Endangered species
There are many endangered species around the globe. Many things effect the survivability of a species. There are genetic components which effect their ability to adapt to their environment as well as mutations that can directly result in their destruction. Pollution is another cause of species disappearing from the planet. While some factors that effect a species survival are beyond our control, there are things we can do to slow the process. Invasive species are a problem worldwide and in a lot of ways, it is our fault. Whether or not we directly introduced an invasive species into an environment, we can be responsible for controlling or eradicating it once it is introduced.
Some invasive species arrive on their own by hitching a ride with either another species or with humans. There has been an indirect introduction of many species through travel. Creatures come with us on airplanes, boats, trains and cars. In some cases, it is because a passenger does so on purpose, by concealing the creature to bring home as a pet. But more frequently, we may not notice the extra passengers when we leave for our destination.
Invasive species take over food sources, fight for habitat and can also carry or spread disease that can wipe out entire populations. While a grey squirrel in the US may have a natural immunity to a disease, one in the UK may not. By introducing that disease to the UK, you may inadvertently wipe out the entire squirrel population in the UK. In the UK the red squirrel is an endangered species, while the grey squirrel is an invasive species which has caused many difficulties in the survival of the red squirrel including the spread of disease.
We have also introduced some invasive species on purpose. When you are planting seeds in your garden, do you wonder how that plant will do in your climate? If there is any question as to the viability of a plant in your region, chances are, the plant shouldn’t be here. That plant may spread and take over large areas of land and it may also put other species in danger . We have also introduced invasive species in order to destroy another. Some places have introduced predators to lower the population of a prey animal. While it may be effective at first, it is possible that the new species has no natural predator in its new habitat and its population will also get out of control. It is also possible that he introduced species will find a new food source and over indulge. This process has been linked to the placement of several species on the endangered species list.
Two problems for any ecosystem are endangered species and invasive species. While they are two opposite sides of the coin, the two can have a direct correlation. Invasive species can be the cause of another becoming an endangered species. As with many environmental factors, gaining or losing a species can have a devastating effect on the health of any ecosystem.
