A few weeks ago, we had Kerry Wixted from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources come and give an informative lecture on invasives in and around Maryland.
She pointed out that invasives are the second greatest threat to biodiversity. (We are number one, of course.)
A few threats that she discussed, along with some links to more information, are:
White nose disease in bats
This is a fungal infection from Europe. Over 5 million bats have died from this disease.
http://news.wildlife.org/featured/white-nose-syndrome-continues-to-spread/
Ranavirus
This is a virus which causes internal hemorrhaging in amphibians, reptiles and fish.
“Recreationists and biologists can contribute to pathogen pollution if they contact contaminated water or sediment and do not disinfect footwear or equipment”
http://news.wildlife.org/twp/2013-spring/the-rise-of-ranavirus/
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
These are nonnative aphids which attack eastern hemlock trees by stealing nutrients from their leaves which eventually kills the tree.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/hemlock-woolly-adelgid.htm
Save UMBC Trees 