The Worst Sort of Invasive Species

How is this as an example of environmental havoc caused by an invasive species: The U.S. government may spend $104 million over the next five years to rid its northern Pacific Islands of the brown tree snake, an accidental export from Down Under that virtually wreaked Guam’s tourism industry and is threatening Hawaii and surrounding islands.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently authorized the spending to eradicate the reptile, which poses “a growing threat to the biodiversity, economy and human health” of the region.

The mildly venomous snake apparently was introduced to Guam in the 1940’s or 1950’s as a stowaway aboard a military ship from the South Pacific. The species is native to Indonesia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia.

Free from predators in the northern Pacific, the snakes have virtually wiped out forest birds in Guam. Lizards, small mammals and eggs also are targeted by the snakes.

Even humans aren’t immune to the reptiles. The nocturnal snakes invade homes, biting a number of sleeping residents each year. Fortunately for the victims, the bites aren’t fatal, though they require medical treatment.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at September 29, 2004 05:13 PM | TrackBack