Epsilon Theory Podcast
Cursed Knowledge #21: Invasive Species
Oct 5, 2023
The podcast explores the devastating effects of invasive species, focusing on the Burmese python, European starling, house cats, wild horses, spotted lantern fly, and more. It discusses the alarming number of birds and small mammals killed by feral cats and emphasizes the importance of keeping cats indoors. The hosts share their experience adopting wild horses for population control and discuss the damaging impact of the spotted lantern fly on crops. They also mention the dying elm trees caused by European boar beetles and reflect on the lack of clear solutions to combat invasive species.
29:31
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Quick takeaways
- Invasive species can cause significant damage to local ecosystems and wildlife populations, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.
- Efforts to control invasive species have limitations and can lead to unintended consequences, emphasizing the complexity of the problem.
Deep dives
The Problem with Invasive Species
Invasive species are a major concern, with organisms being brought from one region to another and causing significant damage to the local ecosystem. One example is the Burmese python in the Everglades, which has decimated the native animal populations and has no natural predators. The European Starling is another invasive species outcompeting native birds for food. House cats, particularly feral cats, also contribute to the problem, killing millions of birds and small mammals each year. Introducing invasive species often leads to unintended consequences and can be difficult to address.
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