Invasive species in South America
Invasive species are a serious threat to the native biodiversity of South America and are an ongoing cost to South American agriculture. South America is an important region for the worlds biodiversity, and includes a wide variety of native species, many of which provide medicinal uses.[1] Introduced species in South America, have the potential to pose harm to ecosystems of the region and the aforementioned biodiversity.[2] Although many of these non-native species are invasive, residents of the region often value these species, making it more difficult to organize efforts to get rid of them.[2] Because of the instrumental and cultural value placed on these species, greater awareness, research, and policy are all necessary steps in solving invasive issues in South America.[1] Here is a list of just a few of the species that have invaded South America and where they originate.
Mammals
- Beaver from North America to Tierra del Fuego
- European hare from Europe to Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil
- Small Asian mongoose from Asia to Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Colombia
- Chital from Asia to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile
- Sambar deer from Asia
- Blackbuck from Asia to Argentina and Uruguay
- Himalayan tahr from New Zealand
- Red deer from Europe
- Wild boar from Europe
- Hippopotamus from Africa to Colombia, Originally kept by Pablo Escobar
Fish
- Cherry barb from Sri Lanka
See also
- Invasive species in Colombia
- More information on South America and invasive species[3]
References
- 1 2 Myers, Norman; Mittermeier, Russell A.; Mittermeier, Cristina G.; da Fonseca, Gustavo A. B.; Kent, Jennifer (2000-02-24). "Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities". Nature. 403 (6772): 853–858. doi:10.1038/35002501. ISSN 0028-0836.
- 1 2 Speziale, Karina L.; Lambertucci, Sergio A.; Carrete, Martina; Tella, José L. (2012-01-10). "Dealing with non-native species: what makes the difference in South America?". Biological Invasions. 14 (8): 1609–1621. doi:10.1007/s10530-011-0162-0. ISSN 1387-3547.
- ↑ Center, National Invasive Species Information. "Invasive Species: International - South America". www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov. Retrieved 2016-11-22.