Introduced Species
What are "introduced species"?
An introduced species is a type of animal or plant inhabiting an area of land or country that they are not native to (did not originally grow there).
Are they bad?
Some introduced species cause no harm at all to their new environment - in fact, they can be helpful in its growth and stability. However, lots of introduced species can potentially damage the environment and cause serious problems.
Examples...
The lawn-type grass found around the foreshore is good, as it stabilises the nutrient-rich soil.
However, the introduced species of the koi fish have an adverse effect on the environment; they are, among others, the feral fish of the Swan River.
Koi fish are an issue for several reasons:
For more information on feral fish in the Swan River, visit:
http://www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au/the-river-system/issues-facing-the-rivers/invasive-aquatic-fauna/feral-fish
However, the introduced species of the koi fish have an adverse effect on the environment; they are, among others, the feral fish of the Swan River.
Koi fish are an issue for several reasons:
- They can establish feral populations that compete for food (crustaceans, insects, plants etc.) with native creatures, or even feed on native animals themselves
- They may become aggressive and territorial, limiting habitat for and injuring (sometimes even killing) native species
- Feral fish may carry parasites or bacteria that are also introduced that can kill or spread disease through other marine life
For more information on feral fish in the Swan River, visit:
http://www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au/the-river-system/issues-facing-the-rivers/invasive-aquatic-fauna/feral-fish