Professor Chris Thomas discusses the impact of alien invasive species on ecosystems, highlighting the need to reconsider our judgment towards them. The podcast explores efforts to protect red squirrels, combat earthworm invasions in forests, and preserve biodiversity on St Kilda Island. Conservationists share their experiences in managing invasive species, raising ethical questions on intervention and species adaptation in ecosystems.
Invasive alien species can disrupt ecosystems through competition and predation, challenging traditional views on persecution.
Only a small percentage of established alien species are truly harmful, highlighting the complexity of identifying and managing invasives.
Perspectives on alien species should be nuanced, as many integrate harmlessly into ecosystems, prompting ethical considerations in conservation efforts.
Deep dives
Issue of Invasive Alien Species
The podcast episode delves into the complex topic of invasive alien species, exploring how animals and plants moving into new environments can disrupt existing ecosystems by outcompeting or preying on native species. The conversation challenges the conventional view of persecuting these invasive species and proposes relabeling them as 'successful' or 'varied migratory' species. It raises thought-provoking questions about the consequences of human intervention in eradicating these species and the implications for nature and balance.
Impact on Nature and Biodiversity
The discussion highlights the significant impact of invasive alien species on global biodiversity, with reports attributing 60% of extinctions worldwide to these species. The financial cost of managing these species is staggering, amounting to £400 billion annually, equivalent to the GDP of Denmark. However, it is revealed that out of 37,000 established alien species, only a small proportion, around 9%, are actually causing harm, underscoring the complexity of identifying and managing invasive species.
Diverse Perspectives on Alien Species
The episode challenges the notion of labeling alien species as inherently harmful by emphasizing that most alien species do not pose a threat and simply integrate into existing ecosystems. The speakers discuss the potential bias associated with the term 'alien,' often associated with negative connotations, and contrast it with the more nuanced reality where these species play varied roles in their new environments, sparking a broader conversation on perspectives towards invasive species.
Ethical Considerations and Conservation Efforts
The ethical dilemma of conservation efforts involving the culling of invasive species is scrutinized through insightful dialogues on the moral responsibility to prevent extinctions caused by human actions. The podcast delves into the complexities of balancing conservation needs with ethical considerations, showcasing initiatives like genetic interventions and targeted eradication efforts to address the challenges posed by invasive species, illustrating the intricate decision-making processes involved.
Biosecurity Measures and Species Management
The episode sheds light on the importance of biosecurity measures in safeguarding delicate ecosystems, such as the highlighted case of St. Kilda, where stringent protocols are in place to prevent invasive species like rats from jeopardizing native wildlife. The discussion delves into the meticulous planning and execution of species management tactics, including trapping and monitoring invasive species, underscoring the critical role of proactive measures in preserving ecological balance and protecting vulnerable habitats.
Should we celebrate the arrival of new species to the UK or drive them out? Tom Heap and Helen Czerski investigate the role of alien invasive species in the British countryside and beyond.
Tom and Helen hear about non native earthworms invading North America, posing a threat to forests by changing the soil. They discuss whether it's now time to be less judgmental about alien invasive species with Professor Chris Thomas, an expert in Anthropocene Biodiversity at the University of York. Rare Earth meets conservationists 'holding the line' against Grey Squirrels on Tayside, to give Red Squirrels a chance to re-establish. Ecologist Conor McKinney shares his experiences of trying to keep the remote St Kilda archepelago, off Scotland, free of invasive predators which could decimate the islands' globally important seabird breeding colonies.
Produced by Sarah Swadling for BBC Audio Bristol in conjunction with the Open University
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