URL: http://e360.yale.edu/digest/in_east_coast_marshes_goats_take_on_a_notorious_invader/4281/
Author: Crystal Gammon
Source: Yale Environment 360
Date Published: 22 October 2014
Phragmites australis is an invasive reed that grows along eastern U.S. and Canada. They crowd out native species and when they die, they leave behind a thick layer of dead biomass. A few ideas to control this invasive species included herbicides and sometimes, bulldozers. However, new research concluded a better solution, goats. In an experiment, goats were able to reduce the size of Phragmites australis by 80 percent in a few weeks. Although, goats have been eating invasive species for a while, it is only now that goats would be used, purposely, as a means of controlling an invasive species' population.
This article ties into the unit of Ecology. Through invasive species, such as Phragmites australis, overcrowding has become dangerous for an environment. This is a major threat invasive species pose to native species, as this causes less biodiversity. With goats, Phragmites australis can be controlled and cleared, leaving room for native species to thrive.
Will the goats have and negative impact on the environment?
ReplyDeleteThe goats would likely produce a positive effect concerning invasive plants. However it is possible that the goats may have a negative impact by trampling native plants and other unforeseen problems. The best way to solve this problem would be controlling the feeding/movement of the goats.
DeleteHas this method of controlling invasive species been used before? If so, was it successful?
ReplyDeleteFrom the original article, it says, "'The idea of using goats for land management has gained momentum in other ecosystems, Silliman said, including in the U.S. South, where goats have helped control invasive kudzu for years." Goats have been used, for years, to control invasive plants, such as Kudzu. From this quote, it seems that they were successful.
DeleteAre these goats brought in from other areas to be used to control the population of the reed, or are they a native species. If they are non-native, is it possible for these non-native goats to become an invasive species themselves?
ReplyDelete