According to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development e, through the National Information System on Invasive Alien Species, more thanwere detected 650 invasive species in Argentina Many of these species were introduced by man, with the intention of obtaining economic benefit, "increasing" the local level of sport hunting, or combat pests that harmed agriculture or livestock.
Although the idea of greater diversity in nature may seem interesting, the introduction of exotic animals and plants, without prior study of their environmental impact, often threatening the survival of the country's native fauna and flora In this new article on our site, we present the main 12 invasive alien species in Argentina and their consequencesfor the country's ecosystem.
1. Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
The introduction of these birds is very recent in Argentina, but it already generates great concern due to its impact on the fauna and flora. Originally from Europe and Asia, the common starling was brought to Argentina in the last years of the 80s Since its arrival in the country, it has spread intensely throughout the the countryside and has also easily adapted to large cities.
The first problem is that they generate considerable losses in agricultural production of small and medium-sized rural producers, since they feed on fruits and seeds. In addition, they compete for food and displace horneros, which are the national bird of Argentina, from their territory. Therefore, its consequences go beyond the environment, also threatening a symbol of national history.
two. Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis)
Despite its remarkable beauty and friendly appearance, the beaver is one of the greatest threats to the ecosystem of the southernmost region of Argentina. Beavers were introduced to the province of Tierra del Fuego, in the extreme south of Argentine Patagonia, during the 1940s The intention was to promote the development of province through the production of leather and fur
Beavers build small dams with the trunks of trees in freshwater courses, where they live and protect themselves. This natural habit not only causes an intense reduction of the native forests of the province of Tierra del Fuego, but also interferes with its fluvial courses. In addition, these mammals are predators and feed on the native fauna of Fuegian waters, causing a huge imbalance in their ecosystem. Fortunately, this species did not migrate to other provinces.
3. American mink (Neovison vison)
The American mink was introduced in Argentina during the 1930s with the intention of exploiting its fur in the fashion industryA cruel purpose that generated an unfortunate impact on the local ecosystem. Minks are predatory animals and have contributed to the significant reduction of the native avifauna of Argentine Patagonia, mainly of a much-loved species called "Maca tobiano".
4. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
The variety of trout popularly known as "rainbow" was introduced in Argentina during the 1940s, as an attempt to promote sport fishingof this species as a tourist attraction and a possibility of economic development in different inland regions.
This objective was achieved and today Argentina is a world reference in trout sport fishing. However, fishing was so intense in its beginnings that, today, there are numerous projects to recover the population of these fish in the lakes, rivers and lagoons of Argentine Patagonia. Why recover a invasive species? Because fishing activity generates economic benefits for various cities, since it increases national and international tourism. It is worth noting that, at present, only catch-and-release fishing of all Patagonian trout species is allowed.
Like any invasive species, rainbow trout compete for food and territory with the native specimens of the regions where they settle. Although their environmental impact has been, in part, controlled by the fishing activity itself, the introduction of rainbow trout led to the disappearance of fish species native to Argentina, like the naked mojarra.
5. Wild boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars are indigenous to Eurasia and North Africa. In 1905, Pedro Luro introduced these animals to the Argentine pampas, with the aim of increasing their hunting quotaUnfortunately, sport hunting was very popular in Argentina, and to this day, wild boar are still raised as game preserves in the Argentine pampas and part of the Patagonian region.
The wild boar population has been concentrated mainly in the center of the country, where caused enormous damage to the soil To feed, the wild boar They remove the surface lands with their large and powerful fangs, to "lift" possible underground prey. In addition, compete for territory and food with cattle and many other native animals of the Argentine pampas, such as the puma.
6. Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
The bullfrog, native to North America, was introduced to Argentina during the 1980s. In principle, the objective was to explore their meat as a new possibility for economic development However, the activity has not been very profitable and the bullfrogs were released. They spread rapidly and can currently be found from North to South of the country.
This species is a voracious predator, feeding on amphibians, insects, reptiles, birds and small mammals. For this reason, it has generated a devastating impact on the native fauna and flora of almost all Argentine provinces.
In addition, its consumption is not recommended by the Ministry of He alth, since it has been discovered that many specimens carry a virus that causes intestinal bleeding, being highly dangerous for human he alth.
7. Red-bellied Squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus)
This species of squirrel, native to Asia, was introduced to Argentina in the 1970s. It is not known who brought the first specimens to the American continent, but its introduction to the River Plate lands has been quite unusual. It occurred to someone that introducing some squirrels in Buenos Aires could offer a more "picturesque" touch to the province That was how several pairs of red-bellied squirrels were released in the town of Luján, in the north of the province of Buenos Aires.
These squirrels multiplied rapidly throughout the Argentine territory, adapting to its various microclimates. So, not only did compete for territory and food with native birds, they also invaded numerous buildings to house their nests in safe environments.
8. Red-eared slider slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
The red-eared slider is native to the warm areas of the United States and Mexico. It is not known exactly when they were introduced in Argentina, but from the 1980s, their population began to grow as they became a exotic pet quite coveted.
Unfortunately, some people do not assume the responsibility that comes with adopting a turtle and providing proper care, or are unaware that these animals can live for many years. For this reason, many red-eared sliders were abandoned in ponds, small lagoons or bodies of water around cities.
This was the beginning of an uncontrolled multiplication that led to a notable reduction in fauna and native floraThese turtles are predators of aquatic plants and animals, and compete with numerous native species for territory and food.
9. Red deer (Cervus elaphus)
The red deer is native to much of the northern hemisphere, having been introduced to Argentina at the beginning of the 20th century. Again, the goal was to create a large species to increase the hunting level The problem was that the red deer reproduced much faster than their breeders would have imagined.
Many individuals escaped and the deer population spread throughout the country. Today, continues to represent a major threat not only to cattle, but also to all native herbivorous mammals on Argentine soil.
10. European hare (Lepus europaeus)
As its name suggests, the European Hare is a typical European mammal. It has been introduced in Argentina and Chile during the first years of the 20th century. It is a species of rapid reproduction, which favored its expansion throughout the South American continent. The uncontrolled increase in its population negatively impacts agricultural plantations and also reduces the availability of food for other speciesautochthonous.
eleven. Tamarisk (Tamarix)
Although it is not an animal, the tamarisk is a small tree native to the western basin of the Mediterranean Sea. They reproduce quickly in well-drained soils and under intense sunlight. For this reason, its population multiplied intensely in the province of Mendoza, in the Cuyo region of Argentina.
They live on the banks of reservoirs and rivers and consume a huge volume of water to grow. This generates a very negative impact for the ecosystem of the province, since it salinizes the superficial layers of the soil. In addition, harms the local economy, as it diverts irrigation from plantations.
12. Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica)
Giant African snails cause enormous damage to small Argentine producers that depend on subsistence agriculture. In 2016, the invasion of African snails in the Argentine provinces of Corrientes and Misiones caused a national environmental alert. However, the greatest risk of its overpopulation is associated with the he alth risk of the local population.
Many specimens of these snails are carriers of a parasite called Strongyloides stercoralis, which is associated with the development of numerous diseases, such as meningitis and strongyloidiasis. Therefore, they are considered one of the biggest pests in the tropical and subtropical regions of South America.
