"strange fish" appeared, all the fish and shrimps disappeared. Recently, news about the discovery of and crocodile gar and in many places in my country continues to hit the hot searches. The alligator gar has become unexpectedly popular, but the public is still full of questions about this species native to the Americas: How damaging is it to the native ecology? How to prevent the invasion of alien species and protect biodiversity ?
In fact, whether an alien species is classified as an invasive species is essentially a scientific question. Only after scientific research, investigation, and evaluation can relevant departments introduce targeted measures.
Image source: Xihai Metropolis Daily
Let’s take a look at The views of Zhao Xumao, a young researcher of at Lanzhou University and chief science popularization expert in Jincheng.
Running News: The crocodile gar has a weird shape, a ferocious personality, and has no natural enemies. It is called a dangerous aquatic creature. What are its main impacts on the ecological environment?
Zhao Xumao: The crocodile gar is not a native species in China and has no natural enemies in Chinese waters. The harm to the environment mainly comes from two aspects: threatening the survival of organisms downstream of the food chain; and affecting the survival of other carnivorous fish through inter-species competition survival, which in turn threatens the stability of the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Running News: There is news that crocodile gar have difficulty surviving the winter in the cold natural water bodies in northern China. Whether it is enough to trigger the risk of biological invasion into remains to be seen. What do you think?
Zhao Xumao: The crocodile gar is not a Chinese species. It appears in China’s freshwater waters. This is obviously not a natural spread and is undoubtedly caused by humans. As for whether the release was accidental or intentional, further investigation by relevant departments is needed.
At present, crocodile gar cannot overwinter in northern cold water areas, but it does not rule out changes in its adaptability. Species have the ability to adapt to the environment. For example, American rainbow trout used to breed in fresh water and grow in seawater, but now they have completely Adapted to the environment of the North American Great Lakes. Therefore, early warning should be strengthened for alligator gar.
Running News: If does have the risk of biological invasion, should it be included in the list of invasive species as soon as possible and private breeding, transportation, and sales strictly prohibited?
Zhao Xumao: The risk of invasion of alien species depends first on their survival and diffusion capabilities. The stronger the diffusion ability, the higher the possibility of harm. Let’s look at the degree of harm to native species. The alligator gar is extremely harmful to native species, so the harm caused by its invasion is great. There are also many parrot birds in our native land. These are also alien invasive species , but they are not harmful or the degree of harm is relatively low.
Running News: What suggestions do you have for controlling invasive alien species?
Zhao Xumao: The fundamental way to control invasive alien species is to start from the source and strictly control their entry. It is necessary to strengthen market supervision and management, especially the pet market. Many invasive alien species come from the pet market. Due to lack of supervision, they flow into the native land and cause invasion.
Starting from August 1 this year, the " Management Measures for Invasive Alien Species " will be implemented, which provides for the prevention, monitoring and early warning, management and restoration of invasive alien species from the source. Here, we call on citizens to strictly abide by relevant laws and regulations, not to bring species into the country from abroad, not to release them privately, and are obliged to supervise and report any form of private release.
Running News: In addition to the alligator gar, what other alien species should cause concern?
Zhao Xumao: among animals are the Brazilian tortoise, red fire ant , among plants goldenrod , etc. Particular attention needs to be paid to some insects and aquatic organisms, which are difficult to control once invaded.
rushing news: How does prevent and control invasive alien species? How to maintain the Yellow River watershed biodiversity protection and ecological security?
Zhao Xumao: legislation and strict regulation of random releases should strengthen the management of releases in the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River; strengthen the supervision and management of aquarium markets and pet markets involving invasive alien species; carry out real-name registration for raising alien species; increase science popularization Education and publicity to improve public scientific literacy.
text | Benliu News reporter Xu Jingwen
