Native ants seek out seeds lying on the soil surface and take them into their underground nests, where they consume the elaisome, and leave the seeds unharmed to germinate. However, Argentine ants consume the elaisome without taking the seeds underground. This exposes them to fire and heavy predation by rodents (Matthews and Brand, 2004). Common Names: Argentine ant, Argentinische Ameise, formiga-argentina Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) (micro-organism) Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is a deadly pathogen which affects many areas of the world-wide banana industry. BBTV is a virus only 18 to 20 nanometers in size. Locally BBTV is transmitted by the aphid vector Pentalonia nigronevosa. Globally, BBTV has been transported in

plant material internationally (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Gypsy Moth (Lymantria dispar) (Insect) Gypsy moth is one of the most destructive pests of shade, fruit, and ornamental and hardwood trees in the northern hemisphere. Gypsy moth larvae cause extensive defoliation, leading to reduced growth or even mortality of an infected tree. Their presence destroys the aesthetic beauty of an area by defoliating and killing trees and covering the area with their waste products and silk webs. The hairs on larvae and egg masses also cause allergic reactions in some people (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Common Names: Asian gypsy moth, erdei gyapjaslepke, gubar, gypsy moth, lagarta peluda, limantria, løVstraesnonne, maimai-ga, mniska vel’kohlava, Schwammspinner, spongieuse

Banana plants infected with Banana bunchy top virus (Ron Heu, Hawaii Department of Agriculture). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=141&fr=1&sts

Gypsy moth (USDA APHIS PPQ Photo Archives). http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=2652086


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Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium) (insect) Khapra beetle, which is one of the word’s most destructive pests of stored grain products, is native to India and Bangladesh. It has not spread to northern and eastern Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia. The beetle cannot fly, but is spread mainly by commerce and trade. Populations increase rapidly under hot, dry conditions, but it can survive in low numbers in colder climates in warehouses and grain storage bins. Left uncontrolled, khapra beetle can make a grain bin appear alive with crawling larvae. In addition to consuming the grain, they contaminate it with body parts which are known to cause gastrointestinal irritation in humans (Global Invasive Species Database; Anonymous, 1995; Stuart Bennett, 2003). Common Names: escarabajo khapra, khapra beetle, khaprakäfer, trogoderma (dermeste) du grain Rinderpest (Rinderpest virus) (micro-organism) Rinderpest (Cattle Plague) is a viral disease that causes high mortality in domestic cattle, buffaloes and yaks. It also affects sheep, goats and some breeds of pigs and a large variety of wildlife species. Humans are not susceptible to Rinderpest. However, famine caused by Rinderpest outbreaks, devastates communities that are depended on livestock and buffalo for food and livelihood. Mass vaccinations over the last century have greatly reduced outbreaks of Rinderpest. The Global Rinderpest Eradication Program (GREP), which was established in 1987 by the United Nation's FAO to develop strategies of control in high risk countries. Mass vaccination combined with coordinated surveillance and control efforts could eliminate Rinderpest by 2010 (Global Invasive Species Database). Common Names: cattle plague

Khapra beetle (Central Science Laboratory, United Kingdom, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=142&fr=1&sts=sss

Cattle in Africa (United Cattle in Africa (United Cattle in Africa (United Cattle in Africa (United Nations, Food and Agriculture Nations, Food and Agriculture Nations, Food and Agriculture Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization, Rome, Italy).Organization, Rome, Italy).Organization, Rome, Italy).Organization, Rome, Italy). http://www.fao.org/news/19

96/960804-e.htm


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Session 3. Aquatic Nuisance Species and Injurious Wildlife. American Comb Jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) (comb jelly) The American comb jelly is a carnivorous predatory ctenophore of edible zooplankton, pelagic fish eggs and larvae and is associated with

fishery crashes. It is native to temperate to subtropical estuaries along the Atlantic coasts of North and South America. In the early 1980s, it was accidentally introduced to the Black Sea via ballast water where it had a catastrophic effect on the entire ecosystem. In the past 25 years, it has also invaded the Azov, Marmara, Aegean, and Caspian Seas via the ballast water of ships (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: American comb jelly, comb jelly, comb jellyfish, Rippenqualle, sea gooseberry, sea walnut, Venus' girdle, warty comb jelly

European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) (Crustacean) The European green crab is a small shoreline crab that is native to Europe and north Africa. It has invaded numerous coastal

communities outside its native range, including South Africa, Australia, and both coasts of North America. It was discovered in Cape Town Harbor, South Africa, in 1983, and has since invaded the coastal waters of the surrounding Cape Peninsula. It has also been detected 100 KM to the north in Saldanha Bay, on the west coast of South Africa. If it becomes established in Saldanha Bay, it could have a devastating impact on that area’s productive mussel farming industry, and could disrupt the food web of the adjacent Landebaan lagoon, a sensitive ecosystem conserved as part of the West Coast National Park of South Africa (Matthews and Brand, 2004).

