Table of Contents Characteristics of Invasive Alien Species and Causes of InvasionTwo Types of IAS Introduction: Intentional and UnintentionalIntentional IntroductionsUnintentional IntroductionsEffects of Invasive Alien SpeciesEnvironmental ImpactsEconomic ImpactsDiseases/Problems healthControl and management of invasive alien speciesSpeciesConclusionReferencesWhat are invasive species? An exotic species is a species that is exotic and non-native to an area where it has been introduced, whether intentionally or not. As its name suggests, it does not belong to the ecosystem into which it was introduced. When we add the term “invasive”, this specifies that this species would now present negative impacts in the area of ​​its introduction. There has been a clear trend in discussions and publications on issues related to invasive alien species (IAS) in recent years. Therefore, the term alien species or IAS has been described in different ways by several agencies/experts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay An exotic species refers to a species, subspecies, or lower taxon, introduced outside of its natural past or current distribution; including any parts, gametes, seeds, eggs or propagules of these species that may survive and subsequently reproduce. Kolar and Lodge point out that invasive species are non-native species that spread from the point of introduction and become abundant. According to di Castri, a biological invader is a species that is usually transported inadvertently and spreads to new territories. Likewise, according to the IUCN, invasive alien species are plants or animals introduced by humans, accidentally or intentionally, outside their natural geographic range, into an area where they are not naturally present. A similar understanding has been proposed by Birdlife. International which defines IAS as species of animals and plants accidentally or deliberately introduced into a natural environment where they are not normally found. The definition proposed by the ISSG also highlights the impacts of invasive species while defining the meaning of invasiveness. In other words, according to the ISSG, an invasive species is one that has established and spread or has the potential to do so outside of its natural range, and which then threatens ecosystems, habitats and/or other species, potentially leading to economic and/or economic consequences. or environmental damage, or damage to human health. In a nutshell, IAS are exotic species that can have harmful impacts on the ecosystem into which they are introduced. Which taxonomic groups are the most invasive? It is very difficult to predict which group of organisms would be more, less or not invasive. In other words, each species has the potential to become invasive if removed from its native environment. This can be understood by the fact that IAS are present in all taxonomic groups, including mammals, aquatic and terrestrial plants, fish, birds, insects, amphibians, mollusks, reptiles, mosses, ferns, algae, fungi and viruses. do not always pose a threat because, in most cases, their survival is difficult in new ecosystems/conditions and their introduction therefore fails. However, studies suggestthat approximately 1 in 1,000 organisms introduced into a new environment have great potential to grow and become invasive. Interestingly, in their native range, IAS are controlled by environmental factors and predators; whereas, in new environments, the absence of such controlling factors gives them sufficient opportunities to thrive and proliferate. Characteristics of invasive alien species and causes of invasion As mentioned above, there is no specific methodology for predicting the potential of a species to become invasive. Nevertheless, there are few characteristics that can improve our understanding of a species in order to determine its invasiveness. Obvious common characteristics of IAS may include a large native range, rapid reproduction and growth rate, strong dispersal and competitive abilities, ability to physiologically adapt to new conditions, significant reproductive output and an ability to survive on a wide range of food types with broad tolerance under various conditions. environmental conditions. According to McNeely et al., trade, travel and transportation (3T) are the main drivers of biological invasion. Initially, there were natural barriers in the form of oceans and mountains that prohibited the movement of species from their original range to elsewhere. However, human advancement in the form of maritime global trade has paved the way for the movement of species across the globe. Furthermore, globalization has accelerated considerably. According to the World Resources Institute and the World Bank, economic globalization is manifested by the increase in the value of total imports from US$192 billion in 1965 to US$5.4 trillion in 1998, a multiplication by 28. in just over 30 years. Therefore, globalization has changed the trend of trade, where even the most developed country is now economically dependent on other countries for its goods and services. However, globalization has become a source of new challenges in the form of movements of species outside their native ranges. Experts believe that the sea/water route is potentially responsible for the IAS problem due to various routes such as shipping, shipping channels, aquaculture and aquarium. trade. Among the various factors responsible for the introduction of IAS, ballast water has often been blamed, as much of the world's trade is carried out by sea. Two types of IAS introduction: intentional and unintentional Intentional introductions The introduction of exotic species into their new ranges is closely linked to the existing nature of human movements around the world. In addition to food, humans introduce exotic species for several specific purposes, such as aquaculture, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, game species, biological control agents, erosion prevention soils, research subjects, etc. There are cases where exotic species do not have a guarantee. of survival unless taken care of. Therefore, humans do their best to ensure the greatest chance of their proliferation. As a result, some species do not behave according to the expectations of those who care for them. For example, the deliberate introduction of African tilapia went wrong in Lake Nicaragua in the 1980s as it had adverse consequences in the form of destruction of native fish populations as well as other impacts. Other causes include cases where exotic speciesare deliberately released from captivity, such as zoological gardens or botanical gardens. Additionally, smuggling of threatened or least concern species increases