Extinction of bat highlights critical ecosystem failure Sep 8, 2009
But a captive breeding program was our last chance of preserving this critically endangered species," he said. Mr Garrett said the decline of pipistrelle bats emphasised his call last month for national policy to shift from trying to save single species to protecting larger areas of the environment. Captive breeding is really a policy of last resort marking decades of failure to maintain healthy ecosystems where species thrive, Mr Garrett said. The pipistrelle bat is a victim of the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Maui residents criticize planned state ag layoffs Sep 6, 2009
Teya Penniman, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, called Lingle's plan "ill-conceived, shortsighted," and said the extensive cuts would have unprecedented impacts on farmers as well as pose unacceptable risks to the environment ... A proposal also surfaced this week to tap the state's invasive species special fund and use the money to restore about half of the agricultural inspection positions ... Bonar said it was difficult for him to imagine delays in inspections of food supplies and... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Let people improve our lakes Sep 6, 2009
After two years of volunteer work, in an effort to fight the expansion of invasive species in their lake, their petition for a lake improvement district was denied by the Crow Wing County Board. They had met every requirement the board had previously set before them and had secured the support of 64 percent of the property owners who saw the sense of paying $50 per year to protect their investment. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
The first DNA barcodes of commonly traded bushmeat are published Sep 6, 2009
"This is an example of where new genetic technology can be transformative to society, by using barcodes to catalog the diversity of ecosystems, to monitor invasive species, to search for pathogens in the food supply, and to observe wildlife trafficking for the pet trade and other commercial markets.". In the current study, Eaton, Amato, and colleagues sequenced the barcode region in 204 samples that represent as many as 25 commonly traded mammals and reptiles. (EurekAlert!)
Look what's new in the Australian zoo Sep 6, 2009
"Flesh-eating pitcher plant, (Nepenthes tenax), discovered in Queensland in 2006. AT LEAST two new plant and animal species were discovered or described every week for the past decade, a new report by WWF-Australia reveals. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Among the 1300 new species named in the report, Australia's Hidden Treasures, are a ''flesh-eating'' plant, one of the world's most venomous... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Over Time, An Invasive Plant Loses Its Toxic Edge Sep 4, 2009
18, 2008) Garlic mustard has become an invasive species in temperate forests across the United States, choking out native plants on forest floors and threatening ecosystem diversity. Ecologists have now. (Science Daily)
Class crustacean Sep 4, 2009
After all, zebra mussels are an invasive species whose filtering capabilities in fresh water environments promote uncontrolled weed growth not to mention their proclivity for clogging pipes and adverse impact on local economies ... There's one thing to read about invasive species, Jarvis said during an interview in her Owasco home, but to have them in your hand is a lot more memorable and personal, and makes it more real. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Hancock station receives NSF grant Sep 3, 2009
A main motivation of the consortium is to effectively contribute to the great national ecological challenges as stated the Nation Science Foundation how do we respond to anticipated climatic and land use changes, coupled with the spread of invasive species, said David White, director of the Hancock Biological Station. Using comparisons between Kentucky Lake and Flathead Lake, the consortium will begin to answer three basic questions. (Murray Ledger & Times, KY)
Help Make America's Best Idea Even Better Sep 3, 2009
Valley Forge National Historical Park (PA) - More than 200 volunteers will spend the day building trails, painting cannon, removing crayfish -- an invasive species -- from the river. The park will also host an environmental expo engaging people in green community activities and businesses. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Researcher to give invasive species talk Sep 2, 2009
Susan Bennett Wilde, a research scientist with the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forest Resources, will give a presentation Thursday at the Oconee Rivers Audubon Society about how invasive species may be one reason some birds are dying off. Wilde will discuss how research now implicates invasive aquatic plants and associated cyanobacteria species as links in an emerging fatal disease that primarily affects raptors and waterfowl. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Green.view: Not as fragile as they look Sep 1, 2009
