What about the always fun classic, kudzu? Carrie DeJaco
William Silvert wrote: > Although this is proposed as a "semi-silly question" for media use, it is > actually an interesting question which might provoke discussion about what > is a serious invasion and what is not. > > Some invasive species have had a major impact on large-scale ecosystems. > Rabbits have affected all of Australia according to what I have read. > Mosquitos have killed off many bird species on the Hawaiian islands. On the > other hand, boa constrictors have killed off almost all mammals on Cozumel, > but that is a major disaster over a small area. > > Some invasions are not considered at all loathed, such as mustangs in N. > America. > > Marine ecologists could probably come up with some invasive species that the > rest of us have never heard of -- so how loathed are they? > > I can see where this opens up an interesting set of questions. Should be a > fun discussion. > > Bill Silvert > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Annie Drinkard" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 8:06 PM > Subject: FW: semi-silly question from John Nielsen > > > >> Please respond directly to John Nielsen. >> =20 >> Cheers, >> Annie >> >> ________________________________ >> >> From: John Nielsen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:57 PM >> To: Annie Drinkard >> Cc: John Nielsen >> Subject: semi-silly question from John Nielsen >> >> >> >> Annie - >> >> =20 >> >> Hi it's John Nielsen from NPR News. I am working on one of those stories >> that you hear over the holiday season, which is another way of saying >> it's based on a silly premise. Basically, it's a story that reports on >> the status of the five most loathed invasive species in the world. I've >> got a few favorites in mind - zebra mussels, for example, and perhaps >> those cane toads - but I also want to give some actual scientists a >> chance to put their two cents in.=20 >> >> =20 >> >> For that reason I am hoping you will help me out by posting a note on >> your listserve that asks your members to consider sending me an email >> that names the five most despicable invasive species in the world. If >> they want to name just one or two that would be fine as well. If they >> want to send me a long rant about just one I would be grateful. If >> somebody wants to be interviewed they need only include a number and a >> time that I might call.=20 >> >> =20 >> >> It's likely that this story will run late next week so naturally I'm a >> hurry. >> >> =20 >> >> Please request that all responses be sent directly to me at >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] My work phone is 202 513 2781.=20 >> >> =20 >> >> By now it should be clear that this will be an utterly unscientific >> survey. At the same time, I'm convinced that it'll help draw >> badly-needed attention to the problems caused by invasive species. >> >> =20 >> >> One or two last things before I thank you and hit the "send" button. >> First, in hopes of keeping the list manageable, I'd like to ask your >> members not to nominate diseases. Second, if you nominate a creature >> like a rat it would be best if you named a particular kind of rat. Third >> and last, please feel free to let your emotions fly.=20 >> >> =20 >> >> Call if you have any questions. >> >> =20 >> >> And thanks, >> >> =20 >> >> John Nielsen >> >> Corrrespondent >> >> Science Desk >> >> NPR News=20 >> >> =20 >> >> >> > > >
