Introduction

The brown tree snake is an invasive species native to Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands that has had devastating effects on ecosystems where it has been introduced. Since it was unintentionally introduced to Guam after the Second World War, it has caused significant problems for both plants and animals on the island.

Affects on Plants

The brown tree snake has had significant and widespread impacts on plants on Guam. It is known to consume the fruits and seeds of a wide range of plants, several of which are ecologically and culturally important. Plant species such as the flying fox-dispersed Banyan fig (Ficus benjamina), the Marianas Chestnut (Terminalia carolinensis) and the maga-lahi tree (Thespesia populnea) are all in danger of local extinction on Guam due to the snake’s impact.

Moreover, the brown tree snake also non-selectively kills many native tree species on Guam, including various hardwoods and rainforest canopy species. This has led to a shift in Guam’s plant communities and serious imbalances in the food chain on the island.

Affects on Animals

The impacts of the brown tree snake on animal populations on Guam have been staggering. It is estimated that in the first decade following its introduction, the snake was responsible for the extirpation of at least 10 of the 12 native bird species that were present on Guam. These species had no natural defense mechanisms against the snake, and as a result, the snake’s predatory impact was devastating.

Additionally, reptiles such as lizards, geckos and monitor lizards have also been devastated by brown tree snake predation. More than half of Guam’s native lizard species are thought to have been eliminated from the island since the brown tree snake’s introduction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the brown tree snake has had catastrophic effects on both plants and animals on Guam since its introduction. It is crucial for both conservationists and policymakers to work together to limit and eliminate the impact of invasive species in order to protect the diversity and resilience of our ecosystems.