Five Key Threats To Biodiversity
2. Alien species
Second on the paper’s list of threats is that of alien species. As Man has homogenised the landscape to meet his desires, he has also encouraged species to invade and disrupt different ecosystems.
This is easiest to see in fast spreading species which visibly choke the established wildlife: kudzu in the south-eastern US, for example, or mink and grey squirrels in the UK.
However all of these are essentially communities and bring with them parasites and microbiotic life forms which can cause even greater devastation than their hosts.
Interestingly, the paper talks of raising public awareness and engagement in the battle against invasive alien species. This kind of community lead involvement in the environment could well be key in ensuring the planet’s ecology can support Man long into the future.
Firstly nice image.
Biodiversity – good idea!! (thumbs up)
An incredibly stunning image that adds impact to your words Chris.
I have yet to visit the area, I hope it will still be as rich and as beautiful when I do.
Sarah
Thanks for the comments coirgreen and Sarah!
That certainly is a beautiful picture .. if you’re on flickr be sure to check out the photographer’s home page and give the photo a “thumbs up” there.
Photo credit on the last page