Exotic Species: Friend or Foe?

Throughout history, humans have introduced foreign species to ecosystems in the form of crops and domesticated pets. Now our modern view of what is "invasive" or not is based on what a certain species can do for us. Obviously agricultural production is essential for human survival, but what about species that do not have a tangible benefit? In the case of Rodriguez island, two species of bird and one species of fruit bat were dangerously close to extinction due to the absence of native vegetation. A fast-growing tree was introduced onto the island for woody material production. This new forest was able to increase the populations of all endangered species, but conservationists had the trees removed because they were not part of the historical ecosystem.

Ecological systems evolve for a reason: to adapt. If nothing on this planet had ever evolved, we would most likely suffer from genetic banality that is a byproduct of a monoculture. It is clear that humans run the world, but when it comes to "invasive" species, benefits may not always be visible. A species' contribution to an ecosystem can be anything from habitat provisions to microorganism support; all of which are essential for biological cycles. Far too many conservationists are dedicated to historical baselines to which they believe all landscapes should be restored. If a system was meant to support a certain species, the system would adapt. In the meantime, room needs to be made for more successful species that can take advantage of current conditions. The cute and furries may die off, and while this is a sad, nostalgia-based bias, that's life.