Blog Nine; Invasive Species

Cane toads are large toads. They hatch from eggs, grow from a tadpole, and eat insects. Cane toads are native to Central and South America. However, the cane toad is an invasive species to Australia. This toad was introducted to Queensland in the mid 1930's. It was going to be used to control the cane beetle, which were easting the sugar cane crops of Australia. About 3,000 toads were released into Queensland plantations. Unfortuantely, this had little effect on the beetles, and they spread quickly. They have very few predators, and a surplus of food. Cane toads can now be found in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. These toads can eat many different things randong from plants, to dog food, to small vertebrates, and they can survive for exdtended periods away from water, or around sea water. Cane toads contain a poison that can kill an animals trying to eat them. Snakes, eels, and fish often are predators of cane toad, but very few animals in Australia are able to tolerate their venom. The government, as well as the residents of the Australia, are trying to control the cane toad problem. The best way to stop more cane toads from being produce is to find, and kill the eggs. Some people find cane toads in their yard, and put them in their freezer over night. Also, recently, people have been putting cat food next to pond to attract carnivorous ants that are immune to the cane toad's poison and will eat the baby toads.
The Chinese Tallow is an invasive species currently effecting the south of the U.S. This pretty plant reproduces and grows quickly, taking up space from native plant species. They can grow into forests quickly and are very weather and pest resistant. Their berries are also toxic to humans and animals. To get rid of these trees people are chopping them down, digging up their roots, using pesticides, and even trying to burn them. But the seeds still return for years to come. It's very difficult to get rid of these plants for good. Chances are, these trees aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
Invasive species are definitely something we should be concerned with. These species being to overpower an area where they were never meant to belong in the first place. The Chinese Tallow, as well as other invasive species in America, are very similar to the cane toads and rabbits in Australia. These species are very difficult to get rid of, and are taking over the land, giving native species no chance to settle in their own. It's also killing off native species and can be harmful to humans.

Chinese Tallow~