Essay on Invasive Species in Australia

In this 21st century many news, research articles, and social media have highlighted the most alarming issues regarding the conservation or eradication of non-native species. The concept regarding these values and initiatives keeps on changing with the changing environment. In today’s world, humans have a long record of conserving different elements of nature (Wallach, A.D., et al., 2019) Among them, protecting and conserving non-native species are at the center of current continuing arguments. Non-native species are especially represented as harmful species that lead to the extinction of species, loss of biodiversity, and also harm socio-economic human issues and health. Whereas, more recently studies and research have shown the positive responses of non-native species to regional species richness, ecological services, conservation ambitions, and so on (Clavero, M., 2014.).

Non-native species are also called exotic or introduced species. Simply, non-native species are species that are established successfully outside their native distributional range which may be because of human activity, either accidentally or deliberately released from captivity (Bradshaw, C.J., et al 2006). Non-native species are specifically present as a variety of threats to native ecosystems and living well-being which can cause the extinction of native species. Furthermore, they also play a vital role in changing the functioning system of the ecosystem or radical changes in the ecosystem as well as the health of human beings and native species. The impact of non-native species generally increases once they spread and are established successfully in their new environment (Rafferty, J. P., 2019) Indeed, these species show their behavior as soon as they are introduced. For example: different pathogens can directly affect the health of animals and plants immediately after their arrival.

Human plays a huge role in the ever-increasing expansion of invasive species. The successful increase and adaptation of invasive species are the results of anthropogenic colonization which has inclined the transformation of natural ecosystems to urban and agriculture (Jeschke, J.M., et al 2014). Even though invasive species occur all over the continent, Australia and Oceania are the most popular. Australia found it found invasive species in the form of feral cats and various rat species. However, European wild rabbits were introduced in 1827 in Australia to serve as a friendly part of the settlement in new land by European sailors who reproduced rapidly and were out of control. Later, they tried to control it, but rabbits continued to take over the island which is destroying crops nowadays also (Lees, A.C. et al 2008).

When some species are introduced in a new environment and show negative consequences then they are classified as invasive species (Rodriguez, L.F., 2006). MANY INVASIVE species established and reproducing rapidly are impossible to eradicate which also cost $13.6 million including managing, controlling as well as economic loss. Some of them have impacts positive and some of them have huge negative impacts. According to the recent NSW government list more than 40 native plant species as invasive native shrubs. There are several stages of invasion and they are establishment, spread, and impact on native habitats and ecosystems which is shown clearly in the table below. For example, cane toads were intentionally introduced in Australia to combat cane beetles but later they reduced native insectivores and created pressure on the ecosystem as they are poisonous and have great potential to kill anything (Urban, M.C., et al 2008).

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Although non-native species are responsible for species change and extinction causing several casualties resulting in loss of biodiversity and threat to the well-being of humans, they are also known as good agents through which biodiversity is produced. That means not all non-native species can cause biological and ecological harm. In the context of Australia, non-native species have been introduced since the European colonization (Gurevitch, J. et al 2004). Around 87 species were introduced into Australia whereas 47 species were native in Australia from somewhere else (The Conservation). However, in some cases, the non-native species can also be beneficial. For example, some of the vulnerable species that are facing existential threats to their home country may be exterminated freely in another which helps in the conservation of biodiversity (Schlaepfer, M.A., 2018)

Over ten thousand years ago, Australia lost most of its endemic megafauna but today it has eight introduced megafauna species including dromedary camel, Indian hog deer, banteng, wild donkey, Javan rusa, and so on. Around 64% of these introduced megafaunas are either extinct, threatened, or downturn in their native array. To elaborate it effectively, Dromedary camels can be taken as an example. They are found in Australia and have been rewilding back meanwhile in the wild after more than a thousand years which is a plus point in the term of conservation of biodiversity. However, megafauna are also considered the Earth's tree breakers, nutrient movers, seed carriers, etc which help to boost nutrient cycles that improve soil fertility, adjust plant communities also help other species to survive. Similarly, the infamous zebra mussel helps to clarify water and also increases the fish population whereas honeybees and other non-native species also play a great role in conservation. Despite all these benefits, Australia has spent more than $19 million to kill 160000 non-native species which are nowhere else on Earth.

On January 15, 2020 thousands of camels were killed in a remote part of south Australia as was ordered from Anangu Ptajantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY Lands) as a huge number of feral camels led to drought (Vaarzon‐Morel, P.et al., 2012)They were removed through the aerial control operation by shooting (Saalfeld, W.K.et al., 2010). Whereas a similar case with wild cats, rabbits, and pigs by trapping, fencing, and poisoning them (Ferris, 2010). To minimize the non-native species sometimes native species who are not targeted have to face them such as kangaroos.

The different categories of non-native species will cause biological and socio-economic harm. But also, different research and reports are increasing rapidly to cherish their adaptability and patience to reproduce in any environment and their impact on ecosystem resilience (Schlaepfer, M.A et al., 2011). To manage non-native species, the conservationist should generally focus on prevention, rapid detection, control, and eradication without any unnecessary pressure on wildlife and the ecosystem (Lodge, D. M., et al. 2006). Whereas, the future effects of these invasive species are uncertain as it is difficult to predict the present and future condition and functioning system of the ecosystem which may substantially differ at any cost (Walther et al. 2009). As the characteristics And communities are dynamic conservationists should focus on the future rather than on the past.to determine what types of species are found in an area it will be better if they sort out what kind of area these species want in the future to reproduce (Schlaepfer, M.A et al., 2011). However, species that are likely to degrade and damage the environment are likely to control whereas species with aesthetic beauty and more intrinsic value are likely to be protected eithwhethery belong to native or non-native species.

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