Invasive Alien Species

Summary

The video script addresses the threat of invasive alien species in the Assan region, detailing how these non-native plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms are introduced, either intentionally for various industries or accidentally through global trade and shipping. It explains how these species become invasive by outcompeting natives for resources, leading to extinction or displacement. The script also discusses the pathways of introduction, the impact on biodiversity, and the economic costs associated with these species. It concludes with a call to action for governments to implement control strategies and for individuals to report and prevent the spread of invasive species.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Invasive alien species are non-native plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that can cause harm to the local ecology and economy.
• 🌍 These species are introduced either intentionally for agriculture, aquaculture, or as pets, or accidentally through global trade and transport.
• 🌱 Invasive species become a threat when they survive, reproduce, and outcompete native species for resources, leading to the decline or extinction of native species.
• 🚢 Shipping and transportation are major pathways for the introduction of invasive species, including through ballast water and as hitchhikers on various materials.
• 🌱 Invasive species can thrive in new environments due to their adaptability, rapid reproduction, and ability to disperse widely.
• 🐦 The impact of invasive species on biodiversity includes the disruption of vital ecosystem functions such as pollination and nutrient cycling.
• 🌊 About 12 billion tons of ballast water is transferred globally, often introducing aquatic invasive species that can cause significant ecological and economic damage.
• 💸 Invasive species like the golden apple snail have caused millions in agricultural losses, highlighting the economic impact of these species.
• 🌡️ Climate change can exacerbate the effects of invasive species, with conditions like drought promoting the growth of invasive plants and the spread of diseases.
• 🏛️ Governments can mitigate the spread of invasive species by implementing control strategies, conducting surveys, enforcing quarantine regulations, and raising public awareness.

Q & A

What are invasive alien species?

Invasive alien species are non-native plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that have been introduced into a region, either intentionally for purposes like agriculture and aquaculture or accidentally, and which become threats to the local ecology and economy by outcompeting native species for resources.

How do invasive alien species become a threat?

Invasive alien species become threats when they survive, thrive, and complete their life cycles in new habitats, outcompeting native species for food, water, and space, leading to the extinction or displacement of native species and causing harmful changes to ecosystems and habitats.

What are the pathways through which invasive alien species are introduced?

Invasive alien species are introduced through land, air, and water transport, wind, and other vectors. This includes the movement of people and goods due to globalization, shipping, and even as hitchhikers on plants, animals, and waste materials.

Why are some species introduced for biological control considered invasive?

Some species introduced for biological control become invasive when they adapt well to the new environment, reproduce rapidly, and outcompete native species, sometimes even becoming pests themselves.

How does shipping contribute to the introduction of aquatic invasive species?

Shipping contributes to the introduction of aquatic invasive species by transporting species in ballast water or other parts of the vessel. These species are later released, often leading to their establishment in new environments.

What role do the aquarium and ornamental fish industries play in the spread of invasive species?

The aquarium and ornamental fish industries are significant pathways for the spread of invasive species due to the unregulated trading of exotic pets. These species can escape or be released, becoming invasive in the wild.

Why is it important to understand invasive alien species in relation to biodiversity conservation?

Understanding invasive alien species is crucial for biodiversity conservation because they can outcompete and displace native species, leading to extinction and deterioration of vital ecosystem functions such as pollination, soil regeneration, and nutrient cycling.

What are some of the economic impacts of invasive alien species mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the golden apple snail infestation in the Philippines, which caused an estimated economic loss of 28 to 45 million USD in 1990, and the water hyacinth, which covered significant areas of lakes and freshwater wetlands, impacting fisheries and transportation.

How can climate change affect the spread and impact of invasive alien species?

Climate change can intensify the effects of invasive alien species by promoting the growth of invasive plants during prolonged droughts and facilitating the spread of invasive pathogens or diseases, which can adversely affect native plants, animals, and humans.

What actions can governments take to prevent the spread of invasive alien species?

Governments can allocate resources to develop and implement national control strategies, conduct surveys for early detection, explore alternative economic uses, restore habitats, enforce quarantine and importation regulations, and increase public awareness about invasive alien species.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Invasive Alien Species: Threats and Introduction

Invasive alien species are non-native plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that have been introduced to a region, either intentionally for agriculture, aquaculture, or the pet trade, or accidentally through transport and shipping. These species can become ecological and economic threats by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to extinction or displacement. They are introduced through various pathways including land, air, and water transport, wind, and as hitchhikers on ships and in products. The script emphasizes the need to understand these species to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, as they can cause significant harm by altering habitats and food chains.

05:02

🌐 Impacts and Control of Invasive Alien Species

The impacts of invasive alien species are profound, leading to ecological and economic nightmares in many regions. Examples include the golden apple snail infestation in the Philippines and the water hyacinth in the Philippines' Laguna Lake, which have caused significant damage to agriculture and fisheries. Invasive species like giant Mimosa disrupt ecosystems, affecting grasslands and rice fields. Climate change can exacerbate the effects of these species, promoting their spread and potentially causing forest fires and the growth of invasive pathogens. Governments are urged to take action by developing control strategies, conducting surveys, implementing quarantine regulations, and raising public awareness to prevent the spread and mitigate the effects of invasive species on biodiversity and the economy.

