| In today's world, ecosystems are threatened by
the input of generally exotic alien species that
displace native species, causing ecosystem imbalance and biodiversity
loss.
Referring to animal species, some of the measures taken once these
species has been introduced
and its expansion has started, are detailed in the section of fauna
monitoring and control. Besides,
there are other measures such as physical elimination (e.g. northern
pike in rivers) and habitat
restoration and improvement (surely the most efficient measure in
many cases).
In urban environments, the rock pigeon (Columba livia) may become
a pest. In nature, serious
effects over native populations and the ecosystem due to American
mink (Mustela vison),
mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
and red swamp crayfish
(Procambarus clarkii) are well known.
Several exotic plants are invasive too: e.g. tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus
altissima) or water hyacinth.
The knowledge of these species' ecological requirements is essential
to controlling them, as habitat
restoration and management may repair and limit their expansion,
since they frequently occupy
dimished habitats that don't represent a suitable habitat for native
species yet, but paradoxically
reproduce exotic conditions in our own environment.
Liquen Consultoría Ambiental S.L. has specialists in land
and water wildlife, whose interdisciplinary
knowledges produce a global view, suggesting specific solutions
to every problem.
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