Thanks for this! The distinction between non-native and invasive is important. And also dependent on cultural context. When you mentioned agricultural invasive species, my first thought was the cow, which in North America is pretty destructive. As a Nevada native, I have a special place in my heart for "wild" mustangs. But these feral creatures--whose ancestors came with Spanish conquistadors, are pretty invasive too and sadly cannot all be supported on the lands they inhabit.
Yes! we overlook domesticated creatures as invasives, but I've recently read that some folks consider the common house cat the most invasive species. Our little fur balls can prey on wildlife like crazy.
Yes, invasive species can be hard to quantify. Yes, their harm can be significant. Yes, we should discuss this. I spend most of my time at Puddock Hill fighting invasive species that, if left alone, would form vast monocultures that crowd out natives and the fauna that rely on them. Good for you for raising awareness.
Yes, as this series continues, I'll make some suggestions as to what folks can do to remedy or mitigate invasives in their n neighborhoods and regions.
Weeding out the invasives and leaving what you want is the essence of restoration; just replanting what should be there isn’t enough with a global palette of super invasives that have no natural check in place.
Thanks for this! The distinction between non-native and invasive is important. And also dependent on cultural context. When you mentioned agricultural invasive species, my first thought was the cow, which in North America is pretty destructive. As a Nevada native, I have a special place in my heart for "wild" mustangs. But these feral creatures--whose ancestors came with Spanish conquistadors, are pretty invasive too and sadly cannot all be supported on the lands they inhabit.
Yes! we overlook domesticated creatures as invasives, but I've recently read that some folks consider the common house cat the most invasive species. Our little fur balls can prey on wildlife like crazy.
Yes, invasive species can be hard to quantify. Yes, their harm can be significant. Yes, we should discuss this. I spend most of my time at Puddock Hill fighting invasive species that, if left alone, would form vast monocultures that crowd out natives and the fauna that rely on them. Good for you for raising awareness.
Yes, as this series continues, I'll make some suggestions as to what folks can do to remedy or mitigate invasives in their n neighborhoods and regions.
Weeding out the invasives and leaving what you want is the essence of restoration; just replanting what should be there isn’t enough with a global palette of super invasives that have no natural check in place.
Yup. It is A LOT of work!
It’s worth it.
A mono culture of Pennisetum ciliare in the Sonoran desert is not acceptable.