I thought it would be important to provide a brief snippet of information on the traits and characteristics of both threatened and endangered species as well as those of invasive alien species. The characteristics of those species that are threatened by invasive alien species have relatively similar characteristics. According to the Florida Forest Stewardship, these are:
1. species with narrow habitat requirements and therefore unable to adapt to change
2. species of economic importance
3. species of large size
4. species having limited numbers of offspring per breeding period, long gestation periods or requiring extensive and intensive parental care
5. species with highly specialised adaptations
Typically, characteristics of invasive, alien species, as defined by the Pacific Northwest Research Station:
1. ability to tolerate a wide range of habitat conditions, i.e. they are less specific and more generalised individuals
2. the ability to grow and reproduce rapidly
3. Effectively and aggressively compete for resources
4. Lack of natural predators/pests/threat to growth in the new ecosystem
The combination of the characteristics of both the threatened species and the invasive species are what lead to the extinction and loss of of species in particular areas. It is therefore necessary to educate and understand the fragility of certain ecosystems and their interactions to prevent the loss of species.
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/invasives/index.shtml
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/planning_and_assistance/threatened_and_endangered_species.html
1. species with narrow habitat requirements and therefore unable to adapt to change
2. species of economic importance
3. species of large size
4. species having limited numbers of offspring per breeding period, long gestation periods or requiring extensive and intensive parental care
5. species with highly specialised adaptations
Typically, characteristics of invasive, alien species, as defined by the Pacific Northwest Research Station:
1. ability to tolerate a wide range of habitat conditions, i.e. they are less specific and more generalised individuals
2. the ability to grow and reproduce rapidly
3. Effectively and aggressively compete for resources
4. Lack of natural predators/pests/threat to growth in the new ecosystem
The combination of the characteristics of both the threatened species and the invasive species are what lead to the extinction and loss of of species in particular areas. It is therefore necessary to educate and understand the fragility of certain ecosystems and their interactions to prevent the loss of species.
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/invasives/index.shtml
http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/Extension/florida_forestry_information/planning_and_assistance/threatened_and_endangered_species.html
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