Threats to ECOSYSTEMS & biodiversity
Two of the greatest threats to biodiversity are habitat loss and invasion of non-native species. In particular, land use changes that degrade and/or destroy natural habitats pose the most significant threats to native biodiversity.
Landscape fragmentation
Land fragmentation divides the landscape into smaller and smaller patches of habitat, which are generally surrounded by development. Fragmentation often has lethal effects on wildlife, because many wildlife species require large, connected natural areas to survive and thrive. Furthermore, the resulting patchwork of land uses and human activity creates ideal conditions for invasive species to take hold.
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INVASIVE SPECIES
Invasive species are non-native species to an ecosystem, whose introduction causes environmental harm. Invasive species threaten watershed healthy by altering the natural ecosystem. As non-native species, invasive species lack the natural threats that would normally control these species. They're normally associated with a high biotic potential, meaning they can reproduce rapidly and spread aggressively. The spread of invasive species can be attributed to any disturbance that removes vegetation and effects the soil, land development, or increased land fragmentation.
Invasive species have a variety of negative impacts, including:
In order to sustain a healthy environment within the Kiefer Creek Watershed, it's essential to monitor invasive species and keep it from spreading. Bush Honeysuckle (shown in the picture above) is one of the most abundant plant invasive species in the watershed area. This is why it's important to eradicate the species now, before it becomes too problematic. Join the Missouri Coalition for the Environment and our team of volunteers on the next Honeysuckle Hack as we take down Bush Honeysuckle in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem within the Kiefer Creek Watershed.
Click here to learn about the invasive species that threaten the watersheds of Missouri.
Invasive species are non-native species to an ecosystem, whose introduction causes environmental harm. Invasive species threaten watershed healthy by altering the natural ecosystem. As non-native species, invasive species lack the natural threats that would normally control these species. They're normally associated with a high biotic potential, meaning they can reproduce rapidly and spread aggressively. The spread of invasive species can be attributed to any disturbance that removes vegetation and effects the soil, land development, or increased land fragmentation.
Invasive species have a variety of negative impacts, including:
- Loss in productivity
- Lowered biodiversity
- Changes in soil chemistry or soil microorganisms
- Increased water use depending on the invasive
In order to sustain a healthy environment within the Kiefer Creek Watershed, it's essential to monitor invasive species and keep it from spreading. Bush Honeysuckle (shown in the picture above) is one of the most abundant plant invasive species in the watershed area. This is why it's important to eradicate the species now, before it becomes too problematic. Join the Missouri Coalition for the Environment and our team of volunteers on the next Honeysuckle Hack as we take down Bush Honeysuckle in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem within the Kiefer Creek Watershed.
Click here to learn about the invasive species that threaten the watersheds of Missouri.