the risk of introducing IAS into newer environments. Unintentional introductions In this category, we consider cases where exotic species are introduced to new regions of the world as a by-product of human activities such as trade, travel and transport. In other words, two or more countries are often linked to each other in the form of financial affairs, disaster relief projects or military operations, which becomes the cause of the unintentional introduction of 'EEE. The escape of exotic species from captivity also falls under this type of introduction. Additionally, climate change may also facilitate invasion by making habitats more difficult for native species and more hospitable to IAS. Effects of Invasive Alien Species The severity of the disastrous impacts of IAS can be understood from the IUCN concept of IAS impacts. as immense, insidious and generally irreversible. In the current scenario, the problem of IAS is occurring on a global scale and almost all countries are paying the high cost. Apparently, it looks like that the impacts of IAS can be measured in economic terms, but that the problems of unemployment, ecological imbalance, food shortage, biodiversity decline, disasters, epidemics and loss of life are closely related. linked to EEE and therefore cannot be ignored. ImpactsThe disastrous impacts of IAS on the receiving environment are well documented. For example, IAS have been found responsible for the extinction of a number of native species, as well as the disruption of ecological balance, modification of prey and predators, competition, nutrient dynamics , the structure of communities and ecosystem services, the spread of pathogens and the irreversible loss of the native environment across the world. the globe. According to Villamagna and Murphy, thick water hyacinth mats lead to a decrease in phytoplankton, an increase in water turbidity and a decrease in dissolved oxygen. There are examples where the introduction of predators such as rats, mongooses, snakes or fish has led to endemic phenomena. endangered or locally extinct species of birds, reptiles, snails and aquatic insects. The Convention on Biological Diversity has highlighted biological invasion as one of the main drivers of biodiversity decline and the second greatest threat after habitat destruction and ecosystem degradation. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment also recognized biological invasions as one of the top five causes of biodiversity decline. According to BirdLife International, over the past 500 years, species like rats, cats and mice have driven more than 70 bird species to extinction. Economic impacts The economic impacts of IAS are very costly. For example, according to Birdlife International, IAS cause around €12.5 billion in damage each year in Europe alone. A study carried out in the United States estimates the annual costs due to invasive species at $137 billion. The costs of IAS to agriculture in the United States have been estimated at more than $120 billion per year, and for invasive insects globally, more than $70 billion per year. According to Bright, losses to agriculture have been estimated between $55 billion and nearly $248 billion per year globally. Additionally, a country faces economic losses when its tourism isaffected by IAS. There are reports that IAS can cause degradation of different habitats important for recreational activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and recreational fishing. Surprisingly, the impact and costs of managing a single IAS can run into the millions. For example, the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), introduced from Latin America as a protein-rich food source, caused losses in Philippine rice crops during the 1980s of approximately $1 billion Americans. Understanding the patterns and processes involved in the issue of IAS requires governments to invest significant sums in research activities, which further adds to the economic burden of national funds. For example, the European Union has funded forty-nine major projects to address different aspects of biological invasions since 2000. Diseases/Health Issues Some exotic species have been reported to transmit diseases to native populations. Vibrio cholerae and certain other microorganisms that can cause harmful algal blooms are displaced and released in ballast water carried by large ships. Gaffkemia, caused by Aerococcus viridans, was introduced into European waters by American lobsters (Homarus americanus) and infected European lobsters (H. gammarus). In some cases, IAS also becomes dangerous for humans. For example, the African bee Apis mellifera has invaded parts of the southern United States, where, due to its aggressive and deadly nature, it has so far killed a number of people and animals and is commonly known as the killer bee. According to Firehun et al., malaria is one of the major fatal diseases resulting from the annoying effect of water hyacinth. This weed has been linked to an increase in cases of diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Additionally, chemicals such as pesticides used to kill IAS end up later in the food chain and have harmful effects on humans, animals and the environment. Control and management of invasive alien species It is true that not all exotic species become invasive species. However, if this happens, it will have adverse effects on multiple scales on the environment, economy, human health, tourism, culture and other important aspects. Once an IAS is established, it becomes very difficult or economically expensive to eradicate it. The objectives for solving the IAS problem include prevention, early detection, eradication and control of IAS. Here are some suggested methods for the control and management of IAS, as well as other strategies: Mechanical control includes the direct, physical removal of IAS by hand or other machinery. However, this requires a significant investment of time and human resources and poses a risk due to the presence of animals such as snakes and crocodiles, if the target IAS is an aquatic weed. Mechanical control has been identified as an effective means of eliminating many IAS, including water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). For example, using machines to remove water hyacinth from water bodies has been shown to be an effective, non-polluting method of control. Its main advantage lies in the simultaneous removal of nutrients and pollutants from the water body. Chemical control involves the use of different chemicals such as herbicides or insecticides. For example, glyphosate and 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] have been considered effective and safe herbicides to control the.