January 27, 2009
UNIT 8: AnimalsInvasive Species Spreads Through Europe’s Iberian Peninsula
Spanish researchers are reporting that an invasive fish, the dojo loach, is spreading through the rivers and wetlands of Spain, Portugal, and other countries of the Iberian peninsula. Invasive species are a major threat to the biodiversity of an area.
Invasive species are organisms that are not native to an area, but they are well-suited to the conditions found there. When invasive species move into an area, they can monopolize the area’s resources or compete for resources with native species. Invasive species may also prey directly on native species, as in the case of the dojo loach. The dojo loach eats snails and insect larvae. As the dojo loach population increases, more and more snails and insect larvae are eaten, which means that other organisms that depend on eating snails and insect larvae may starve or be forced out of the area.
Invasive species often are introduced to areas through human actions. The dojo loach invasion probably began after a few fish escaped from aquarium fish breeding facilities. Invasive plant species, such as kudzu, are often imported from other areas to be used in gardens. Other invasive species may be released pets that are able to survive and thrive in the wild.