Does consumption of invasive species actually work?
The introduction of invasive species into non-native environments has been linked to decreased levels of biodiversity in the region these species inhabit. Foreign invaders take advantage of the little to no predation they face in these new environments. As a result, the numbers of these species experience a steep increase in size until measures are taken to address their numbers. Invasive are also responsible for causing economic damage and possibly human harm as they disrupt the homeostasis in these novel environments. Among the native wildlife that is being threatened, the revered state flower of Texas, the Bluebonnet is experiencing a steep decline in numbers due to the rise of the Bastard Cabbage.
Because of the effects these foreign species have on our local environments, it is essential to employ effective methods that limit the amount of invasives that are harming our native wildlife, economy and life. A method aimed at decreasing the amount of invasives that has been heavily advocated by wildlife conservationist revolves around the consumption of these foreign invaders. Although on paper it seems like a feasible option, Texans should refrain from the consumption of these foreign species as it accomplishes nothing if their reproductive rate exceeds their mortality rate, develops a future market for these species, and promotes invasives into new environments. Instead, Texans should partake in alternative methods, for example in the case of Bluebonnets, physically removing the root of the foreign Bastard Cabbage or introducing other natives that are able to suppress this invader. If not action is taken, we could possible lose iconic species that are apart of Texas’ identity, it is our duty to ensure native wildlife continues to prosper across our state.
Even though the consumption of invasive species is linked to a greater awareness regarding the effect these species can have on local environments, this method is largely ineffective if their mortality rate is lower than the rate at which they reproduce. Despite this, this strategy can have some success in dwindling the numbers of invasives if the population of these foreign invaders hasn't skyrocketed. Although activist of this movement claim that the consumption of these animals plays a role in minimizing the number of foreign invaders, these species are able to replenish the individuals being consumed through rapid reproductive rates. The success of this strategy is reliant on killing off another members that the invasive experiences a decline in population. The lack of a predator in these new environments also plays a significant role in the surplus number of invasives as they face no threat, in addition a majority of invasive are able to reproduce in large numbers.
Another reason why the gastronomic consumption of invasives is bad deals with the market that can be established if the demand for invasive meals increases. As the demand of invasives rises, so will the number of invasives being reared for sale, as the profits that are reaped from this invasive market will attract harvest companies to continue to produce these invaders. The success and profits made from these markets can in turn lead to their development in other states where in some cases the species can be introduced into these environments thus negatively affecting the local wildlife of these states. Additionally these non-native species can become “an integral part of regional cuisine, it may become a revered cultural icon”(Simberloff). This can be observed more closely in the Hawaiian islands, where the introduction of the wild boar has led to the development of regional cuisines involving this invasive species. Despite being revered as a cultural icon, the Wild Boar is associated with several negative effects as it “[eats] and [roots up] endangered plants, causing massive erosion, and [produces] breeding pools for non-native mosquitoes that carry [diseases] that threaten the existence of several native bird species” (Simberloff).
Drawing from my own personal experience, the identification of these species is significantly difficult for people that are not well aware of the current invasive species that are found throughout the state of Texas. The lack of familiarity with these species can contribute to their overall success as these species generally dominate native wildlife. This is mediated through campaigns that incite viewers with delicious dishes that can be made with current invasive species that pose a threat to the native wildlife of our state. However, as previously discussed the long-term effects of this strategy have yet to be proven, thus alternative methods should be used that effectively reduce the population size of this non-native species. The following video from KSTAT 12, a local news station in San Antonio, informs readers of the current invasives that are causing economic and wildlife damage to our local state of Texas. Important to note that although the video covers invasive animals and insects, invasive plants are also among the worst offenders “in terms of killing off other forms of life”(Mishan).
After being introduced into the U.S. through a mixture of seeds from Europe, the Bastard Cabbage was quickly able to dominate local vegetation. It’s robust taproot system and extensive leaves prevent local plants like the Texas Bluebonnet from attaining the necessary sunlight they need to survive. Although it is edible and easy to cook, the most effective way in eradicating this plant involves the physical removal of the plant by pulling out it’s extensive root system(Clippard).
Despite the success of this method, it requires people to physically remove each Bastard Cabbage which can be difficult to do in a field that is full of this foreign invader. This in turn can lead to alternative methods being used which are not as effective in eradicating this foreign invader. Among these methods, the practice of mowing fields full of Bastard Cabbage only contributes more to the problem, as the mower blades are unable to cut the root of the plant, thus allowing it to resurface after some time. In addition, this practice only facilitates the dispersal of seeds which can furthermore spread Bastard Cabbage to new areas and hinder the success of nearby native flowers. Because of this it is important to raise awareness regarding how to identify and treat foreign plants like the Bastard Cabbage in order to decrease their growth and survival.
Instead of promoting the consumption of foreign invaders as a way of decreasing their population size, mechanical methods that treat the issue at hand should be used. It is also critical to inform people in areas where the consumption of invasives is high that their goal is to ultimately eradicate these species from our environment, instead of adopting the dish as a staple item on the menu. By incorporating mechanical methods, we can avoid the issues and problems that can rise from the development of an invasive market. In addition, by taking initiative with effective methods that reduce the population size of invasives like the Bastard Cabbage, we are able to conserve our native wildlife that blossoms along roadsides, pastures and open-fields. By effectively removing this foreign invader we can use similar tactics to combat other invasives that have a significant influence on the local environment and economy of our Lonestar State.
References:
Texas Invasives, www.texasinvasives.org/i101/ecoalert.php.
Mishan, Ligaya, and Kyoko Hamada. “When Invasive Species Become the Meal.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 Oct. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/10/02/t-magazine/eating-invasive-species.html.
Simberloff, Daniel, et. al. “OPINION: Why Eating Invasive Species is a Bad Idea.” Ensia, 9 Sept. 2014, https://ensia.com/voices/why-eating-invasive-species-is-a-bad-idea/#:~:text=Introduced%20wild%20boar%20are%20ecologically,of%20several%20native%20bird%20species.
Hernandez, Erica, “Dozens of invasive species in Texas are threatening the state’s native animals.” Youtube (KSTAT 12), May 15, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fG467ti8yY
Clippard, Lee. “How to Eradicate Bastard Cabbage.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 1 June 2020, www.wildflower.org/learn/how-to/eradicate-bastard-cabbage.
