Tag: Invasive Species

Rhesus Macaques of Central Florida

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In 1932, film director, W.S. Van Dyke, and crew descended upon the Silver River in Central Florida to film a Hollywood blockbuster. Tarzan the Ape Man would do just that, making more than $2.5 million worldwide. In comparison to today’s film industry, that would be a hit! Capitalizing on the film’s success, local tour boat operator, Colonel Tooey, devised a plan to purchase several exotic species including Rhesus macaques to keep near the banks of the river. He would offer a five-mile “Jungle Cruise” from the river’s mouth up to the headwaters of Silver Springs. His idea was to place …

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Lionfish: Invasive Predators of the Deep

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  Native to reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, the lionfish is a member of the scorpion fish family. Growing upwards of 45 cm in length and 1.3 kg in weight, it is an aggressive, territorial species with very few predators likely due to the fact that they are venomous. Large spins located within the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins are capable of delivering a mix of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and a neuromuscular toxin causing pain, swelling, respiratory distress, and, in some cases, paralysis. With a life span of 5-15 years, chemical arsenal, and a ferocious appetite, this is one species …

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Can Hunting be an Effective Conservation Tool?

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Throughout the world hunting has been used as a way to harvest animals for human consumption.  In more cases then not, hunting has been managed sustainably to ensure long term availability of protein.  In order to have healthy wildlife populations, a balanced ecosystem has to be maintained and preserved.  Recently much attention has been given to hunting as a possible conservation tool. In addition, more hunters are actively participating in conserving wildlife and habitat to guarantee long term survival.  Is it conceivable that the act of killing animals can also be used to save them? To see the whole picture …

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Invasion of the Habitat Snatchers

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Non-native or invasive species are finding their way into ecosystems all around the world.  Regardless if they are being purposefully introduced by biologists to predate on a more destructive non-native or to enhance a biological area, or if they are being released by irresponsible pet owners, non-natives threaten native species.  More importantly, invasive species not only pose a risk to native plants and animals through displacement, competition, or predation, but also by the possible introduction of disease. One of the most well-known stories of a non-native invasion is the cane toad of Australia.  Brought to Australia in 1935, the cane …

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