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invasive species

A collection of 23 posts

Emerald Ash Borers Are Decimating Texas Trees. Wasps Might Help Defeat Them.

invasive species

Emerald Ash Borers Are Decimating Texas Trees. Wasps Might Help Defeat Them.

The emerald ash borer is steadily expanding across Texas, placing millions of native ash trees at risk. Scientists are testing an unexpected ally—tiny parasitoid wasps—to help control the invasive beetle.

As Screwworm Spread Continues, U.S. Resumes Cattle Imports from Mexico

New World Screwworm

As Screwworm Spread Continues, U.S. Resumes Cattle Imports from Mexico

The United States will reopen parts of the southern border to Mexican cattle imports in August after keeping it closed for more than a year to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm

Combat the New World Screwworm

New World Screwworm

Secretary Brooke Rollins Discusses Actions Taken to Combat the New World Screwworm

This update from Secretary Rollins highlights an aggressive, science-driven effort to stop the northward advance of the New World screwworm before it can threaten American livestock, wildlife, and rural economies.

USDA: New World Screwworm Not Yet in the U.S., But Threat Draws Closer

New World Screwworm

USDA: New World Screwworm Not Yet in the U.S., But Threat Draws Closer

This report delivers a clear message: while the New World screwworm has not yet crossed into the United States, federal and state officials believe the threat is real and growing as new cases are detected ever closer to the Texas border.

The “Man Eater” Screwworm Is Coming For The U.S.

New World Screwworm

The “Man Eater” Screwworm Is Coming For The U.S.

After a decades-long campaign to beat the parasites down to Panama, they’re speeding back up north.

New World Screwworm

An Insidious Pest Threatens Texas Cattle. It’ll Have to Get Past These Guys.

The New World screwworm has been infecting livestock just over the border, in Mexico. “Tick riders,” a 120-year-old group of mounted USDA inspectors, are the nation’s first line of defense.

Helicopters Drones Take-on Noxious Weeds Today

Helicopters Drones Take-on Noxious Weeds Today

Aiming to kill an invasive species of grass that can choke out native plants and fuel wildfires, Teton County Weed and Pest District is coordinating low-flying helicopters and drones to spray herbicide on 7,000 acres.

These Invasive Species Are As Close As Georgia. What To Look For and Know About Each

These Invasive Species Are As Close As Georgia. What To Look For and Know About Each

"Let me introduce you to two insects that have been spotted in Georgia that we need to be on the lookout for"

Restoring Biodiversity - 7/15/2025

Restoring Biodiversity - 7/15/2025

The U.S. has again halted livestock imports from Mexico. Meet tawny crazy ants. Wolves wreak havoc on cattle herds in California. And more...

These 'Crazy' Invasive Florida Pests Attack Mammals, Birds and Create Giant Supercolonies

Tawny Crazy Ant

These 'Crazy' Invasive Florida Pests Attack Mammals, Birds and Create Giant Supercolonies

According to Texas A&M University's Urban and Structural Entomology Program, after experiencing the tawny crazy ant, most residents prefer the fire ant.

a snake that is laying on the ground

"Invasion Biology"

Earthworm Invaders

Not only do we live alongside thousands of invasive species: Life as we know it would be impossible without them.

Tasmanian Devils Return to Mainland Australia for First Time in 3000 Years

"Invasion Biology"

Tasmanian Devils Return to Mainland Australia for First Time in 3000 Years

Here is an interesting article about how on the Australian mainland, Australian wildlife managers are reintroducing an animal wiped out thousands of years ago by human impact. Reintroducing a native animal thousands of years later (the Aussies describe that as an “Ecological blink of an eye”) to restore biodiversity and

It’s Time to Stop Demonizing “Invasive” Species

"Invasion Biology"

It’s Time to Stop Demonizing “Invasive” Species

“Here is a thoughtful article that challenges the “science” behind invasive species “biology”. NOTE: this article was originally published to Vox.com on on November 28, 2021. It was written by Marina Bolotnikova. Climate change is forcing some animals to move. Don’t call them “invasives.” Marine ecologist Piper Wallingford

National Parks are Being Overrun By Invasive Species

"Invasion Biology"

National Parks are Being Overrun By Invasive Species

As this article points out, people introduce the vast majority of so-called invasive species worldwide. What the article doesn’t mention is that we humans are the world’s most destructive invaders. Or, that of the hundreds of thousands of so-called invasive species that have been introduced, virtually

These Large Carnivorous Lizards Are Right Where They Belong

invasive species

These Large Carnivorous Lizards Are Right Where They Belong

“As discussed below, many species considered “invasive” are “natives” – not “exotics”. NOTE: this article was originally published to NYTimes.com on May 15, 2020. It was written by Marion Renault. Monitor lizards, believed to be invasive species on some Pacific islands, got there long before humans, a new study says.

Take ‘Charisma’ Into Account When Managing Invasive Species, Scientists Say

"Invasion Biology"

Take ‘Charisma’ Into Account When Managing Invasive Species, Scientists Say

As Groucho Marx asked all those years ago, “Who are you going to believe: Me, or your lying eyes?” According to the doubtful premise underlying invasive species biology, any new creature entering a system is, by definition, harmful to it. This paper, written by invasion “biologists” warns against being “fooled”

Book Review: ‘Inheritors of the Earth’ by Chris D. Thomas

"Invasion Biology"

Book Review: ‘Inheritors of the Earth’ by Chris D. Thomas

Here is better way of thinking about so-called invasive species. Ask yourself: How many invasive species have ever been eliminated? How much damage have we done to native plants, animals and our finances trying unsuccessfully to eliminate invasive species? What if, instead of “always trying to defend the losers,

circle_ranch_screwworm

Screwworm Returns To The United States

The screwworm eradication program—a triumph of animal health science—came with unintended consequences. When the flesh-eating pest was eradicated and big predators were removed, deer numbers exploded. Now more than ever we need to protect deer predators for the health of the deer herds and their habitat, which

spring_ranch_guadalupe_delta

"Invasion Biology"

Book Review: ‘Fishing: How the Sea Fed Civilization’

There are many parallels between the mistreatment of fisheries and mistreatment of wildlife. NOTE: this post initially appeared on WSJ.com on September 22, 2017 Cooperation among fishermen fostered complex communities while boat building seeded exploration. Richard Adams Carey reviews ‘Fishing: How the Sea Fed Civilization’ by Brian Fagan. Many