Case studies of the impacts of introduced animal species on renewable resources in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands
Eldredge LG. 1988. Case studies of the impacts of introduced animal species on renewable resources in the U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands. Pages 118-146. In Smith BD (ed). Topic reviews in insular resources development and management in the Pacific U.S. affiliated islands. University of Guam Marine Laboratory. Guam. Technical report 88
A wide variety of animals has been transported throughout the Pacific islands. Case studies of selected species, exclusive of insects, show that such introductions usually have negative impacts on the islands. There are virtually no examples of long-term beneficial impact from introduced animals. Fishery and aquaculture organisms are known to escape confinement and enter the natural ecosystem. Animals brought in for hunting have become pests, and biological control agents are known to have caused extinctions of native species. Among the examples with immediate negative effects are the giant African snail and the toad. Both of these animals have become public health problems, causing human deaths in extreme cases. Many introduced animals--snails, snakes, birds, cats--are known to have brought about extinctions of native species, including some that were endemic to particular islands. Vegetation has been altered by larger animals such as deer and goats. In this report, case studies of a number of introductions are detailed, including a history of the introduction, the organism's present situation, ecological impact, and lessons learned. These lessons are collated into a set of integrated guidelines for introduction of animals.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- Eldredge, Lucius
- Units
- AMME , PACN , WAPA
- Keywords
- Abundance (Biodiversity), Amphibians, Animal Studies, biological control agents, Birds, Exotic/Invasive Species-Animals, Fish, Gastropods, Guam, Integrated Pest Management, Invertebrates, Mammals, Observations, Presence (Biodiversity), Reptiles, Saipan CNMI, Wildlife Management
Part of
- Topic reviews in insular resources development and management in the Pacific U.S. affiliated islands