The piece documents the resurgence of the previously endangered Floridian snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) thanks to feeding on invasive apple snails (Pomacea insularum), which themselves feed on the invasive plant hydrilla.
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| A snail kite, wonder how it gets its name?... |
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| Maybe something to do with these guys, the invasive apple snails that the snail kite feasts upon |
According to bird expert and ecologist, Wiley Kitchens, four years ago the snail kite was in 'dire straits' (not the band, though I hear snail kites enjoy Wings) and 'looking at almost an eminent extinction'. However, the snail kite now takes great advantage of the 'explosive' (sic) expansion of an exotic species.
Kite numbers were at 3400 in 1999, before crashing to only 650 in 2009. Today they have recovered to about 1200. Kitchens describes this as 'a monumental turn-around ecologically'.
So, maybe the title and conclusion previous piece were unfair. Sometimes invaders aren't implicated in species declines at all. In fact, the situation can be quite the opposite.
Over and out
The Invader Inspector
That is an interest entry. I think the word invasive gives out a 'negative vibe' and it is nice that you gave an good example of invasion species.
ReplyDeleteI came over this article which might be of your interest, it also brings into perspective the need to
preserve some of these 'invasive species'
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/02/good-invasives/
Hi Philippe
DeleteThanks, you me be interested in reading my piece covering the positive impacts of invasive species in more detail http://inspectinginvaders.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/invaders-must-die-prodigy-vs-ecology.html
There are many cases of invasive species having positive impacts and Martin Schlaepfer appears to be a great advocate of promoting these and negating the bias against invaders. Go him.