Invasive Species Flashcards

• What is a leading threat to native wildlife?

  Invasive species - about 42% of threatened or endangered species are at risk due to invasive species.
• What is an invasive species?

  Any living organism that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm. They harm environment, economy and in some cases human health.
• How do invasive species spread?

  Primarily by human activities. global transportation of goods introduces non-native pests to countries
• Name direct ways invasive species pose threats.

  1. Preying on native species

  2. Competing for food

  3. Carrying disease

  4. Preventing reproducing or killing young.
• Name indirect ways invasive species pose threats.

  1. Change food webs

  2. Decreasing biodiversity

  3. Altering ecosystem conditions like soil chemistry
• How can you help curb spread of invasive species?

  Plant native plants, Report sightings, Clean equipment
• invasive species in New Zealand like possums and rats eat the eggs of native flightless birds like Kiwis, to conserve these threatened species the government fenced off reserves to prevent these animals from entering. traps and cameras are also used to control the population of rats