Keywords

💡Invasive Alien Species

Invasive alien species refer to non-native plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that are introduced to a region either intentionally or accidentally and become threats to the local ecology and economy. They can survive, thrive, and complete their life cycles in new habitats, outcompeting native species for resources and causing harm to ecosystems. In the video, examples of such species include the golden apple snail and the water hyacinth, which have caused significant ecological and economic damage in various regions.

💡Ecology

Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It is central to understanding the impact of invasive alien species, as these species can disrupt the balance of ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, and causing a decline in biodiversity. The video discusses how invasive species can lead to the extinction or displacement of native species, highlighting the importance of ecological understanding in addressing this issue.

💡Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity conservation involves the protection and preservation of Earth's species and ecosystems. The video emphasizes the need to understand invasive alien species in relation to biodiversity conservation because these species can have severe impacts on native species and the overall health of ecosystems. By protecting biodiversity, we can maintain the natural balance and functions of ecosystems, which are crucial for the survival of all species, including humans.

💡Aquatic Invaders

Aquatic invaders are non-native species that have been introduced into aquatic environments, often with devastating effects on native species and ecosystems. The video mentions that shipping is a major pathway for the introduction of aquatic invaders, such as species that enter the ballast water of ships and are later released into new environments. These invaders can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, outcompete native species, and lead to significant economic and ecological losses.

💡Globalization

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world's economies, cultures, and populations. The video discusses how globalization of trade and industry has contributed to the spread of invasive alien species, as the movement of people and goods facilitates the transportation of these species across borders. This highlights the need for international cooperation and regulation to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

💡Biological Control

Biological control is a method of managing pests by introducing natural enemies, such as predators or parasites, to control their populations. However, the video points out that some species introduced for biological control can become invasive themselves, turning into pests. This underscores the potential risks associated with biological control and the importance of careful management to prevent unintended consequences.

💡Aquarium and Ornamental Species

The aquarium and ornamental species industry is mentioned in the video as an emerging pathway for invasive species. Unregulated trading of exotic pets, such as the red-eared slider and janitor fish, can lead to their release into the wild, where they become invasive and threaten native species. This highlights the need for regulation and public awareness to prevent the release of such species into the environment.

💡Climate Change

Climate change is a long-term change in the Earth's climate, which can have various impacts on ecosystems and the spread of invasive alien species. The video suggests that climate change can intensify the effects of invasive species by promoting the growth of invasive plants during prolonged droughts or by creating conditions that favor the spread of invasive pathogens. This emphasizes the interconnected nature of environmental issues and the importance of addressing climate change in the context of invasive species management.

💡Quarantine and Importation Regulations

Quarantine and importation regulations are measures taken by governments to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive alien species. The video calls for the strict implementation of these regulations, as well as increased public awareness about invasive species. These measures are crucial for early detection, prevention of new introductions, and the management of existing invasive species populations.

💡Eradication Programs

Eradication programs are efforts to eliminate invasive species from an area once they have become established. The video suggests that cost-effective eradication programs are necessary to control and reduce the populations of invasive species. These programs can involve various methods, such as physical removal, chemical control, or biological control, and are essential for mitigating the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems and economies.

Highlights

Invasive alien species are non-native plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that can cause harm to ecosystems and economies.

These species are introduced either intentionally for agriculture, aquaculture, or the pet trade, or accidentally through global trade and transport.

Invasive species become a threat when they outcompete native species for resources, leading to extinction or displacement.

Invasive species are introduced through various pathways including land, air, and water transport, wind, and as hitchhikers.

Globalization and the movement of people and goods have significantly contributed to the spread of invasive species.

Shipping is a major pathway for the introduction of aquatic invaders, often through ballast water.

Invasive species can also be introduced through the live plant and fruit trade, or by escaping exotic pets.

The aquarium and ornamental fish industries are significant sources of invasive aquatic species.

Invasive species can disrupt vital ecosystem functions like pollination, soil regeneration, and water cycling.

The golden apple snail caused significant economic damage to rice farming in the Philippines and Vietnam.

The water hyacinth has clogged waterways and reduced fisheries productivity in the Philippines.

Giant Mimosa has become an invasive weed in the Mekong Delta, affecting grasslands and rice fields.

Climate change can exacerbate the effects of invasive species, such as promoting the growth of fire-prone grasses.

Invasive alien species pose grave threats to biodiversity and require better understanding for effective control.

Governments should develop and implement national control strategies based on research and early detection methods.

Public awareness and involvement are crucial in preventing the spread of invasive alien species.

