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Keywords

Environment, Species, Biology, Invasive Species, Biodiversity, Sustainability

Disciplines

Biodiversity

Abstract

Invasive predators, competitors, and disease-causing pathogens are the cause of immense and often irreversible harm to the environment, presenting a serious threat to biodiversity. The problem of invasive species dates back to ancient times, when people started using different methods of transport such as horses, canoes, and camels to travel quickly, bringing with them lice, rats, microbes, cows, cats, dogs, goats, pigs, and other creatures. The actions of other species, most notably humans, play an increasing role in species invasions, as Homo sapiens have colonized almost all of the ecosystems on Earth and tend to transform natural environments into agricultural or urban landscapes. Invasive organisms can have negative effects on ecosystems and disastrous effects on native flora and fauna, and the most effective way to thwart further invasions and protect biodiversity is to prevent these new species introductions. The instillation of protocols such as the closer inspection of pallets in international trade and travel, effective education programs, and aggressive monitoring and eradication programs is necessary to reduce the deleterious effects of invasive species.

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