Invasive Species in the Caribbean

What makes the Caribbean islands a hotspot for biodiversity?

• The introduction of alien species by humans

• The variety of natural environments and ecosystems

• The lack of predators for invasive species

• The presence of numerous invasive species

How did the black rat become one of the most invasive species in the Caribbean?

• By being a natural predator of local species

• By being introduced as a pet

• By preying on bird eggs and chicks

• By being a primary food source for native animals

What was the original purpose of introducing the small Indian mongoose to the Caribbean?

• To replace the black rat

• To increase biodiversity

• To serve as a pet for local inhabitants

• To control the population of snakes and rats

What has been the impact of the small Indian mongoose on native species?

• It has had no significant impact

• It has become a primary food source for local predators

• It has led to the decline of native bird species

• It has helped control the rat population

What is a significant threat to the lesser Antillean iguana?

• Hybridization with the common green iguana

• Competition for food with the black rat

• Predation by the small Indian mongoose

• Habitat destruction by humans

How does the common green iguana threaten the lesser Antillean iguana?

• By introducing diseases

• By competing for the same habitats

• By being a natural predator

• By destroying their nesting sites

What is unique about the cicada of French Guiana compared to other invasive species?

• It is a primary food source for local birds

• It produces a loud sound to attract mates

• It is a silent insect

• It has no impact on local wildlife

What challenge does the leaf-cutting ant pose in the Caribbean?

• It is a predator of native birds

• It causes significant damage to crops and gardens

• It competes with the black rat for food

• It is a primary food source for the mongoose

Why is the giant African snail considered a problematic invasive species?

• It is a predator of native snails

• It is a primary food source for local birds

• It competes with the black rat for food

• It causes damage to crops and wild plants

What is a key strategy to preserve the unique biodiversity of the Caribbean?

• Introducing more alien species

• Encouraging the proliferation of existing invasive species

• Reducing the number of native species

• Preventing the introduction of new invasive species