There Can be Pros...

Since I began this blog I have wondered about whether or not all introduced/invasive species have negative impacts on the non-native areas of which they occupy.  Therefore, in my search for new information I have kept my open for something to the contrary.  I have finally come across some research which implies there can be a beneficial presence of an introduced species, especially when taking into consideration the cost and time that would be necessary to eradicate the introduced species.

The research conducted was on introduced honeysuckle found in central Pennsylvania in the United States.  According to Gleditsch A. and Carlo T. (2010) there is a positive correlation between the honeysuckle in the area and the native frugivore birds in the area.  In areas which had a relative high abundance of the honeysuckle, high numbers of fruit eating birds (frugivores) were present as well (Gleditsch A. and Carlo T. 2010).  Frugivores are responsible for pollination dispersal, seed dispersal and play an important role in their ecosystems.  The honeysuckle aided in attracting those important frugivores whom also fed on the native fleshy fruits in the area continuing their dispersal as well (Gleditsch A. and Carlo T. 2010).

Figure 1: Lonicera spp. (honeysuckle)

An important point made in the conclusion of this study is that careful consideration must be taken when considering eradication and management of introduced, non-native species, the cons may not always out way the pros and human involvement in addition to the invasion could potentially cause even more damage than if left alone (Gleditsch A. and Carlo T. 2010).  There are always two sides to every story and it is only fair to take both sides into consideration before making decisions, especially when the future balance of ecosystems are at stake.

Reference:
Gleditsch A. and Carlo T., 2010, 'Fruit quantity of invasive shrubs predicts the abundance of common native avian frugivores in central Pennsylvania', Diversity and Distributions, vol. 17, no. 2, pp 244-253, viewed 7 May 2014, <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1472-4642.2010.00733.x/pdf>

Picture Credit:
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Lonicera+spp.&espv=210&es_sm=93&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=dNRpU9D1KsOKlQWpkIGICQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=979#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=8036IDJNZT5fHM%253A%3Bntg8EvYAR7ISeM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fstatic.panoramio.com%252Fphotos%252Flarge%252F53362390.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.panoramio.com%252Fphoto%252F53362390%3B1024%3B768