Abstract
The following article will briefly define what an ecosystem is as well as go into depth on how certain circumstances of changing factors within an environment can bring about devastating results. To further this discussion, this paper will describe two separate instances that had a negative impact on two different habitats. The first point of discussion will reflect the removal of a species from an Australian island; the second is the introduction of a non-native species to the island of Fiji. In addition, this post will conclude a wrap-up of the points mentioned as well as a personal statement regarding human involvement and humankind’s responsibility to earth’s numerous habitats.
How Non-Native Species Affect an Ecosystem
Between humankind’s technological advancements throughout the ages and our ability to damage already working ecosystems, it is fair to say that finding that happy medium is a difficult task. Our homes, businesses, modes of transportation, among other factors all directly affect (and most of the times in a negative way) the many and wondrous ecosystems our planet has to offer. An ecosystem is a collaboration of living (animals, insects, plants, and simpler organisms) and non-living factors (climate, topography as well as other geological and environmental factors) co-dependently living together, this includes direct and indirect interactions which in turn create a habitat or livable environment for all life forms involved. (Ecosystem, 2009)
This next paragraph will state how removing a species from a habitat can bring about adverse affects. In the case of the removal of feral felines from the island of Macquaire of Australia in order to preserve a seabird species indigenous to the island, which resulted in a population growth of the rabbit species. Due to the rabbit’s lack of predators after the cats were removed, they too became a danger as far as their growing numbers destroying the vegetation the same seabirds the scientist tried to protect used for cover. (Casey, 2009) The estimated cost to attempt to correct this mishap is around $16.2 million in U.S. currency. Casey’s article also stated that the rabbits as well as cats are both non-native to the island and officials will now go the avenue of certain pesticides and chemicals to reduce the rabbit population as well. (Casey, 2009) Although, the idea of removing the animals mentioned who have made the island home for over a hundred years, to save a native species can be considered food for thought, but wouldn’t the introduction of pesticides and chemicals further the destruction of the already damaged ecosystem?
The next point, that will be discussed, is the introduction of the small Indian mongoose to the island of Fiji, to control the rodent population. In 1982, farmer’s who grew sugar cane as well as other crops in Fiji sorted out a way to reduce pest, mainly rodents from damaging their crops. They did this by introducing the small Indian mongoose to the island. Although the mongoose did control the rodent problem, they are also the cause of the extinction certain native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians indigenous to Fiji. (Simberloff, 2000) Alternatively, their cost effective solution for a pest problem, became very costly as well as becoming a major environmental concern.
In conclusion, earth has a vast variety of ecosystems that already are ever changing due to environmental factors let along the more abrupt presence of humankind. Although many ecosystems withstand the test of time as far as preserving the array of species that currently exist on our planet, our presence, technology as well as our involvement in our environment has forced natural selection upon native species at an unnaturally rapid rate. As having the higher-hand as far as intellect as well as being the main cause of global self-destruction, we as the human race need to limit how many natural resources we utilize especially those that we cannot replace, and also put efforts forth towards limiting our involvement in trying to control the natural order of the world.
References
1. Casey, M. (2009, January 13). Removing cats to protect birds backfires on island. Retrieved May 21, 2009, from SFGate.com Web site: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/01/13/international/i061837S07.DTL
2. Ecosystem. (2009). Ecosystem. In The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Fourth Ed.). Houghton Mifflin Company. Retrieved May 20, 2009, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ecosystem
3. Simberloff, D. (2000). From Exotic To Extinct. Retrieved May 21, 2001, from Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Communications and External Relations Web site: http://www.ornl.gov/info/ornlreview/v37_1_04/article_20.shtml#top
