Ecological cancers

1
Ecological cancers

• Introduced species (a.k.a. invasive/exotic
  species)

2
What makes something invasive?

• Non-native to the ecosystem

3
What makes something invasive?

• Its introduction causes or is likely to cause
  economic or environmental harm or harm to human
  health.

4
What do these species do to the environment?

• Reduced biodiversity
• Massive disruptions to ecosystem functioning

5
What do these species do to the environment?

• Degrading ecosystem health in forests, prairies,
  mountains, wetlands, rivers and oceans.

6
Examples of invasive species in Kentucky

•        Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
•         Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
•         Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata)
•         Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
•         Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)
•         Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
•         Sirex wood wasp (Hymenoptera Siricidae)
•         European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
•         Burning bush (Euonymus alata)
•         Winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei)
•         Common Pigeon (Columba livia)
•         Chestnut blight (Cryphonectria
  parasitica)
•         Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
•         Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
• Red fox (Vulpes vulpes)

7
Wanted poster example