New research published in the journal Science indicates that low- and middle-income countries, often referred to as the Global South, experience greater harm from invasive species than wealthier nations. This disparity is linked to their reliance on natural resources and limited capacity to respond.
Thousands of commercial vessels stranded for months in the Persian Gulf due to the US-Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure risk a global marine bioinvasion 'super-spreader' event, as biofouling organisms on hulls could spread worldwide when trade resumes, according to a new study.
Florida scientists' efforts to use captive female pythons and rabbit scents as lures to detect invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades have largely failed, according to recent studies. Despite these setbacks, removal programs using radio-tagged male scout snakes and paid hunters show progress in reducing python populations.
The ongoing US-Iran war has led to a five-month chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, stranding over 1,500 vessels in the Persian Gulf. New research warns that prolonged biofouling on these ships' hulls could trigger a global marine invasive species super-spreader event when trade resumes, posing significant ecological and economic risks.
New research indicates that using captive female pythons or rabbit scent as lures to detect invasive Burmese pythons in Florida's Everglades has been largely ineffective. Despite these setbacks, state agencies and conservation groups continue to make progress through hunting and radio-tracking programs, aiming to restore native wildlife populations.
Flowerhorn cichlids, a human-bred hybrid fish, have escaped into Lake Sampaloc in the Philippines, threatening native wildlife like the endangered silver perch. Scientists warn the invasive species, thriving in polluted conditions, poses ecological damage and potential health risks from parasites to local residents who consume them.
Human-bred flowerhorn cichlids, an ornamental fish, have invaded Lake Sampaloc in the Philippines, threatening native species like the endangered ayungin. Escaping from breeding facilities during a typhoon, they thrive in polluted waters, raising ecological and potential parasitic health concerns.
Bug Hunt Australia, a citizen science initiative, has recorded over 1 million invertebrate observations since October 2025, engaging Australians in tracking insects, spiders, and snails. Led by the Invasive Species Council, the project uses the iNaturalist app to gather data, aiding scientists in identifying native species and detecting invasive threats like the Asian honey bee, crucial for biodiversity protection.
Two species of Asian praying mantises, Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera, are rapidly spreading across Europe, posing a threat to native wildlife. Scientists warn they hunt pollinators, small animals, and native mantises, with climate change and urban heat islands aiding their expansion.
Two species of giant Asian praying mantises, Hierodula tenuidentata and Hierodula patellifera, are rapidly spreading across Europe, posing a threat to native wildlife. Scientists warn they are hunting pollinators and small animals, and even outcompeting native mantis species.
Hundreds are competing in Florida's 10-day Burmese python challenge to capture and humanely kill invasive pythons threatening local wildlife. Prizes include $10,000 for the most snakes caught. The competition aims to reduce the python population, which has been a threat to Florida's ecology since the late 1970s.
Introduced in 1859 for hunting, 13 European rabbits exploded into Australia's biggest invasive species issue. Their rapid reproduction and adaptability caused widespread ecological and agricultural damage, prompting ongoing control efforts.
Rabbits introduced to Australia's Macquarie Island in 1878 for food became a destructive invasive species, devastating native plants and wildlife. An ambitious eradication program successfully removed them by 2014, leading to a remarkable ecological recovery and serving as a global conservation example.
Cuban scientists and conservationists are facing significant challenges in protecting the island's marine ecosystems due to economic scarcity, US sanctions, and the climate crisis. Despite limited resources, they are employing innovative methods like coral farming and relying on local volunteers to mitigate damage from pollution, invasive species, and coral diseases.
