NISIC Invasive Species News

Squashing Spotted Lanternflies Will Get Us Only So Far. We Need Wasps.

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:58:20 -0400

Is it wise to use one organism to combat another invasive one?

With Invasive Plant Species, Experts Say We Should Be More Proactive

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:12 -0400

Experts want to combat new species of plants that are moving around within the United States, and coming from around the world, before they get a foothold.

Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Cut the Ecosystems Mission Area and Much of Its Work

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:43:55 -0400

From bee science to understanding the impact of a warming world on plant life, here’s what the Ecosystems Mission Area does.

There’s No ‘Undo’ Button for Extinct Species

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:52 -0400

When one company proclaimed it had brought back the dire wolf, the response was joyous. But de-extinction remains a dangerous fantasy.

Weed Manager of the Year: One Man’s Quest to Save the Sonoran Desert

Mon, 05 May 2025 23:42:08 -0400

As official research positions are lost to budget cuts, the work of citizen scientists to preserve federal forests is becoming more valuable.

If You See This Creepy Fish, Cut Its Head Off

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:45:16 -0400

The invasive northern snakehead, which has recently been appearing in Missouri and other states, must be eradicated, officials say.

Artists Stand Up for Invasive Species

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 05:00:45 -0400

Artists and scientists are finding ways to highlight troublesome plants and animals, tell their stories and, in some cases, use them as raw materials.

The Four Ecologically Crucial Things You Should Do in Your Garden

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 10:25:56 -0400

The ecologist Douglas Tallamy says your landscape can help manage the watershed, support pollinators, bolster a viable food web, and sequester carbon.

Known fish species living in the Salish Sea increases in new report

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:06:11 -0400

A new report documents all of the fishes that live in the Salish Sea. In total, 253 fish species have been recorded, and that’s about 14 percent more than in the last count.

Air quality, ozone pollution models for forested areas may be too simple

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:23:00 -0400

A new study assessing the influence of species diversity of canopy trees on the amount of ozone precursors a forest emits suggests that atmospheric chemistry models in use now may underestimate the importance of tree species mix and size to ozone pollution.

Large trees -- key climate influencers -- die first in drought

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:22:48 -0400

In forests worldwide, drought consistently has had a more detrimental impact on the growth and survival of larger trees, new research shows. In addition, while the death of small trees may affect the dominance of trees in a landscape, the death of large trees has a far worse impact on the ecosystem and climate's health, especially due to the important role that trees play in the carbon cycle.

Study reveals answers for managing Guam's threatened native trees

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:54:53 -0400

Researchers studied seedling emergence and growth traits of three rare and threatened tree species in the Mariana Islands to determine the influences of light and storage on seed and seedling behavior. Findings revealed that highly contrasting responses among the species provide a valuable start to building the knowledge base needed to respond to formal recovery or conservation plans by defining horticultural protocols for managing a conservation nursery.

Insect diversity decreases in gardens with non-native plants

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:59:00 -0400

Non-native plants reduce the diversity of insect populations in gardens, even where the non-native plants are closely related to the native plants, new research shows. The goal of this research was to understand how the composition of the plants that homeowners plant in their yards affects herbivore communities.

Identifying common objectives helpful for crop wild relative researchers

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:51:59 -0400

Collecting genetic information from crop wild relatives may preserve valuable traits but takes cooperation, experts say. Over the past few decades, research efforts to collect the genetic information from these species has increased. However, developing effective partnerships between scientists, private landowners and government entities is crucial to the success of this research, they add.

Antarctic warming stimulates diversity of soil fungi

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:34:40 -0400

A landmark study predicts that climate change will have a major impact on life in Antarctica this century. Scientists say that results indicated that by 2100 there would be 25 percent more soil fungal 'species' in the most rapidly warming parts of Antarctica.

Crested floatingheart: The lovely looking lily-like plant that clogs canals

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 09:35:43 -0400

Instead of freezing unwanted crested floatinghearts and bringing them to a local landfill, many homeowners toss them into canals, say researchers who have compiled data to quantify the seriousness that crested floatingheart poses for canals. Crested floatinghearts reproduce mostly by way of ramets, an asexual form of multiplying. Gettys is trying to find out how many "babies" a single plant can make.

Plants with jobs

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 13:47:06 -0400

Scientists have developed a new research framework for the agricultural sector that offers evidence-based understanding of the relationship between short-term yields, long-term sustainability and biodiversity.

Flower declines shrink bee tongues

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 15:14:03 -0400

Climate-related changes in flower diversity have resulted in a decrease in the length of alpine bumble bees' tongues, a new study reports, leaving these insects poorly suited to feed from and pollinate the deep flowers they were adapted to previously.

Researchers propose ecological route to plant disease control

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 08:36:29 -0400

New research has revealed a potential natural defence against invasive pathogens which damage food crops across the world.

