A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors.
Source: CNN, December 4, 2019. Link. Non-native species may not have any natural predators. This allows them to breed and multiply quickly and then compete with native populations for valuable food and habitat resources, says the NWF. Some are even capable of changing the conditions of their new environment, such as altering the soil chemistry or introducing new diseases.
INSIGHTS: As the National Park Service determines potential systemwide strategies, animal health pros may be able to help develop solutions or volunteer. For academics, there will likely be opportunities to engage in research on methods and results.