The data thus available included work on agriculture, deforestation, the introduction of invasive species, logging, mining, oil spills, overfishing and the damage done to seabeds by trawling, as well as, for comparison, naturally occurring disasters such as hurricanes. The pair measured 94 aspects of how ecosystems are put together, including the ways in which nutrients cycle within them, the rates at which decomposition takes place and the sizes of their plant and animal populations, so that... (The Economist)
Novel system in Maine keeps lookout for invasive Emerald ash borer beetle Sep 1, 2009
Stopping the invasive species is challenging because the first sign of the beetle is often when trees start dying. By then the bug has usually spread widely. (Boston Globe)
FSA considers hopper disaster declaration Aug 31, 2009
Lawrence County Invasive Species Management supervisor David Heck attended the commission meeting and said that 13 to 25 grasshoppers per square meter is considered a disaster; on the prairies surrounding the Northern Hills, he said, counts have run from 180 to 200 per square meter. It takes a 50 percent loss to get federal aid loans, Jensen said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
* Some researchers seeking a stalemate, not a cure, for cancer Aug 30, 2009
Under the banner of integrated pest management, hundreds of invasive species are now successfully controlled by strategies that restrict the population growth of pests but do not attempt to eradicate them. The ability of tumor cells to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions, including toxic chemicals, is similar to the evolutionary capacities demonstrated by crop pests and other invasive species ... Just as invasive species adapt to pesticides, most cancer cells adapt to... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Forest Service should follow through with plan Aug 30, 2009
Unmanaged off-highway-vehicle use can affect wetlands and wildlife habitat, erode soils, damage cultural resources and spread invasive species. The lack of designated Class II trails and closures of existing trails creates unmanaged off-highway-vehicle use. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Outcry halts tree planting Aug 30, 2009
Eucalyptus trees are not native to Florida, and many agencies, including Volusia County, classify them as an exotic, invasive species. The county lists eucalyptus as a nuisance tree in its land development code. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Audubon Hosts Katahdin Sheep Aug 29, 2009
The sheep have helped with the land management by feasting on intrusive invasive species such as autumn olive, multiflora rose, bittersweet and poison ivy. Noting that Audubon's primary mission is to birds, Ms. Kane said that insects and small rodents are disturbed as the animals rotate through the five pasture "pulses," which may attract insectivores and raptors to gobble up the prey. (Voices, CT)
Marine board seeks input on aquatic bill Aug 29, 2009
The legislation authorizes the Oregon State Police, Department of Fish and Wildlife and State Marine Board to require people transporting recreational or commercial watercraft to stop at check stations for inspection for aquatic invasive species ... It also creates crime of unlawful use of aquatic invasive species, according to the legislation language. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Top citrus pest found in Sacramento Aug 29, 2009
"These dogs are our primary line of defense in keeping these invasive species from spreading," Batkin said. "We have always known about the pathways, but it seems lately that there has been in increase in the stuff getting through.". (Fresno Bee)
Decision on AIS coordinator vacancy may come next month Aug 28, 2009
The process of filling the vacant Oneida County Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator position seems to be a long tunnel with no light yet at the end of it. A decision to fill the position has been put off again. (Forest Republican, WI)
Biomedical adhesives inspired by invasive species Aug 28, 2009
WASHINGTON: New research has revealed that invasive species like the green mussel is inspiring efforts to develop superior biomedical adhesives, thanks to the powerful stickiness of its foot ... New biomedical adhesives inspired from invasive species like the 'Green Mussel', can be used to repair ships who have developed cracks while at sea. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Plastic peril Aug 28, 2009
The scientists conducted more than 50 surface debris trawls in 17 sites, studying and detailing debris and invasive species. This collection of plastic was pulled from the ocean in just one hour. (BBC News -- Science)
Governments killing once-endangered cormorants Aug 27, 2009
Invasive species, pollution and overfishing cause more harm, but cormorants "make an easy and targetable scapegoat," she said. Cormorants once were threatened by DDT, the pesticide that also nearly wiped out the bald eagle. (Anchorage Daily News)
Lake Improvement District again OK'd on Round Aug 27, 2009