As a voracious food generalist, the European green crab usually causes a serious decline of other crab and bivalve species where it is introduced. In California, it has causes losses as high as 50% in

American comb jelly (Tamara Shiganova, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=95&fr=1&sts=sss

Male European green crab (Luis Solórzano, California, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=114&fr=1&sts=sss


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Manila clam stocks. It has also been blamed for the collapse of the soft-shell clam industry in Maine. Because of its efficiency as a predator, it is considered one of the world’s worst invaders (Matthews and Brand, 2004; Global Invasive Species Database). Common Names: European shore crab, green crab, strandkrabbe Opossum Shrimp (Mysis relicta) (Crustacean) The opossum shrimp was first introduced into Kootenay Lake, British

Columbia, Canada, in 1949, and into other lakes of western North America, as a forage food for sport fish. This small arthropod is both a predator, as well as a filter feeder. After opossum shrimp is introduced to a lake, there is often a dramatic reduction in native zooplankton communities, including species extinctions. After the opossum shrimp was introduced into Flathead Lake, Montana, Daphnia longiremis (Water Flea)

and Leptodora kindti (predaceous cladoceran) were reduced to undetectable levels (Spencer et al., 1999). Walking Catfish (Clarias batrachus) (fish) The walking catfish is a voracious predator, native to southeastern

Asia, which has been introduced into many countries for fish farming. They feed on detritus, large aquatic insects, tadpoles, and other fish. The fish, which was named for its ability to move over land in search of other water bodies, can go for months without food. During drought, large numbers of walking catfish congregate in isolated pools and prey on other species. They invade aquaculture farms, entering ponds where they prey on fish stocks (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: alimudan, cá trê tráng, cá trèn trang, clarias catfish, climbing perch,

freshwater catfish, Froschwels, hito, htong batukan, ikan keling, ikan lele, Ito, kawatsi, keli, klarievyi som, koi, konnamonni, kug-ga, leleh, magur, mah-gur, mangri, marpoo, masarai, mungri, nga-khoo, pa douk, paltat, pantat, pla duk, pla duk dam, pla duk dan, pla duk nam

A pair of walking catfish spawning (Ros Wolfgang, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=62&fr=1&sts=sss

http://www.flyfisherman.com/rmwest/dwmysis/index6.html


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jued, pla duk nam juend, Thai hito, Thailand catfish, trey andaing roueng, trey andeng, walking catfish, wanderwels, Yerivahlay Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) (mollusk) Zebra mussels are native to the Caspian and Black Seas. They are now established in the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Canada and the United States. They compete with zooplankton for food, thus affecting natural food webs. They also interfere with the ecological functions of native mollusks and cause great economic damage. Zebra mussel tolerates salinity to 6 ppt, temperatures to approximately 29 C, and will not settle in currents greater than 2 m/second (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Zebra mussels are best known for their bio-fouling capabilities by colonizing water supply pipes of electric power plants, public water supply plants, and other industrial facilities. By colonizing pipes, they restrict water flow, and therefore reduce intake for heat exchangers, condensers, and other electrical equipment. Zebra mussel densities as high as 700,000/m2 were found at one power plant in Michigan. The structural integrity of wooden dock pilings, as well as submerged steel and concrete structures can be affected by continued attachment of the mussel (Benson and Raikow, 2006).

Common Names: moule zebra, racicznica zmienna, zebra mussel, Zebra-Muschel

Additional Information: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/zebramussel.shtml Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis) (reptile) This night-loving and tree-loving snake is native to Papua New Guinea. Since its introduction to the island of Guam after World War II in a cargo ship, the populations of 10 of 13 native bird species (Savidge, 1987), two of three native mammals (bats) and five out of 11 native lizards have been decimated (Fritts and Rodda, 1998). Since it is a general feeder, there is concern that

Zebra mussels in pipe (JT Carlton) http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/universal/gallery.cfm?group=2480&picnum=10

Brown tree snake (G.H. Rodda, U.S. Geological Survey). http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1294034


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the brown tree snake might drive yet more species to extinction (Rodda et al., 2002; Global Invasive Species Database, 2006)

Common Names: Braune Nachtbaumnatter, brown tree snake, brown treesnake, culepla, kulebla Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) (bird) The bulbul, is a noisy, aggressive bird that is native from Pakistan to southwest China. It has a conspicuous crimson patch below the root of the tail. It destroys fruits, flowers, beans, tomatoes and peas, and may also help to spread the seed of other invasive species. The bulbul was introduced to some of the Pacific Islands, where it has caused serious problems by eating fruit and vegetable crops, as well as nectar, seeds and buds (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Common Names: bulbul cafre, red-vented bulbul, Rußbülbül

Cane Toad (Bufo marinus) (amphibian) The cane toad, which is native to Central America and northern South America, was introduced throughout the world as a biological control for various insect pests of sugarcane and other crops. It has become a pest throughout its introduced range. As a general feeder, it will prey on any organism available. It preys on and competes with native amphibians for food and breeding habitat (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Common Names: Aga-Kröte, bufo toad, bullfrog, cane toad, crapaud, giant American toad, giant toad, kwapp, macao, maco pempen, Maco toro, marine Toad, Suriname toad

