Fauna of Saskatchewan - Invasive Species

Invasive Species

The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), a non-native species is currently posing a serious threat to Saskatchewan waterways, as it has overtaken nearby freshwater habitats.

During the 1930s gophers (Richardson's ground squirrel, Spermophilus richardsonii, and thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) by the thousands were eating crops and burrowing holes which endangered horses. The government offered a nickel for every tail turned in.

The Rocky Mountain locust (Melanoplus spretus) was a small invertebrate which darkened the skies. In 1875 they covered the American and Canadian plains eating everything in the grasslands. By 1902 they disappeared mysteriously and went extinct. Growing resistant crops, and utilising oats and peas are new methods of control where and when there are Grasshopper (Camnula pellucida) outbreaks.

Read more about this topic:  Fauna Of Saskatchewan

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