1. Invasive Species

2. Review Native Species - A species which has evolved to adapt to specific conditions in a particular region Native Species - A species which has evolved to adapt to specific conditions in a particular region Exotic Species - Species that have moved into a particular region that they are not native to Exotic Species - Species that have moved into a particular region that they are not native to Invasive Species - An exotic or a native species that causes harm to some aspect of the pre-existing ecosystem Invasive Species - An exotic or a native species that causes harm to some aspect of the pre-existing ecosystem

3. Review Methods of Introduction Methods of Introduction Passive Passive Intentional Intentional

4. Passive Introduction These species, the Japanese Stilt Grass and the Zebra Mussel, were NOT introduced intentionally These species, the Japanese Stilt Grass and the Zebra Mussel, were NOT introduced intentionally Examples of passive introduction: Examples of passive introduction: Seeds that are stuck on clothing can be carried to a new region where they may fall off A species can be transported accidentally by attaching to a boat, plane or car and falling off in another area

5. Japanese Stilt Grass Microstegium vimineum (Trin.) Camus Native to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and India Native to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and India

6. How did it get here? In the early 1900’s, Japanese Stilt Grass was used to pack porcelain for shipment. It is believed that this is how stilt grass made its way to the U.S. In the early 1900’s, Japanese Stilt Grass was used to pack porcelain for shipment. It is believed that this is how stilt grass made its way to the U.S. It was first seen growing in the wild in Tennessee in 1919 and has slowly worked its way to Pennsylvania It was first seen growing in the wild in Tennessee in 1919 and has slowly worked its way to Pennsylvania

7. Effects Out competes native shade dwelling vegetation Out competes native shade dwelling vegetation Crowds out native forest and wetland vegetation Crowds out native forest and wetland vegetation

8. Control The most effective method of controlling Japanese Stilt Grass is to prevent disturbing vegetation and soils which helps to prevent further infestation by increasing seed dispersal The most effective method of controlling Japanese Stilt Grass is to prevent disturbing vegetation and soils which helps to prevent further infestation by increasing seed dispersal Small isolated populations can be controlled by hand-pulling and cutting Small isolated populations can be controlled by hand-pulling and cutting

9. Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha Native to the Balkans, Poland and the former Soviet Union Native to the Balkans, Poland and the former Soviet Union The first identified populations were found in the Caspian Sea and Ural River in 1769 The first identified populations were found in the Caspian Sea and Ural River in 1769

10. How did it get here? Introduced through the release of ballast water from one water body into another Introduced through the release of ballast water from one water body into another Can be transported to new waters by attaching to boats; both commercial and recreational Can be transported to new waters by attaching to boats; both commercial and recreational

11. Effects Known for their biofouling capabilities, by colonizing in water supply pipes for power plants and water supply plants and in discharge pipes Known for their biofouling capabilities, by colonizing in water supply pipes for power plants and water supply plants and in discharge pipes Remove large quantities of plankton from the water when feeding Remove large quantities of plankton from the water when feeding After death, the zebra mussel washes up on to the shore where it decays leaving its shell After death, the zebra mussel washes up on to the shore where it decays leaving its shell

12. Control Manual removal Manual removal  High pressure washing  Hand scraping Thermal Thermal  Steam injection Creation of conditions leading to Anoxia/ Hypoxia Creation of conditions leading to Anoxia/ Hypoxia

13. Intentional Introduction Introduced purposefully in order to serve a function Introduced purposefully in order to serve a function Examples: Examples:  Introduced for agricultural reasons  Used to combat another environmental problem  Introduced for economic reasons

14. Gypsy Moth Gypsy Moth Lymantria dispar Originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa Originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa Survives in climates ranging in temperature from the frigid Russian Steppes to the subtropical shores of the Mediterranean Survives in climates ranging in temperature from the frigid Russian Steppes to the subtropical shores of the Mediterranean

15. Why was it introduced? The gypsy moth was introduced intentionally by Professor Trovoulet from Massachusetts while he was attempting to breed a hardy silkworm The gypsy moth was introduced intentionally by Professor Trovoulet from Massachusetts while he was attempting to breed a hardy silkworm The species escaped by accident when a specimen jar containing gypsy moths fell out of Trovoulet’s window The species escaped by accident when a specimen jar containing gypsy moths fell out of Trovoulet’s window The gypsy moth has flourished and is slowly expanding its range The gypsy moth has flourished and is slowly expanding its range

16. Effects Defoliates hundreds of plant species in North America, but prefers Oak and Aspen trees Defoliates hundreds of plant species in North America, but prefers Oak and Aspen trees Severely weakens the tree, often leading to its death and can also reduce nut production reducing food for some animal species Severely weakens the tree, often leading to its death and can also reduce nut production reducing food for some animal species

17. Control Removal of any egg masses that may be on cars, firewood, picnic tables or outdoor furniture before they are moved to a new area Removal of any egg masses that may be on cars, firewood, picnic tables or outdoor furniture before they are moved to a new area Burlap Wrap Burlap Wrap

18. Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora Native Range: Japan, Korea and Eastern China Native Range: Japan, Korea and Eastern China Thorny perennial shrub introduced to the East Coast of the U.S. from Japan Thorny perennial shrub introduced to the East Coast of the U.S. from Japan

19. Why was it introduced? 1866- Used as rootstock for ornamental roses 1866- Used as rootstock for ornamental roses 1930- Used for erosion control and as “living fences” to confine livestock such as cows 1930- Used for erosion control and as “living fences” to confine livestock such as cows Also used for wildlife cover for pheasants and the cottontail rabbit. It has also been planted in highway medians as a crash barrier and to reduce headlight glare Also used for wildlife cover for pheasants and the cottontail rabbit. It has also been planted in highway medians as a crash barrier and to reduce headlight glare

20. Effects Creates dense thickets that prevent other native plant species from growing Creates dense thickets that prevent other native plant species from growing Invades open woodlands, forest edges, fields, pastures, prairies and savannahs that have had land disturbances Invades open woodlands, forest edges, fields, pastures, prairies and savannahs that have had land disturbances

21. Control For small populations, the entire plant and root system can be removed with a shovel For small populations, the entire plant and root system can be removed with a shovel Mowing or cutting is used for large populations Mowing or cutting is used for large populations – In some extreme cases, herbicides are used in conjunction with this process

22. Additional examples of Invasive species Intentionally Introduced Species Intentionally Introduced Species ▪ Purple Loosestrife, Japan Knot Weed, Garlic Mustard, European Starling,Tree of Heaven, Tartarian Honeysuckle, Mile-a-minute Accidentally Introduced Species Accidentally Introduced Species ▪ Ruffe, Round Goby, White Perch, Sea Lamprey