Invasive Species

[chumley]

So I read this article yesterday on a 16-foot Burmese Python devouring a deer in the Florida Everglades ... yes, a deer

The article says that the python has the potential to alter the ecosystem because it is non-native and has no natural predator in the Everglades. (Which makes me wonder what it's natural predator is in Myanmar —formerly Burma?)

Anyway, it made me wonder about Arizona's own invasive fauna. The only one I can really think of is the stupid crawfish in some of our creeks. And I think there's a problem with different species of fish in the White Mtns that are taking over for the Apache Trout. Are there any others of note? (besides cattle, obviously).

Here's the article if you're interested:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/01/us/florida-python-deer/

[azdesertfather]

Speaking of invasive species, I'm organizing a group of volunteers together on Saturday morning in Tucson (9-noonish) to pull bufflegrass for the city. I asked where they wanted to target, and this was the area they are asking for.

If anyone is interesting in helping, feel free to PM me and let me know...

Had a great day with others at Grace Community Church/Tucson and Sonoran Desert Weedwackers! Cleared out Christmas Wash in Tucson. Great group to volunteer with ... can see their efforts here: http://www.buffelgrass.org

[burntlizard]

Muscles - They ask everyone to wash down their boats. The ad campaign is called "don't move a muscle"
The non-native mollusks are causing big problems!

[PaleoRob]

Yes, they absolutely are.