Invasion of the Snake Worms

 

The greatest threat to our native species and natural communities is not just climate change; it's also invasive species. In Massachusetts, 69 plant species out of 2263 have been recognized as invasive. Some were brought in as ornamentals such as yellow iris, multiflora rose, winged euonymus, kudzu, and bittersweet. The bad news is that these non-native plants can out-compete, displace, and kill our native species. Invasive plants are not the only problem, Antonio. Ecosystems around the globe are suffering from invasive animals too. Topping the Most Wanted Removed List in my home state of Massachusetts are zebra mussels, spotted lanternflies, the box tree moth, and poisonous caterpillars. The Asian longhorned beetle infested and caused the removal of 29,000 trees in Worcester, and the gypsy moth defoliated 923,000 acres. But there's one invasive animal that is turning heads (and stomachs!) in the Massachusetts legislature: The snake worm. The jumping snake worm is voracious and wiggles vigorously. It consumes organic matter more rapidly than do common worms, grows twice as fast, and reproduces more quickly. Snake worms can be a problem in forests when they rapidly consume and deplete organic matter in the soil. The loss of organics harms native plants, soil invertebrates, salamanders, birds, and other animals. Massachusetts isn't the only state affected by invasive species like the snake worm. This is happening all over the country! In December, I virtually testified in the Massachusetts State House and submitted a letter urging legislators to support H.999/S.563 — An act responding to the threat of invasive species. The invasive species bill will help municipalities access resources and increase coordination between agencies, manage invasive species programs in smaller communities, and coordinate comprehensive bioregional programs because invasive species do not respect municipal boundaries. The bill also establishes an Invasive Species Trust Fund for municipalities, non-profit organizations, regional entities, and state agencies to fund their invasive species programs. All of us are in the landscape now, cohabiting communities with plants, microbes, invertebrates, and vertebrates. If we are going to protect our precious ecosystems and stop the rapid warming of our planet, we must act to take better care of nature in all its forms. Rob P.S. We depend on grassroots donations to keep the wheels rolling at Global Warming Solutions. Please donate $10 to support our work to stem the tide of climate change, protect the Ocean, and protect our precious ecosystems. Paid for and authorized by Global Warming Solutions IE PAC   This email was sent by Global Warming Solutions Global Warming Solutions P.O. Box 380349 Cambridge, MA 02238 United States