Coqui Frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui) (amphibian) The coqui frog is a small tree frog that is native to Puerto Rico, where it is a symbol for the territory and its images is used to decorate a variety of products sold to tourists. The frogs are quite adaptable to

Bulbul (K.W. Bridges, University of Hawaii, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=138&fr=1&sts=sss

Cane toad (Craig G. Morley, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=113&fr=1&sts


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different ecological zones and elevations. Their loud, high pitched mating call (nearly 100 decibels) is the main reason they are considered pests. The coqui arrived in Hawaii in the late 1980s, probably imported on ornamental plants from the Caribbean or Florida. Since then, the frog has spread throughout the islands of Hawaii and Maui. While the frog is capable of devouring large numbers of endemic insects (possibly causing even more extinctions), and thus competing with native birds, many Hawaiian citizens and visitors are much more upset about the very loud, piercing calls that the tiny frog makes at night (Staples and Dowie, 2001; Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: Caribbean tree frog, common coqui, Coqui, Puerto Rican treefrog Feral Pig (Sus scrofa) (mammal) Feral pigs are free living, escaped or released domestic animals. Originally native to Asia, pigs have been introduced to many parts of the world, where they damage crops, livestock and property, and transmit diseases. Feral pigs root up large areas of native vegetation, spread weeds, disrupt plant succession and reduce native species populations (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: kuhukuhu, kune-kune, petapeta, pig, poretere, razorback, te poaka, Wildschwein House Cat (Felis catus) (mammal) Domesticated house cats, in various forms and sizes, have been spread world-wide as human pets, except in Australasia and on some oceanic islands. The house cat was domesticated in the eastern Mediterranean about 3000 years ago. Cats prey on small mammals, lizards, snakes, and land birds, particularly those that nest or feed on or near to the ground. They also prey on petrels, shearwaters and

Image Image Image Image from O’ahu O’ahu O’ahu O’ahu Invasive Species Invasive Species Invasive Species Invasive Species Committee (OISC). Committee (OISC). Committee (OISC). Committee (OISC). http://www.hear.org/oisc/oisc_target_species/eleutherodactylus_spp.htm

Feral Pigs in Australia (Pest Animal Control, CRC, Australia, Photo by Brendan Cowled). http://www.pestanimal.crc.org.au/info/imagegallery.htm


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prions, and will cause local extinction of these species (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006). Common Names: cat, domestic cat, feral cat, Hauskatze, house cat, moggy, poti, pusiniveikau, pussy cat

House Mouse (Mus musculus) (mammal) The house mouse occurs all around the world due to its commensal

relationship with humans – a relationship extending back at least 8,000 years). The house mouse destroys crops and consumes and/or contaminates human food supplies. They are prolific breeders, and will reach plague proportions if resources are available. They have also been implicated in the local extinction of native species in ecosystems they have invaded (Global Invasive Species Database, 2006).

Common Names: biganuelo, field mouse, Hausmaus, house mouse, kiore-iti, raton casero, souris commune, wood mouse Nutria (Myocastor coypus) (mammal)

The nutria is a large semi-aquatic rodent that was imported from South America into the United States in 1899 for the fur trade. Due to a lack of interest in the fur, animals were released or escaped from fur farms (e.g., Avery Island, Louisiana) and have established large feral populations in the Gulf Coast Region, and the Mid-Atlantic States from Maryland to Virginia. They have also established free living populations in Europe and Asia. They damage riverbanks, dikes, and irrigation canals by

burrowing. They damage wetlands by decimating populations of wetland plants such as cattail (Anonymous, 2006D). For more information visit the following website:

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/nutria.shtml

House Cat (Gilbert Pierre, Global Invasive Species Database). http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=24&fr=1&sts=sss

House mouse. http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/halldw/Bio455L/Files/Mammal.html

Justin Secrist Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatics/nutria.shtml


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Unit V. Lab Exercise – Regional IAS Capacity Building Exercise. Identifying high priority IAS that affect a region is the first step in building regional capacity to address it. This exercise is intended to help participants from neighboring countries identify IAS of common concern, and to start crafting a strategy to address it. To being with, divide participants from neighboring countries into groups. Then, have each group complete the following exercise and report back to the class. High Priority IAS Affecting Group Countries:

Affected Geographic Region:

Affected Resources at Risk (Natural or Crop Resources):

Impacted Stakeholders:

Potential Stakeholders:

Strategies for Stakeholder Involvement (Symposia, Financial Incentives, etc.):

Strategies for Public Awareness and Involvement in the Effort

Survey Strategies (Who, Where, When):

Control and Eradication Strategies (Who, Where, When, What Methods):

Potential Funding Mechanisms:

unit v - high profile invasive species from around …...unit v – high profile invasive alien...

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