California Invasive Species Action Week

Tag: California Invasive Species Action Week

Preventing Extinctions: The Reason for Hope

Invasive species are a primary driver of extinction on islands, but proven methods are available to address this problem. Island Conservation is an international non-profit whose mission is to prevent extinctions by removing invasive species from islands. To date, we have successfully restored 63 islands worldwide, benefiting 1173 populations of 468 species and subspecies. How […]

Written by on February 27, 2018

Islands: Hotbeds of Life and Epicenters of Extinction

Islands are biodiversity hotspots, but also extinction epicenters. Fortunately, there is a way to protect these vibrant ecosystems. Islands are home to a great diversity of rare and endemic species. With the advent of global travel, humans have spread around the world, ventured into these sensitive ecosystems, and in many cases, have introduced species that […]

Written by on February 26, 2018

What Makes Invasive Species so Damaging on Islands?

Invasive species are a leading cause of extinctions on islands. What makes island ecosystems particularly vulnerable to invasive species? Endemism Many islands are home to species found nowhere else on Earth. If invasive species begin to disturb such islands’ ecosystem balances, the native species being negatively affected have no alternative home or additional populations, and […]

Written by on February 22, 2018

DIY Biosecurity: 7 Steps to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

Invasive species damage ecosystems, economies, agriculture, and human health. You can apply these simple recommendations to help stop the dispersal of invasive species. 1. Care for your pets Many invasive species have been traced back to releases of pets into the wild. Only adopt a pet if you are confident you can take care of […]

Written by on February 22, 2018

Invasive Species 101: What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species are the cause of the majority of all recorded extinctions that have occurred on islands. Why do these species cause so much damage to native ecosystems? What is an Invasive Alien Species (IAS)? According to the Convention on Biological Diversity an Invasive Alien Species is a “species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past […]

Written by on February 21, 2018