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Why is removing invasive species often a major part of ecological restoration?
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ecological restoration
Wetland restoration along the Târnava Mică (Tîrnava Mică) River in Romania. A former gravel mine (left) was transformed into a functional wetland (right).
Removing invasive species is a fundamental component of ecological restoration because these organisms significantly disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.21
Invasive species often possess competitive advantages, such as a lack of natural predators, allowing them to thrive at the expense of indigenous life. Their impact on an ecosystem includes:2
- Resource Competition: Invasive plants and animals often outcompete native species for essential resources like food, water, and living space.23
- Predation: Invasive predators can be so efficient that they cause native prey populations to decline or face localized extinction.23
- Habitat Degradation: By altering the physical environment—such as blocking sunlight or changing vegetation structure—invasive species can make a habitat unsuitable for native organisms.3
- Disease Transmission: They may act as vectors for pathogens and parasites that further harm native populations.2
Because these species drive habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, restoration efforts prioritize their removal alongside the reintroduction of native species to help ecosystems recover their natural balance and resilience.314