Invasive Species Management Challenges

The video discusses the challenges posed by invasive species and highlights five unique methods used to control them. These include using acetaminophen-laced mice to combat brown tree snakes in Guam, deploying robots to capture lionfish in the Atlantic, employing electrofishing to manage brook trout in the Missouri River, airlifting mountain goats from Olympic National Park, and using Judas goats to eliminate stragglers in the Galapagos. The video emphasizes the importance of creative solutions and small individual actions to maintain ecosystem balance.

What is a major challenge in managing invasive species?

• They do not affect native species.

• They often lack predators in new environments.

• They have natural predators in new habitats.

• They are easy to eradicate.

How did the brown tree snake arrive in Guam?

• Through a deliberate introduction.

• By stowing away on a military plane.

• By being released as pets.

• Through natural migration.

What method is used to control the brown tree snake population in Guam?

• Using snake traps.

• Introducing natural predators.

• Air-dropping mice with acetaminophen.

• Building snake-proof fences.

What is a significant problem caused by lionfish in the Atlantic?

• They are easy to catch with nets.

• They help control algae growth.

• They are harmless to other fish.

• They reduce fish populations and harm coral reefs.

What innovative solution is being developed to manage lionfish populations?

• Using fishing nets.

• Introducing new predators.

• Building underwater barriers.

• Deploying pressure-resistant robots.

What is backpack electrofishing used for?

• To stun and remove invasive fish.

• To clean river water.

• To poison invasive fish.

• To introduce new fish species.

Why can't predators be introduced to control mountain goats in Olympic National Park?

• They would also prey on native species.

• They are too expensive to maintain.

• They would only target goats.

• They are not effective in that environment.

What is the purpose of using Judas goats on Isabela Island?

• To introduce new goat species.

• To provide food for predators.

• To track and eliminate remaining goats.

• To increase goat population.

What is a simple action individuals can take to help control invasive species?

• Releasing pets into the wild.

• Feeding invasive animals.

• Cleaning shoes after hiking.

• Planting non-native plants.

What is a benefit of relocating mountain goats to the Cascade Mountains?

• It decreases genetic diversity.

• It reduces the goat population.

• It helps restore their natural habitat.

• It increases hunting opportunities.