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petronius
petronius's Journal
petronius's Journal
October 7, 2016
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-earthworms-san-clemente-island-20161007-snap-story.html
Another one of those seemingly-inconsequential human disruptions that I never would have imagined...
The lowly earthworm poses a dire threat to this California island (LA Times)
San Clemente Island has been invaded by foreign intruders, threatening inhabitants of the volcanic isle owned by the Navy.
The island is home to the only ship-to-shore bombardment training range in the United States, but this invasion isnt part of a military exercise. The intruders are thousands of lowly earthworms.
While they may seem harmless, scientists say, the worms pose a mortal threat to the native species clinging to life on the island about 75 miles northwest of San Diego.
--- Snip ---
The invasion of earthworms in this earthworm-free region is a major concern. The worms alter the soil and microbial communities where they dwell, laying the groundwork for invasions of nonnative plants that would alter the islands unique ecosystem and threaten biodiversity there, said Travis Longcore, a spatial scientist at USC.
--- Snip ---
The island is home to the only ship-to-shore bombardment training range in the United States, but this invasion isnt part of a military exercise. The intruders are thousands of lowly earthworms.
While they may seem harmless, scientists say, the worms pose a mortal threat to the native species clinging to life on the island about 75 miles northwest of San Diego.
--- Snip ---
The invasion of earthworms in this earthworm-free region is a major concern. The worms alter the soil and microbial communities where they dwell, laying the groundwork for invasions of nonnative plants that would alter the islands unique ecosystem and threaten biodiversity there, said Travis Longcore, a spatial scientist at USC.
--- Snip ---
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-earthworms-san-clemente-island-20161007-snap-story.html
Another one of those seemingly-inconsequential human disruptions that I never would have imagined...
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