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All species change their ranges in response to changing environmental conditions. These natural dispersal events are controlled by abiotic conditions, competitors and predators. Natural increases in range usually occur over a period of thousands of years and biologists are seldom concerned with these slow changes. However, when humans introduce species outside of their natural range, sometimes these species rapidly increase in number and habitat occupied. Let us look at some of the common views held by people, on the role of nature to exotic species management. Against Control: Invasive species are here to stay and you cannot really control their spread Undoubtedly, invasive species are here to stay and their ability to proliferate poses a daunting challenge to even those most dedicated to their control. Nevertheless, even in an extensively invaded region many areas remain that are not overrun beyond recovery. The remaining quality areas need to be vigorously defended for future generations. Not only do these remaining quality natural areas provide a glimpse of what our natural areas should be like but also provide refuge for wildlife and a source of seed and plant stock for native species in future. Of course, the stakes are even higher in the greater natural areas of our national parks, forests, lakes and rivers. At this juncture, we ask you to weigh the evidence yourselves. Nature knows best and so let it take its own course. It is indeed a very plausible reasoning, but something that lacks credibility. How long can nature take its course ? It was not nature that is solely responsible for rapid rise in the number of exotic species! Are not humans assisting and responsible ? We are already seeing the effect of "Letting nature take its course" in thousands of more acres every day! It has become impossible to defend every pasture, roadside, wetland, lake and seashore from the spread of invasive species. See also the Role of Diversity Back to the ethics page The 2nd letter of the Password - Y |
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