Cold rush: Bird diversity higher in winter than summer in Central Valley

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 21:40:16 -0400

In California's Central Valley, just as many bird species use riparian habitats in the winter as in the summer, and genetic diversity is actually higher in the winter than during summer months, research shows.

Research reveals complications of conservation decisions

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:00:17 -0400

A Guam native insect impacts a native tree, posing a conundrum for conservationists. The tree species is particularly important to the island of Guam, where the tree is called ifit and has been designated as the official territorial tree. As in other regions where it is native, ifit wood commands reverence for its quality for construction, furniture, and artisan uses.

Researchers try to halt march of destructive pest preying on tomatoes

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:56:39 -0400

A tomato pest -- established in Panama and Costa Rica -- is moving northward but has not yet arrived in the United States. Its potential arrival is a big concern among US government agricultural officials. New research is trying to stop this pest before it enters the country.

Green barriers of cypresses could reduce fire initiation risk

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:54:58 -0400

Every year fires burn thousands of hectares, destroy entire ecosystems and put the lives of people and animals at risk. Understanding the dynamics of fire would allow a solution to be found for the high number of incidents. Spanish and Italian researchers have studied the flammability of vegetation and shown that cypresses, capable of tolerating severe droughts and high temperatures, could be an effective barrier against fire initiation due to their low degree of ignition.

Mating success for the European mink

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:49:44 -0400

The European mink is critically endangered throughout its range. Several reintroduction programs are in place to help assure the survival of the species. One of these is currently underway in Estonia, where researchers closely studied the reproductive cycle of female animals. Analyzing hormones in fecal samples, the scientists confirmed for the first time that females are able to conceive three to four times a year.

Echolocation: Yes, size matters

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:42:32 -0400

Why do whales use echolocation when bacteria do not? Because body size determines available sensing modes, argue researchers following a new study.

Naturally occurring 'GM' butterflies produced by gene transfer of wasp-associated viruses

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 16:00:29 -0400

Research teams have discovered that genes originating from parasitic wasps are present in the genomes of many butterflies. These genes were acquired through a wasp-associated virus that integrates into DNA. Wasp genes have now been domesticated and likely play a role in in protecting butterflies against other pathogenic viruses.

Ocean’s wildlife populations down by half

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 09:50:44 -0400

A new report reveals an alarming decline in marine biodiversity over the last few decades. According to the report, populations of marine vertebrates have declined by 49% between 1970 and 2012, with some fish species declining by almost 75%.

Bush Blitz: The largest Australian nature discovery project finds four new bee species

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 21:55:51 -0400

Four new native bee species were recognized as part of the largest Australian nature discovery project 'Bush Blitz.' The South Australian bee specialists used molecular and morphological evidence to prove them as new. Three of them belonged to a group of bees with characteristic narrow heads and long mouth parts -- adaptations to the narrow constrictions at the base of the flowers of Emu-bushes (Eremophila).

Invasive brood parasites a threat to native bird species

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:29:14 -0400

North Americans might be seeing new species of birds in certain areas of the continent in the near future. According to research, Eurasian birds are beginning to develop a presence on our continent, which could end up having a negative effect on native species.

Novel competitors affect species' responses to climate change

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:21:28 -0400

As the climate warms, many plants face an uphill struggle for survival. A new study indicates that this is particularly true wherever they face increased competition from plants that have migrated to their habitat due to climactic changes.

China's protection of giant pandas good for other species too

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:18:44 -0400

China has invested substantially in nature reserves to protect giant pandas in the wild. A new study finds that in addition to benefiting the charismatic pandas, the reserves also protect substantial numbers of other species threatened with extinction, including many endemic species of forest birds, mammals and amphibians.

As wildland-urban interface grows, so does risk to people and habitats

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:49:56 -0400

Humans and habitat intersect in the wildland-urban interface, or WUI, a geography that now includes about one-third of homes in the United States within just 10 percent of the nation's land area. Both numbers are growing, according to a new USDA Forest Service map book summarizing the extent of the nation's WUI nationally and by state.

Large-scale illegal trade in hundreds of wild-collected ornamental plants in Southeast Asia

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 09:31:54 -0400

Southeast Asia is a widely recognized center of illegal wildlife trade -- both as the source region for species ranging from seahorses to tigers, and as a global consumer of ivory carvings, wild pets, and traditional Chinese medicinal products.

Africanized bees continue to spread in California

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 16:41:52 -0400

Biologists have found that the Africanized honey bee -- an aggressive hybrid of the European honey bee -- is continuing to expand its range northward since its introduction into Southern California in 1994.

South Florida an attractive home for invading reptiles

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 09:55:07 -0400

South Florida is on the front lines in the war against invasive reptiles and amphibians because its warm climate makes it a place where they like to live, a new study shows. Using computer models and data showing where reptiles live in Florida, scientists predicted where they could find non-native species in the future. They found that as temperatures climb, areas grow more vulnerable to invasions by exotic reptiles. Conversely, they found that extreme cold temperatures protect against invasion.

