Exotic Species

What is an exotic species? –a species living outside its native distributional range, which has arrived there by human activity, either deliberate or accidental

Why are they a problem? –They consume food and shelter that native species would normally use. –Have no natural predators so their population levels become very large.

What are some examples? Purple Loosestrife –Native to Asia, Europe –Grows in water-ways blocking water flow. –Crowds out other marsh plants decreasing biodiversity. –Natural predators (such as the beetle and weevil) are not here to eat it.

European Rabbit –Native to Europe –Introduced to Australia for hunting –No natural predators so it reproduced like crazy and eats the food native herbivores (the bilby) would eat.

Zebra Mussel –Native to Russia –Accidently introduced by ships –Eats food native mussels would eat –Clogs pipes –Cuts feet of swimmers

European Starling –Native to Europe and Asia –60 birds were released in Central Park in –There are currently 200 million Starlings in the U.S. –Eats food native birds would eat. –Nests in cavities native birds would use.

Kudzu –Native to Asia –Introduced to help with erosion control –Quick grower. Grows and chokes out all other plants.