Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2007 5:29 pm Post subject: The Coming Plague
cites for plagues
Quote:
Taking Measures to Control an Invasive Species
By Kari Lydersen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, September 24, 2007; Page A07
They are like something out of a nightmare.
Sea lampreys have a slimy, snake-like, muscular body capped by a suction-cup mouth ringed in teeth -- along with a sharp probing tongue and a primal urge to suck blood.
Invasive species are organisms (usually transported by humans) that successfully establish, and then thrive, in new environments. Invasive species, together with habitat destruction, have been a major cause of extinction of native species throughout the world in the past few hundred years.
An invasive species can be a micro-organism that causes disease; a plant or animal that competes with a native species for resources (like food or space); a predator of native species; and/or an organism that alters the way an ecosystem works. All these effects can be harmful to native species, and in some cases lead to extinctions.
In New Zealand there are more than 2000 species of invasive invertebrates already established. Some of these, such as Vespula wasps, have become abundant invaders that threaten our native ecosystems. More invasive invertebrates are continually arriving.
Landcare Research is investigating the risk to natural ecosystems posed by invasive ant species established in New Zealand, developing strategies to control wasps and ants, as well as any other invaders that might breach our borders. We are also interested in assessing the potential impacts of new invasive invertebrates and designing monitoring programmes to detect invertebrates before they can establish. The ultimate aim of this research is to protect and restore New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
We know that some mosquitoes carry viruses like dengue or parasites like malaria that cause disease in people. But what about diseases agents transmitted by mosquitoes that threaten New Zealand's native wildlife. Did you know that birds and lizards can get malaria too? This page outlines some of the threats to New Zealand's native wildlife from diseases carried by mosquitoes.
Exotic Animals - Moderate Pests
Exotic Invertebrates
Exotic invertebrates (animals without a backbone) may have a considerable effect on the natural environment. These exotic pests may cause significant threats to biodiversity because:
they prey on native fauna,
they compete with native invertebrates for resources (food, nest sites),
they are often highly aggressive towards other native invertebrates and vertebrates,
they promote the abundance and / or distribution of other pest invertebrates, leading to the establishment or increased population growth of other pest species.
Another negative impact of several exotic invertebrates is that they may bite or sting people. This may be fatal in people with specific allergies to the venom carried by these invertebrates. Other exotic invertebrates, such as mosquitoes, may carry diseases, and others yet will become a nuisance in your house, such as many of the cockroaches that we see running across the floor.
Of particular concern are bees, ants and wasps, although there are a number of other invertebrates that may also cause significant environmental damage.
There are a number of exotic invertebrates in the Northern Territory. Some of the most environmentally-damaging species are listed in the table below.
Name Effects
European honey bee (Apis mellifera)
The European honey bee competes with native pollinators, such as bees and birds, for nectar and hollows in trees where they roost. For this reason, in many areas where the honey bee is present there have been declines in the abundances of these native animals.
In some cases, European honey bees have promoted the invasion of weeds because they often favour the nectar of weeds over native plants.
This species also has a nasty sting, which may be fatal to people with allergies.
Yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) The yellow crazy ant is a highly aggressive ant species that has been linked with declines in invertebrates, vertebrates through competition and predation. It also has a negative affect on plant communities because it consumes seeds, leading to poor germination rates.
Yellow crazy ants have also been observed removing the nectar of plants, making it unavailable for native species.
Big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) Like many other exotic ant species, the big-headed ant competes with and preys on native vertebrates and invertebrates. This species will also consume seeds, leading to poor germination. This species has been reported to tend scale insects, resulting in significant declines in agricultural productivity.
Ginger ant (Solenopsis geminata ) Ginger ants have been found to prey on native invertebrates as well as young birds and reptiles.
This species also affects plants by eating seeds, which subsequently damages the seed and results in poor germination rates.
A single ginger ant can sting repeatedly and will continue to do so even after their venom sac has been depleted. In some people, the sting may cause a severe, allergic reaction.
Pharaoh's ant (Monomorium pharaonis) The pharaoh’s ant competes with native ants for food and shelter.
This species also acts as a vector for human pathogens. Its presence in hospitals is of great concern because it may increase the infection rate.
Singapore ant (Monomorium destructor) The Singapore ant competes with and preys on native invertebrates, leading to decreased native ant species diversity.
In addition, this species causes extensive economic damage within urban environments by gnawing through rubber and fabric, removing rubber insulation from electric wiring and phone lines, and damages polyethylene cable.
Ghost ant (Tapinoma melanocephala)
The Ghost ant competes with native pollinators and robs the nectar from native plants.
It has a nasty sting, which can be fatal to people with allergies.
Electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) This species is not yet present in the Northern Territory. However, in other locations, declines in the diversity and abundances of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants has been attributed to competition and predation by the electric ant. In addition, this species tends scale insects, which may have significant effects on agricultural productivity.
This species has a nasty sting
Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) The Red-imported fire ant is not established in the Northern Territory, but is a significant threat because it prefers tropical conditions. The presence of fire ants has been linked with declines in invertebrates, vertebrates, and seed production because this species is highly aggressive and competitive, swarming over native insects, birds, reptiles and other fauna.
This species has a nasty sting and will sting repeatedly
European bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) This species has not been recorded in the Northern Territory. The main threats posed by this species include robbing the nectar of native plants, disrupting native pollination, promoting weeds because it favours the nectar of native plants.
This species has a nasty sting. The venom can cause severe reactions in some people, including swelling, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing.
The Giant African Land Snail (Achantina fulica) This species has been eradicated from the Northern Territory.
This species has been linked to declines in both invertebrates and plants, primarily as a result of competition for resources.
Common malaria mosquito (Anopheles quadrimaculatus) This species is known to spread malaria.
Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) This species has not been recorded in the Northern Territory. Social threat because of capacity to transmit disease. Not yet present in Australia, but suited to tropical climates.
There may be people who like centipedes. I have seen people handling tarantulas and scorpions, but never a centipede handler. I would regard such a person with deep suspicion...Now what sort of man or woman or monster would stroke a centipede on its underbelly "And here is my big good centipede." If such a man exists, I say kill him without more ado. He is a traitor to the human race.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Join! (free) 
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
