Orange County is facing a potential agricultural threat from the invasive Oriental fruit fly. The discovery of these flies has triggered a quarantine and community-wide efforts to prevent their spread and protect local crops. Learn about the risks, the quarantine measures, and how residents can help.
Jaras Restaurant at InterContinental Phuket Resort has teamed up with WWF Thailand to create a groundbreaking initiative that promotes sustainable fine dining and tackles invasive species. This partnership highlights Jaras’s commitment to using local ingredients, minimizing waste, and contributing to conservation efforts in Thailand.
A Colombian court has ordered the Ministry of Environment to develop a plan for controlling the invasive hippopotamus population, introduced by drug lord Pablo Escobar. The court suggests measures like hunting and sterilization to address the ecological threat posed by the animals, despite their popularity among locals.
A novel method using conditioned taste aversion has been successfully implemented to protect freshwater crocodiles from deadly cane toads in Australia. By injecting de-poisoned toad carcasses with a nausea-inducing chemical, scientists and Indigenous rangers are training the crocodiles to avoid these invasive pests, significantly reducing crocodile mortality rates.
The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are facing increasing threats from tourism, population growth, and invasive species, putting their unique and fragile ecosystems at risk. While conservation efforts have achieved some successes, the need for continued action is crucial to preserve the islands’ biodiversity for future generations.
Kenya’s government has launched an ambitious plan to eradicate one million Indian crows by the end of 2023, citing their disruptive presence and impact on local bird populations, the hospitality industry, and farmers. The move follows a previous attempt to control the crow population two decades ago and comes with concerns regarding the methods used for extermination, including poisoning.
A new study has revealed the potential for an invasion of feral ‘super pigs’ into the northern United States from Canada. These pigs, a hybrid of domestic swine and wild boar, have thrived in the harsh Canadian climate, exhibiting high reproductive rates, mobility, and resistance to cold temperatures. Their rapid expansion across Canada has raised concerns about their potential ecological impact, including damage to agricultural production and ecosystems. The study’s findings have identified areas vulnerable to pig expansion, such as wetlands, deciduous forests, and border regions, highlighting the need for proactive mitigation strategies to prevent their spread.
Rhododendrons, once a popular garden ornamental, have become an invasive species in the UK, threatening native plant species and rare temperate rainforests. The Woodland Trust warns against buying and planting the invasive species Rhododendron ponticum, which spreads rapidly and can form dense thickets, blocking out sunlight for other plants. The plant is toxic to humans and livestock, and any pruning or waste material must be disposed of responsibly. Britons are encouraged to avoid this species and opt for other rhododendron varieties that are less invasive. Meanwhile, another invasive plant, Japanese knotweed, also poses a significant problem and should be tackled by professionals using herbicide treatment during its active growing season.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously against a plan to eradicate the invasive mule deer population on Catalina Island using helicopter-mounted sharpshooters. The Board, led by Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Catalina Island, cited concerns from constituents and the availability of alternative solutions such as relocation, extended hunting season, and sterilization. The Catalina Island Conservancy, which proposed the plan to protect native species, says the deer population has overgrazed vegetation and outcompeted endemic animals. However, the Board urged the Conservancy to reconsider and explore less controversial options.
Houndstongue, a plant native to Europe and Asia, has become prevalent in much of the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. While its unique funnel-shaped flowers may attract attention, the plant is known for its annoying seeds, which can cling to animals and humans, causing irritation. Beyond its physical discomfort, houndstongue also produces pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), toxic compounds that can damage the liver and other organs in herbivores and even humans. Despite its negative aspects, the efficacy of houndstongue’s defenses has contributed to its successful invasion of various regions.
