Invasive species one of the 5 main drivers of biodiversity loss
Invasive species one of the 5 main drivers of biodiversity loss
What are invasive species?
Invasive species are those which are not native or indigenous to an ecosystem and have a negative impact on that area or other organisms around them. This is different to a non-native species which are usually introduced by humans and do not have the same negative impact with no threat to the area or other organisms.
Invasive species are sometimes introduced accidentally but can also be purposely introduced by humans without realising the consequences. human activity is the biggest reason for the spread of these species.
They are called invasive species because they can:
adapt very quickly.
reproduce quickly.
harm property or the economy.
harm or kill native plants and animals.
cause competition for food and resources with native species.
sometimes bring in diseases.
Examples of invasive species
Common invasive species in the UK include the European rabbit, grey squirrel, muntjac deer, American bullfrog and American mink.
European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Japanese Knotweed...