Transcripts

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what are invasive alien species the

Assan region is under attack by aliens

but not from outer

space meet the invasive alien species

non-native plants animals fungi and

microorganisms that were introduced in

the region either intentionally to

improve production in agriculture and

aquaculture and for the Pet and Aquarium

Industries or accidentally as

Hitchhikers in the transport of products

and through ballast water of ships that

move across oceans these invasive

species have now become threats to our

ecology and

economy when do alien species become

invasive introduced alien species become

invasive when they survive thrive and

complete their life cycles in their new

habitats and outcompete native plants

and animals for food water and space

causing Extinction or displacement of

native species they spread in this new

environment resulting in harmful changes

in ecosystems and

habitats how are invasive alien species

introduced invasive alien species are

introduced through land air and water

transport wind and other Pathways and

vectors a vector is a living or

non-living thing that transports

invasive alien species either

deliberately or

unintentionally the movement of people

and goods due to globalization of trade

and industry has contributed to the

spread of invasive animals plants and

microorganisms

species are exported or imported to

support agriculture aquaculture

Horticulture forestry fisheries and the

food industry unfortunately some species

introduced for biological control of

certain pests for example become pests

themselves shipping is a major pathway

for the introduction of aquatic Invaders

when some species get into the ballast

water or other parts of the vessel and L

later released people bringing in live

plants or fruits May unknowingly

introduce foreign pests and

diseases invasive alien species hitch

hike on PLS ships and even on garbage

floating in the Open Seas seeds may

stick to clothes and

suitcases insects may be transported

through wooden packaging materials

exotic animals kept in captivity as pets

for breeding May escape and turn

invasive in agriculture exotic animals

May deliberately be introduced as

biological control for pests and

diseases the aquarium and ornamental

fish Industries are emerging as

significant Pathways for invasive

species due to the unregulated trading

of aquarium pets such as the red eared

slider janitor fish and other exotic

fishes reptiles and amphibians a third

of the world's worst aquatic invasives

were introduced as aquarium or

ornamental species

in forests exotic species are planted

for reforestation as raw material for

Pulp and Paper as Plantation crops or as

sources of biofuel they eventually

become invasives why do we need to

understand invasive alien species in

relation to biodiversity conservation

and what are their threats and impacts

to biological

diversity invasive alien species have

common

characteristics they can thrive under

adverse conditions reproduce and grow

rapidly have high dispersal ability and

adaptability to new conditions and able

to survive on various food types in a

variety of

environments as these invasive species

Prevail in their new environment native

species are outcompeted for space and

food and even eaten and eventually

becoming extinct vital ecosystem

functions such as pollination soil

regener generation nutrient and water

cycling functions among others may

eventually

deteriorate for example a common Mina

bird can drive away native birds by

occupying their nesting areas and eating

their nests and eggs giant Mimosa a

thorny shrub with buoyant seeds that

grow abundantly in mud flats can drive

away migratory birds feeding and nesting

in these

areas about 12 billion tons of ballast

water throughout the global oceans are

transferred through the shipping trade

Bas water has also been identified as a

vector for the spread of red tide toxic

effects of red tide which can lead to

human fatality include paralytic and

diuretic shellfish

poisoning in recent years some of the

world's worst invasive alien species

have caused ecological and economic

nightmares in many Assan member states

the cost to farm of the golden apple

snail infestation in the Philippines was

estimated at 28 to 45 million Us in

1990 the snail rought havoc on Vietnam's

rice fields where it was introduced in

1988 for culturing in backyard ponds as

an alternative high protein food for

duck and fish some snails escaped and

spread to ponds trenches and rice fields

thereby becoming

pests the water hin has clogged

waterways impeding boat transport and

fishing activities and reducing

Fisheries

productivity in the80s the water

Hyacinth covered at least 1/5th of the

Philippines lagona Lake it is also WID

spread on freshwater wetlands of the

makong

Delta giant Mimosa is one of the worst

weeds in the lower makong region because

of its ability to spread rapidly in long

distances in flood waters affecting

grasslands flood Plaines and pastures

converting them into unproductive shrub

lands it also destroyed rice fields in

nearby

areas climate change can intensify the

effects of invasive alien species fire

prone grasses such as Kone grass and

sayam weeds can trigger forest fires

during excessive and prolonged droughts

in forested

areas Rising temperature and prolonged

drought may also promote the growth of

invasive alien pathogens or diseases

which can adversely affect native plants

and animals and humans as

well as invasive alien species pose

grave threats to biodiversity their life

cycles modes of introduction and means

of survival should be better understood

to enable effective control measures and

minimize their damaging effects to

biological

resources what can governments do to

prevent the spread of invasive alien

species governments should allocate

resources to develop and Implement

National control strategies and programs

based on Research results on invasive

alien species physiology and Pathways

they should undertake National invasive

alien species surveys for early

detection and explore alternative

economic uses restore habitats and

replant native

plants strictly Implement quarantine

importation regulations for plants and

animals and cost-effective eradication

programs and increase public Awareness

on invasive alien

species review and update existing list

of prohibited species with proper pest

risk

analysis build research and development

capacities and strengthen

competencies invasive alien species is a

silent threat causing serious and

irreversible changes in our biodiversity

and economy take an active stand to

protect our native species and habitats

now report all invasive alien species in

your areas to proper authorities and get

involved in all invasive alien species

prevention

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