Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity and ecological equilibrium globally. So, managing them is essential to safeguard native species and biodiversity. Invasive species can be any species in the wrong place including animals, non-native plants, and microbes that may rapidly spread in new areas, outcompeting native species and disrupting ecological balance. Understanding and controlling invasive species is essential for maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding endangered species.
Why Invasive Species Control is Essential
Invasive species are the second leading cause of biodiversity loss, exceeded only by land use changes. They contribute to 60% of global species extinctions, either solely or together with other factors, and 16% of these extinctions are solely because of invasive species. This shows the severe impact invasive species have on the environment, making their control and elimination a priority for preserving our ecosystems.
Invasive species affect ecosystems in many significant ways. The reduction of any species affects the natural balance of ecosystems, which in turn affects other systems in the environment. For instance, the expansion of invasive plants has impacts on factors such as the quality of soil and water, as well as fire occurrence and carbon sequestration.
One example of the economic impact is invasive weeds in the United States. Invasive weeds cover approximately 100 million acres, an area roughly the size of California. Invasive weeds cost more than $30 billion in management and cause severe damage each year. Furthermore, invasive weeds invade an additional 4,500 acres of public land and water every day, highlighting the urgent need for effective natural and sustainable control strategies.
ISC: Pioneering Natural Solutions to Protect Our Planet’s Diversity
Invasive Species Corporation (ISC) is at the forefront of this battle, working to develop, manufacture, and market natural products for control of invasive species worldwide. Our objective is to use biological approaches to reduce the impact of invasive species, therefore protecting and regenerating ecosystems. We deploy naturally occurring microorganisms and their associated natural compounds to control invasive species. We do this through intelligent, genomics-led bioprospecting and AI/ML-guided discovery. Once we find and choose candidates for development, we are experts at a complex process to move them through commercial development that entails genomics-based bioprocess and formulation development, efficacy and spectrum testing, natural product chemistry characterization and optimization, and toxicology testing.
We are a leading company that focuses solely on invasive species control. Our distinctive methods and solutions aim to address the underlying causes of the problem rather than just its symptoms. It also ensures the long-term sustainability and health of our natural environments. We target six major groups of invasive species:
- Zebra and Quagga Mussels: Known for their fast growth and detrimental impact on aquatic ecosystems.
- Agricultural Weeds: Impact crop production, and a limiting factor for converting to organic.
- Aquatic Weeds: Clogged water bodies and blocked passage while decreasing water quality.
- Asian Carp: Harm native fish species and disturb aquatic food chain systems.
- Toxic Algae: Thrive in nutrient-rich waters and pose health concerns to both wildlife and humans.
- Forest Pests: Include bark beetles, emerald ash borers, and hemlock wooly adelgid, all of which damage forest ecosystems.
At ISC, we have the potential to yield substantial benefits for the environment and the economy. We contribute to eliminating the economic burden associated with the management and damage caused by invasive species, which may result in large savings for the agriculture, forestry, and public land management sectors.
In addition, achieving balance with the help of biological controls contributes to the conservation of ecosystems. Sustainable ecosystems are also capable of yielding vital goods (ecosystem services) such as water, fertile soil, and appropriate climate conditions. These services are invaluable, emphasizing the broader significance of ISC’s goal.
Conclusion
Invasive species control is essential for preserving biodiversity and ecological equilibrium worldwide. ISC’s pioneering biological solutions not only decrease environmental issues but also substantially lower economic damages. By preserving ecosystems from invasive threats, we ensure a sustainable future where nature thrives, and vital services such as clean water and fertile soil endure for future generations.