Invasive species

A study highlights that invasive plants can stay dormant for decades to centuries before becoming ecological threats, underscoring the importance of considering dormancy in managing invasions.Non-native species can remain dormant for decades or even centuries before they begin to spread.According to a new study led by the University of California, Davis, invasive plants can stay dormant for decades or even centuries after they have been introduced into an environment before rapidly expanding and wreaking ecological…

A study in East Africa has found that invasive ants are altering ecosystems by reducing tree cover, affecting lions’ ability to hunt zebras. This change forces lions to adapt by targeting more formidable prey like buffaloes. The research emphasizes the unexpected impact of small species on large ecosystems and highlights ongoing efforts to find solutions to preserve the landscape.What makes the little old ant think he can disrupt the life of an African lion? Researchers say it’s more than just high hopes.In a study…

A new study highlights the invasion of at least 70 imported earthworm species across North America, posing significant threats to native ecosystems and biodiversity. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for better understanding and management of these alien earthworms to protect native species and ecosystem processes.An alien invasion capable of triggering catastrophic changes is underway across North America. At least 70 imported earthworm species have colonized the continent, and represent a largely overlooked threat…

An invasive species of crayfish that reproduces by cloning itself was discovered last summer in a Burlington, Ont., park — the first time the marbled crayfish has been identified in the wild in North America.Since then, a group of experts has been working to stop the species from spreading. The crayfish are in City View park, on Burlington's southwest border with Hamilton.Brook Schryer, a member of the working group responding to the detection, told CBC Hamilton that it seems the population was contained after the pond…

In an effort to reduce the spread of marine invasive species, Canada ordered lobster pounds to euthanize all egg-bearing female lobsters. But two years after the measure was introduced, some in the business are still unaware of the requirement.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has banned the long-held practice of releasing egg-bearing or "berried" female lobsters when they are discovered in holding facilities.Instead pounds "must immediately euthanize the lobster," according to licence conditions quietly introduced…

A team of University of Queensland scientists conducted a biodiversity survey in their Annerley share house, uncovering 1,150 unique species. This finding significantly exceeded the expected 200 species, revealing a high level of biodiversity in urban environments. The study showcased a variety of species from insects to birds and highlighted the importance of how urban homes and gardens are maintained for fostering biodiversity. Credit: SciTechDaily.comUniversity of Queensland scientists discovered an unexpected…

Our planet is changing. So is our journalism. This weekly newsletter is part of a CBC News initiative entitled "Our Changing Planet" to show and explain the effects of climate change. Keep up with the latest news on our Climate and Environment page.Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox every Thursday.This week: Christmas trees have the potential to spread unwanted critters What has 2 (or 3) wheels and helps reduce oil consumption? Here's why food waste is a major climate change issue Christmas trees…

There are differing opinions on cats' personalities and behaviour: They're affectionate, they're aloof, they love you, they hate you.Then there's the undeniable fact of what they become when left to roam free outside: indiscriminate, stone-cold killers.A new study has found cats roaming free prey upon almost any animal, reptile, insect, and amphibian around the world – their hunting so prolific and so successful, the authors found, that it poses a legitimate threat to global biodiversity."What's shocking is just the…

A groundbreaking study links a 12-million-year-old genetic event to the proliferation of invasive mussels and inspires new sustainable material development based on mussel fibers. (Zebra Mussels.) Credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service Recent research has identified a key evolutionary event that has enabled the widespread impact of invasive mussels in North America. This discovery also paves the way for the development of sustainable materials inspired by mussel fibers. A recent study from researchers in Canada and Germany…

Wildlife officials across the Great Lakes are looking for spies to take on an almost impossible mission: stop the spread of invasive carp.Over the last five years, agencies have employed a new seek-and-destroy strategy that uses turncoat carp to lead them to the fish's hotspot hideouts.Agency workers turn carp into double agents by capturing them, implanting transmitters and tossing them back. Floating receivers send real-time notifications when a tagged carp swims past. Carp are large fish with an even larger appetite.…