According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency "An exotic (or alien) species is a non-native plant or animal deliberately or accidentally introduced into a new habitat."
Record your chosen exotic /alien species below ( no duplication, so get in early with your choices!)
Research this case study and summarise your findings into a fact file (See Alien Invasion Task.docx for further instructios)
Case Studies:
1. Black Bass in Lake Atitlan (Guatemala): Mrs FS 2. The American Mink in Great Britain: Becky B
The American Mink was introduced into Britain primarily for its fur, however due to escapees and recent animal rights groups releasing them, the American Minks are having an impact on the population of aquatic mammals especially the Water Vole (which has decreased by 95%) 3. Rabbits in Australia: Rachel
The spread of the European rabbit caused such destruction over the whole of Australia, even though it was said to be caused only by the release of 24 wild rabbits on a property in Victoria. The rabbits are estimated to be the biggest cause of destruction of species in the whole of Australia.
The Indian Mongoose was introduced to protect sugar cane plantations, however they have caused a lot of destruction for the native fauna in Puerto Rico. They are considered one of the Top 5 Most Damaging Invasive Species in the U.S.
The aim to raise commercial fur farms in Argentina has backfired causing the population of beavers to reach over 150 thousand and the destruction of unique and indigenous forest.
The Coypu were introduced to Britain for fur farming, however, short term investments led to the release of these rodent like creatures, causing destruction to local crops as well as flood defences and disappearance of reed swamps.
The northern snakehead is a top predator, and has the potential of harming ecosystems by direct predation of other species or by competition with predators.
The grey squirrel is having such a profound impact on British wildlife that the IUCN have now listed it on their list of the 100 worst invasive species globally.
9.Cane Toad in Australia: Maria 10. Zebra Mussels in North America: Nazihah
Zebra Mussels were first detected in Lake St Clair in 1988 and have now become invasive creatures in North America, Great Britan, Ireland, Spain and Sweden. Now, more than 230 lakes inhabit Zebra Mussels.
Brumbies were first introduced in Australia in 1788, mainly for farm work and racing. Currently there are 300,000 brumbies in the wild and they cause extensive damage to vegetation and affect other animal species.
The Red Fox was first introduced in the early 19th century to the British Colonies of Australia for the purpose of the traditional English sport of 'fox hunting'. Currently, the Red Fox is responsible for almost 30 native species and wildlife being in danger.
13.South america Africanized honey Bees a.k.a Killer bees a.k.a Africanized honey bees : Naufal
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Fire ants entered the United States in the late 1930s aboard cargo ships from tropical South America, Brazil. Fire Ants are known for their aggressive behaviours, swarming and attacking anyone or anything that’s disturbing their nests and sometimes killing them, thus costing billions of dollars (US$5 billion) each year in repairs, medical treatments, loss of livestock and eradication. 21. The Proboscis Monkey in Borneo - Nina
The Proboscis monkey can only be found in the world's 3rd largest island of Borneo and they are most wildly known for their appearance of having a Big nose. Unfortunately, Borneo's most threatened landscapes are home to these highly specialized primates. Meaning that these monkeys have to descend from trees more frequently and often must travel long distances to find food. 22. Sim
The gypsy moth Lymantria dispar is a defoliator of mainly deciduous trees. In most areas and in most years, gypsy moths remain at low densities and cause no discernible damage. Occasionally, however populations reach high densities and these outbreak populations may completely defoliate host trees.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency "An exotic (or alien) species is a non-native plant or animal deliberately or accidentally introduced into a new habitat."
Case Studies:
1. Black Bass in Lake Atitlan (Guatemala): Mrs FS
2. The American Mink in Great Britain: Becky B
The American Mink was introduced into Britain primarily for its fur, however due to escapees and recent animal rights groups releasing them, the American Minks are having an impact on the population of aquatic mammals especially the Water Vole (which has decreased by 95%)
3. Rabbits in Australia: Rachel
4. Indian Mongoose in Puerto Rico: Fedora
5. Beavers in Argentina: Sam
6. Coypu in Britain : Clarissa
7. The Snakehead Fish in US : Brian
8. The Grey Squirrel in Britain: Rocio
9.Cane Toad in Australia: Maria
10. Zebra Mussels in North America: Nazihah
11. Brumby in Australia: Fairuz
12. Red Fox in Australia: Xing
13.South america Africanized honey Bees a.k.a Killer bees a.k.a Africanized honey bees : Naufal
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14.Chinese mitten crab: Ashraf
15. Water Hyacinth in China: Amal
16. Burmese Python: Marc
17. Dromedary Camel in Australia - Harun
18. Feral Horse in Australia - Denny
19. Harlequin ladybird United Kingdom - Rafi
20. Red Fire Ants in USA - Wajihah
Fire ants entered the United States in the late 1930s aboard cargo ships from tropical South America, Brazil. Fire Ants are known for their aggressive behaviours, swarming and attacking anyone or anything that’s disturbing their nests and sometimes killing them, thus costing billions of dollars (US$5 billion) each year in repairs, medical treatments, loss of livestock and eradication.
21. The Proboscis Monkey in Borneo - Nina
22. Sim
23. Asian Gypsy Moth - Haris
The gypsy moth Lymantria dispar is a defoliator of mainly deciduous trees. In most areas and in most years, gypsy moths remain at low densities and cause no discernible damage. Occasionally, however populations reach high densities and these outbreak populations may completely defoliate host trees.