Tree planting can harm ecosystems

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:40:51 -0400

Although trees are widely promoted to sequester carbon and to meet forest restoration goals, misplaced tree planting and forest expansion in ancient savannas and grasslands threaten biodiversity and ecosystem services, research shows.

Parasitic disease: Contact rates, competition matter in transmission

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 18:04:55 -0400

Contact and competition among different animals within a community matters when it comes to the possibility of parasitic disease outbreak, according to new research. The study sheds new light on how parasites spread in animal communities comprised of multiple species, from rhinos to giraffes, lions to hyenas, birds to mice, and more. Parasitic diseases include influenza viruses, rabies virus, distemper viruses and hantaviruses.

As demand for African timber soars, birds pay the ultimate price

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:11:44 -0400

The devastating impact has been revealed of illegal logging on bird communities in the understory layer of Ghana's Upper Guinea rain forests, one of the world's 25 "biodiversity hotspots" where the most biologically rich ecosystems are most threatened.

Parasite vs. invader: New endoparasitoid wasp can save the Dominican Republic economy

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 10:33:52 -0400

While biocontrol agents come in different shapes, often taking a lot of time for scientists to develop, natural ones seem to be the better option. Now biologists have discovered a new parasitoid wasp species in the Dominican Republic, which turns out to be the worst natural enemy of a widely spread invasive pest corrupting the essential pigeon pea crops.

Flickr and a citizen science website help in recording a sawfly species range expansion

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 10:33:50 -0400

Social network Flickr and citizen science website BugGuide have helped scientists to expand the known range of a rarely collected woodwasp native to the eastern United States. Partially thanks to the two online photograph platforms, the species' distribution now stretches hundreds of miles west of previous records.

Ants on the march in non-native conifer forests

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 09:41:18 -0400

A species of ant is thriving in habitats created by thousands of acres of coniferous forest planted in a UK National Park in the last 60 years, according to new research.

Widespread convergence in toxin resistance by predictable molecular evolution

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 19:06:39 -0400

Researchers examine the response of a variety of insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals to a natural selection pressure in the form of cardiac glycosides -- toxins produced by certain plants and toads for defense against predators.

Invasion of non-native species exposed by environmental DNA

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 10:12:02 -0400

Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been used to quantify the proportion of Japanese native common carp to non-native strains from the Eurasian continent. This method is based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and it is hoped that this novel approach will facilitate the detection of non-native genotypes in various species.

Could more intensive farming practices benefit tropical birds?

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:14:05 -0400

Does it help when farms share the land with birds and other animals? The short answer is 'no,' based on the diversity of bird species. If the goal is to preserve more bird species, representing a greater span of evolutionary history, then it's better to farm more intensively in some areas while leaving more blocks of land entirely alone. In other words, land-sparing wins out over land-sharing, experts say.

Decade-long Amazon rainforest burn yields new insight into wildfires

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:51:29 -0400

The longest and largest controlled burn experiment ever conducted in the Amazon rainforest has yielded new insight into the ways that tropical forests succumb to -- and bounce back from -- large-scale wildfires, according to new research.

Seeing the forest and the trees, all three trillion of them

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:49:41 -0400

A new international study estimates that there are more than 3 trillion trees on Earth, about seven and a half times more than some previous estimates. But the total number of trees has plummeted by roughly 46 percent since the start of human civilization. The results provide the most comprehensive assessment of tree populations ever produced and offer new insights into a class of organism that helps shape most terrestrial biomes.

Parasitized bees are self-medicating in the wild

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 20:48:19 -0400

Bumblebees infected with a common intestinal parasite are drawn to flowers whose nectar and pollen have a medicinal effect, a study shows. The findings suggest that plant chemistry could help combat the decline of bee species.

Heat and acid could squeeze trout out of southern Appalachian streams

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 11:35:31 -0400

A newly published research study that combines effects of warming temperatures from climate change with stream acidity projects average losses of around 10 percent of stream habitat for coldwater aquatic species for seven national forests in the southern Appalachians -- and up to a 20 percent loss of habitat in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests in western North Carolina.

Species lines blur between two sparrows in New England's tidal marshes

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 14:02:06 -0400

Among birds, the line between species is often blurry. Some closely related species interbreed where their ranges overlap, producing hybrid offspring. In the coastal marshes of New England, this has been happening between the Saltmarsh Sparrow and Nelson's Sparrow. Research finds that appearance alone is not enough to identify these hybrid zone birds.

Ants to the rescue: How super-organisms could become super pest controllers

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:11:37 -0400

As global population rises and finite resources dwindle, farmers need new, more sustainable ways to control pests. Now, ecologists have found a safe, sustainable and cost-effective new pest control. But rather than a high-tech compound or genetic technology, it's a tiny, low-tech organism: the ant.