Find an example of an exotic species that has beenintroduced in an

ecosystem with negative effects. Select a speciesthat is causing a

problem near you. Explain the impact and what youthink could have

been done differently to lessen the impact.

Introduction on Argentinian Red And, Solenopsis invicta, in the United States.

Explanation:

A species is considered to be introduced when it has been released intentionally or accidentally in a new place or area, out of its natural geographical distribution range, during historical times.

The, Argentinian Red Ant, Solenopsis invicta was introduced by accident in the United States in the 1930 year when some commercial ship coming from Brazil unloaded infested merchandise. Since that date, it has been colonizing several areas, expanding in a range of 30 to 50 kilometers per year. Nowadays it is occupying more than 110 million hectares, causing several problems:

Biological problems: It is a very aggressive species that can affect animals and plants. In Texas, the invertebrates' biodiversity decreased by 40% and the local ants decreased by 70%. Their nests' building affects the roots of plants causing important harvest losses. Economical problems: The United States government has expended more than 250 million dollars trying to solve the problem, while the yearly losses exceed 1,000 dollars. The harvest losses have causes an important decrease in production. Sanitary problems: These ants might be considered dangerous as they have attacked people and animals. Texas invests 750,000 dollars a year to treat wounds in cattle and other affected animals.

There are some steps to prevent and reduce biological invasions, such as introduction prevention, eradication when it is still possible, contention to avoid the species expansion, expansion control (biological, mechanical, chemical), and restoration of the affected areas.

In the case of the Red Ant it would have been very important to control the state of the merchandise coming from Brazil to avoid the ant's introduction and its posterior spread. It also would have been important to deal harder with the problem when it was recently to avoid the ants' expansion by educating the people about invasive species and how to react about it, and by applying some eradication actions when it was possible. Nowadays the species is under control, but they can not completely eradicate it.