According to research by Australian scientists to half the vegetation on the island of Santa Cruz, which is part of the local national park consists of non-native plant species.
"People might be shocked that the island is famous for its richness of species, despite checking staff of the National Park area served by introduced species of trees, shrubs and grasses. But it's a fact, "says Mandy Trueman, biologist at the University of Western.
New plant species are struggling with the original of the water and the sun and as a result can change the entire local environment, so the impact will be felt both plants and animals, describes the research published in the journal Nebiota. Just invasive plant species are one of the reasons why the local unique animal species at risk.
A key part of the study is a map showing the current coverage of invasive and native plant species. This is information which can operate management of national parks. The procedure seeks to prevent invasive species and, if possible, replace the original species, at least in places with the highest ecological value. Annually, it concerns an area of 400 hectares which seeks to eradicate the most aggressive invasive plants - blackberry, guava and česnekovník.
"The truth is that people bring plants to new locations and may never completely change the character of such a place. The islands are especially vulnerable to such changes, "says Heinke Jäger from the Charles Darwin Foundation, which is housed in the Galapagos. According to him, all conservationists around the world are struggling with similar problems. "Finally, it may happen that the original species completely succumb to invasive species," said Heinke.
Source: Ekolist.cz