" Trusty said the LID for Serpent Lake involved a lot of issues and if they came back to the board for support of a LID he would not vote for it. Chuck Jorgensen, president of the Round Lake Association, said during the public hearing that the district has had problems with invasive species, including curly-leaf pondweed over the years. He said the district has been able to reduce the pondweed by 20 percent with its treatment of the lake. Jorgensen said the district also has decreased the amount... (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Tools Let Public Contribute To Massive Interactive Online Biodiversity Encyclopedia Aug 27, 2009
" Milestones in recent months: * EOL partner The Biodiversity Heritage Library has now digitized more than 15 million pages of world biodiversity literature. Links let users access these references directly from an EOL species page. The BHL is also developing search algorithms to automatically find and extract information from digitized pages; * In celebration of the 10-year Census of Marine Life project, which concludes in 2010, EOL is focusing on building up marine content with the goal of... (Science Daily)
Senators postpone Alaska trip for Kennedy funeral Aug 27, 2009
Their itinerary included a trip to Southcentral Alaska to see retreating glaciers, forests damaged by invasive species and drying wetlands. The senators also were scheduled to visit the North Slope to see the Prudhoe Bay oil field and view the effects of climate change in the far North. (Anchorage Daily News)
Senators postpone climate change trip Aug 27, 2009
Retreating glaciers, forests damaged by invasive species and drying wetlands were on the itinerary. They also planned to visit the North Slope to see the Prudhoe Bay oil field. (Juneau Empire)
WU on the verge of green history Aug 26, 2009
And it tells a really neat story in part because two of the tree species in this area are invasive species, and we were going to restore the habitat by removing those trees anyway. The white oak also came from trees fallen by storms. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Begich to show 4 senators effects of warming in Alaska Aug 26, 2009
The senators will see retreating glaciers, forests damaged by invasive species, and drying wetlands. They'll also visit the North Slope to see the Prudhoe Bay oilfield and Western Alaska to talk to Native elders in villages threatened by erosion. (Anchorage Daily News)
Rat Island rid of namesake pest Aug 26, 2009
The goal of the partnership, which got federal earmarks but was funded mostly by private donors, is to rid the ecosystem of invasive species and restore Rat Island's natural ecosystem. Other than researchers, few modern humans have any reason - or opportunity - to visit Rat Island, although native Aleuts inhabited it centuries ago. (Juneau Empire)
Stanislaus Forest received stimulus money to improve trails Aug 25, 2009
Trail maintenance includes protecting soils and reducing erosion, along with clearing vegetation, controlling invasive species and removing downed trees. Repairs and upgrades to trailheads and parking areas will improve access and safety for trail users. (San Andreas Calaveras Enterprise, CA)
Biologists hope to kill all of Rat Island's rats (9/21/08) Aug 24, 2009
"We're planning for success," said Steve Ebbert, the biologist and invasive species project leader at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge who's coordinating the rat attack ... "Rats are one of the worst invasive species around," said Gregg Howald, program manager for the group, which is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy. (Anchorage Daily News)
Aleutian Rat Island appears to be rat-free Aug 24, 2009
The goal of the partnership, which got federal earmarks but was funded mostly by private donors, is to rid the ecosystem of invasive species and restore Rat Island's natural ecosystem. Other than researchers, few modern humans have any reason -- or opportunity -- to visit Rat Island, although native Aleuts once inhabited it centuries ago. (Anchorage Daily News)
Community vital part of saving Hawaii reefs Aug 24, 2009
Because of the complexity of the problem, which stems from excessive sedimentation, invasive species, overfishing and other threats, everyone agrees that reversing the years of decline will be a tall order. If Malama Maunalua succeeds, however, the project is expected to serve as a general framework for other Hawai'i communities trying to stem the deterioration of their coastal marine environments. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Tourists warned as Asian hornets terrorize French... Aug 22, 2009
As a knock-on effect of the invasive species, the European hornet has become more aggressive, due to a lack of food. The hornets are just as at home in cities, and favour building their football-shaped nests in sewers, where they have easy access to food and water supplies. (The Drudge Report)
Seeing the tree from the forest: Predicting the future of plant communities Aug 22, 2009
A recent paper by Sean Hammond and Karl Niklas in the August 2009 issue of the American Journal of Botany () presents an algorithm that may be used to predict the future dynamics of plant communities, an increasingly interesting area of study as significant environmental changes, such as global climate change and invasive species, are affecting current plant communities. Similar ecological factors, such as nutrient availability and habitat stability, play a role in the growth and development of... (EurekAlert!)
