Invasive species in a native setting

Do you ever wonder why some non-native species are considered dangerous? If you look at the plant Japanese knotweed, for example, you will find that it has been problematic across Europe, North America, and several other areas to which it has spread. However, this plant is not at all a problem to its native zone of Japan, China, and Taiwan. This is because of the natural predators that occur in its native range; various fungi and insects keep the population under control. Knotweed also occupies a niche that is not shared with other species in Eastern Asia, so it is not a competitor. It is becoming a major problem in the Boston area because it is occupying the same niche as several local species, and the lack of natural predators allows it to grow out of control. This results in declining and eventual dying off of other species.

Collect observations of Japanese knotweed and other non-native plants to help scientists and landowners measure the extent of invasive distribution and manage its spread.

Posted on April 12, 2018 06:26 PM by zoefoster