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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive species | 8/9 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T07:18:41.562467+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Gene drive === A gene drive could be used to eliminate invasive species and has, for example, been proposed as a way to eliminate invasive mammal species in New Zealand. Briefly put, an individual of a species may have two versions of a gene, one with a desired coding outcome and one not, with offspring having a 50:50 chance of inheriting one or the other. Genetic engineering can be used to inhibit inheritance of the non-desired gene, resulting in faster propagation of the desired gene in subsequent generations. Gene drives for biodiversity conservation purposes are being explored as part of The Genetic Biocontrol of Invasive Rodents program because they offer the potential for reduced risk to non-target species and reduced costs when compared to traditional invasive species removal techniques. A wider outreach network for gene drive research exists to raise awareness of the value of gene drive research for the public good. Some scientists are concerned that the technique could wipe out species in their original native habitats. The gene could mutate, causing unforeseen problems, or hybridize with native species.
=== Predicting invasive plants === Accurately predicting the impacts of non-native plants can be an especially effective management option because most introductions of non-native plant species are intentional. Weed risk assessments attempt to predict the chances that a specific plant will have negative effects in a new environment, often using a standardized questionnaire. The resulting total score is associated with a management action such as "prevent introduction". Assessments commonly use information about the physiology, life history, native ranges, and phylogenetic relationships of the species evaluated. The effectiveness of the approach is debated.
=== Predicting invasive animals === Invasive alien animal species can seriously affect human well-being and biodiversity. A hierarchical approach underpins the management measures used to lessen these effects, ranging from invasive species management to invasion prevention through early warning and quick response. Currently, a small number of research on invading mammals have employed spatially explicit models, and the majority of them only looked at a small number of species. The majority of the research employed climate matching to assess the appropriateness of global geographic regions or the potential for established species to spread farther. For species that are not yet established but are anticipated to do so, modelling techniques may be a helpful tool to evaluate the risk of establishment; nevertheless, there aren't many research of this kind for mammals.
=== Returning invasive species to origin country === In 2025, for the first time in history, a project to return an invasive species to the country it came from has been started in the Hebrides in Scotland. Hedgehogs "native to the UK mainland" were brought to those islands decades ago to fight garden pests, but the introduction caused severe harm to birds which nested on the ground. The authorities decided to move them back to the mainland, helping the birds without harming the hedgehogs.
=== Government Regulations === Government regulations offer another way to eradicate invasive species. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) sponsors competitions aimed at removing lionfish from Florida waters. The challenge offers divers with prizes contingent on the number of lionfish each competitor successfully removes. Similarly, the FWC encourages local Floridians to collect invasive green iguanas and turn them into local government facilities. When the state undergoes cold snaps, these non-native lizards often freeze and become stunned allowing for the ease of collecting them. The FWC permits the killing of green iguanas year-round to combat the population. The state of Texas classifies feral hogs as invasive species. As such, hunting of these hogs is permitted and highly encouraged by the Texas government year-round. Methods described by the Texas State Government include trapping, corralling, aerial gunning (high-powered rifles discharged from individuals aboard helicopters), and tracking dogs. Many local governments across Texas also provide bounties that encourage hunters to increase pressure on the feral hog populations. The state of Idaho classifies walleye as an invasive species in their waters. These predatory fish pose a threat to native aquatic populations. Idaho Fish and Game officials strongly encourage anglers to harvest caught walleye year-round with no limits regarding amount or size. Similarly, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources classifies thirteen species of fish, including bighead carp and walking catfish, as invasive to Indiana waters and finds anglers not in violation of the Exotic Fish Rule only if the fish are killed immediately after being caught.