Neil Feinberg column Aug. 20 edition Aug 22, 2009
Can t they be trained, or genetically altered, to eat invasive species like buckthorn. I've seen some rascally rabbits scampering around my yard. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Finley Refuge’s new nature store chases down unique items Aug 21, 2009
Monies eventually will help control invasive species or for special events and other conservation efforts, according to Spencer. Staffed by volunteers, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday year round and on special occasions for visits by schools and other organizations. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Asian Clams threaten Tahoes clarity Aug 20, 2009
The Asian clam is an invasive species first discovered in Tahoe waters in 2002. Those first clam colonists have survived and thrived. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Medical Office Building Planto Be Resubmitted to Wetlands Aug 19, 2009
An application from Robert Carter and Donna Civitello, Bucks Hill Road, to remove invasive species from a pond and restore native shrub and plants to the pond. An application to replace two existing concrete pipes with new PVC piping under the washed out driveway at 957 Kettletown Road. (Voices, CT)
Sampling: Asian carp near nuisance barrier Aug 19, 2009
The only other option would be to separate the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basin to prevent the transfer of Asian carp and other invasive species between the two watersheds. Because populations of Asian carp are impossible, both technically and financially, to control if found within the Great Lakes ecosystem, McKay said eradication would not be an option. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
A cleaner Pena Blanca Lake is slowly refilling Aug 19, 2009
Fish said crews found very few bullfrogs, which was a concern of the Forest Service since as an invasive species they have been wiping out (native) Chiricahua leopard frogs. . (Nogales International, AZ)
Boxford weed watchers workshop tonight Aug 18, 2009
The workshop will be taught by a member of the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation, Lakes and Ponds Program and will focus on invasive species. The workshop will give attendees a background on invasive species and hands-on training in plant identification. (Boxford Tri Town Transcript, MA)
Fresno bug traps empty so far, but vigilance continues Aug 18, 2009
"And there is going to be a lot more shipping of packages and cargo and that does increase the risk. So we have to remain more vigilant and look at fighting these invasive species.". The reporter can be reached at brodriguez@fresnobee. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Invasive weeds grow with global warming Aug 17, 2009
They reported that the invasive species were less vulnerable to soilborne microbes than the natives ... "Just as native species are expected to shift in range and relative competitiveness with climate change," they wrote in a study published in the journal Global Change Biology, "the same should be expected of invasive species." Using each weed's preferred habitat characteristics and a scenario in which fossil fuel emissions are not reduced, Bradley and her colleagues created an invasion risk... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Chinese mystery snail found in 6th Missouri spot Aug 16, 2009
The Missouri Department of Conservation says that it has confirmed the sixth infestation of the invasive species in the state ... It's unclear how the snails came to the state, but the invasive species are used in home aquariums ... Tim Banek, the department's invasive species coordinator, said he is not aware of an effective way to eradicate the Chinese mystery snails, but suggests removing or destroying them whenever possible. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Alien Invasion? An Ecologist Doubts the Impact of Exotic Species Aug 15, 2009
More than that, he disputes the maxim that invasive species are the second-leading cause of species endangerment after habitat destruction, impacting some 42 percent of threatened and endangered species ... In his book Davis picks apart the claim that invasive species are the second-leading cause of extinctions. (Scientific American)
Asian clams found at national hatchery Aug 15, 2009
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it was reviewing the hatchery s operating measures to prevent the spread of the invasive species. Rapid Reply. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Both sides prepare for final push on ORV debate Aug 14, 2009
Although the Little Traverse Land Conservancy has not taken an official position on the issue, Doug Fuller, the director of stewardship, said that he is familiar with some negative impacts from ORVs, such as vegetation damage, eroding trails, cutting trails, vandalism and the spread of exotic invasive species. The conservancy owns 200 preserve properties across about 12,000 acres in five counties and besides a few exceptions, motor vehicles are prohibited. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Fire Ants "Attacked" From Air Aug 12, 2009
For eight years authorities in Queensland, Australia have been desperately trying to eradicate the invasive species. Not only do they swarm and sting humans when threatened, but they also destroy crops, and sting and kill the young of native lizards, birds and small mammals. (National Geographic)
Molalla councilman dies kayaking in Columbia Gorge Aug 11, 2009
