What are the implications of releasing alien species into our native wildlands?
Competition for food and space is heightened, and “background” predation rates are elevated. Ultimately, exotic species displace natives, reducing biodiversity and hampering ecosystem integrity. “Alien plant invasions wreak havoc on the health of our forests,” says Faith Campbell, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) specialist. “We are trading a diverse assemblage of native species (which have lived here at least since the last ice age) for a smaller number of exotic species which are not in balance with the ecosystem,” according to Doug Yanega of the University of Illinois Entomology Department. Despite growing controversy and concern over exotics, releasing non-indigenous species is nothing new. Exotics have been introduced, both intentionally and accidentally, since humans begun travelling the globe. But as horse and wagon gave way to rail, car, and plane, the number of introductions increased dramatically. When Europeans first colonized the New World, they were homesick for th
