Introducing Non-native Species

One of the easiest examples of how a non-native species can forever change the landscape of an environment is in Australia. Until 1859, only a few captive rabbits existed in Australia. Then, 12 wild rabbits were imported and released onto the land. In less than 50 years, the population grew to become a major plague. The rabbits ate the local vegetation, causing soil erosion and leaving little food available for other species.

The same thing happened when Australia introduced cane toads. They were brought in to eat pest beetles, but they ended up eating other species as well. The toads also produce a toxic substance to protect themselves against predators. As a result, a large number of animals that don't have resistance to the venom because they have never encountered the toad before have been poisoned when trying to eat the toads. The government of Australia has found evidence of anything from freshwater crocodiles to quolls and snakes that have been killed because they tried to eat cane toads [source: Australian Government]. As predators die, other animals will prosper, affecting the environment in the process. Talk about it!

What an important and potentially devastating issue in regards to local biodiversity!