He took kids out to remove invasive species at Ivor Davies Park in Molalla, as well as from the Upper Molalla River Recreation Corridor, according to Atkins. Morgan also worked closely with the town high school and founded a service club for Latino youth that helped with upkeep at the Molalla Community Garden, Atkins said. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Parks could protect species in warming world Aug 11, 2009
They also are asked to address the existing harms pollutants, disease, invasive species that make wild animals more vulnerable to climate change. And the report calls for land management responsive to climate change, and for park brass to be given the tools needed to act. (Missoulian, MT)
Trail work gives youths dirty hands-on skills Aug 11, 2009
He said he enjoys learning about how invasive species arrived in Hawaii and whether local species could eradicate them ... He said he enjoys learning about how invasive species arrived in Hawaii and whether local species could eradicate them. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
The annual downpours haven't arrived, and experts blame El Nio. Aug 9, 2009
In addition to herd rotation, Hayhurst treats invasive species of brush, a practice that allows native grasses to thrive. So if we re not getting rain, the grass doesn t grow, and then the ground is bare, Hayhurst said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Avian Silence: Without Birds to Disperse Seeds, Guam's Forest Is Changing Aug 9, 2009
"The brown tree snake is held up as textbook example of how a destructive invasive species can eradicate birds," she says. "This shows that the effects of introduced predators reverberate through the ecosystem.". (Scientific American)
Editorial: How to stop the bay invaders Aug 9, 2009
Because they're often small - crabs, snails, weeds, even viruses - the 200-plus invasive species that haunt San Francisco Bay can go unnoticed until it's too late ... Once they've gotten comfortable in the bay's waters, these invasive species can destroy habitat and starve native species ... According to a 2003 study by Cornell University Professor David Pimentel, invasive species cost this country $9 billion annually. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Abbey confirmed as BLM director Aug 8, 2009
The region is plagued by invasive species and prone to massive wildfires that fuel a repetitive cycle of weeds and flames. He also was often at the center of decisions and disputes involving livestock grazing, wild horses, mining and recreation on large swaths of public land. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Marine Pest Species Costing Billions In Damage To Fisheries, Coastal Communities And Infrastructure Are Spreading Aug 7, 2009
An estimated 7,000 marine and coastal species travel across the world s oceans every day in ballast tanks and 84% of the world s 232 marine ecoregions have reported findings of invasive species. International shipping is considered the main introduction pathway for many pest organisms, unwanted passengers on the voyages that shift approximately 90% of all internationally traded goods. (Science Daily)
Union Pacific Railroad Company Agrees to Settle Clean Water Act Violations in Nevada Aug 7, 2009
The work will include removal of illegal fill, restoration, monitoring, maintenance, re-vegetation, and invasive species removal, at an estimated cost of $31 million. UP will also pay $800,000 in civil penalties. (PR Newswire)
After girl's death, Fla. may forbid owning pythons Aug 6, 2009
So far only snake experts have been allowed to participate to ensure just invasive species are targeted. "We don't have anything prepared yet, but we're certainly having dialogues with the hunting community," Breault said. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
California Nursery Industry Hosts California Senator Dave Cogdill for Luncheon and Tour Aug 5, 2009
"While invasive species impact nurseries, the water crisis and drought is currently the top concern of the nursery industry leaders gathered here today," said Dolezal. "We applaud Sen. Cogdill's efforts to help solve the water shortage and remove roadblocks preventing water deliveries to the San Joaquin Valley," continued Dolezal. (PR Newswire)
giant snails invade Mobile Aug 5, 2009
Press-Register reporters have documented the presence of tilapia in the pond, another invasive species that threatens the integrity of the delta ... The plan would provide money for dealing with invasive species in the state. (Harper's Magazine)
Great Pacific Garbage Patch gets closer look Aug 5, 2009
Besides the potential harm to sea life caused by ingesting bits of plastic, the expedition team will look at whether the particles could carry other pollutants, such as pesticides, far out to sea, and whether tiny organisms attached to the debris could be transported to distant regions and thus become invasive species. Copyright 2009 Reuters. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Friends of Alewife ecology camp going strong Aug 4, 2009
Campers were given the chance to work within Muskrat Marsh, removing the invasive species, purple loosestrife, and observing signs of the galarucella beetle, placed by the DCR to combat its spread. Bikers watching campers have delighted in their maintenance of the public North Trail. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Threats To California's Cordell Bank Marine Sanctuary Aug 4, 2009
Global issues of concern such as marine debris, ocean acidification and invasive species have the potential to degrade fragile sanctuary resources and habitats, said Dan Howard, sanctuary superintendent ... The report indicates that additional research is needed about contaminants and invasive species. (Science Daily)