This Sunday on 'Born Impact:' Invading species

THE INVADERS
 
This Sunday, Born Impact tackles alien species that create havoc in our natural environment.
 
From other countries, humans managed to get them into the country purposefully or by accident. In the absence of natural predators, they flourish, reproduce more quickly, become a threat to natural wildlife that they either eat or compete with for food. Eventually they become “invasive”, taking over areas where native species once thrived.
 
“Sila yung mga invaders. Hindi naman talaga sila taga rito pero na-introduce sila rito sa atin. Wala rin silang mga natural predators, resistant sila dun sa mga sakit na meron yung mga local animals natin kaya mas malakas sila at pwede nilang kumpitensyahin itong mga ito,” Doc Ferds explains.
 
According to the Invasive Alien Species group or IAS, the Philippines has over 47 invasive species, and most of these are the kinds that have a history of being the most damaging in other parts of the globe.

In two dams north of the Philippines, Doc Nielsen searches for a feared fish called the “Black Mask” that is said to be invading the manmade reservoirs. This invasive fish possesses a snake-like appearance, razor-sharp teeth and voraciously eats other native fish.
 
Meanwhile, Doc Ferds encounters an aggressive kind of turtle in Pampanga. With their long snout and tube-like nostrils that allow them to "snorkel" in shallow water, these turtles pack a nasty bite. But aside from their painful bite when provoked, local fishpond owners are more concerned that these invasive turtles are eating most of their fish leaving them bankrupt.
 
Not all introduced species eventually become invasive. Some fish species, for example, help increase fish stock and livelihood. The key is in studying their characteristics and potential role in the ecosystem to which they are introduced. “Ang ecosystem on its own is already balanced. Merong prey, may predator. If we mistakenly introduce other species that are not fit for that ecosystem, it may cause an imbalance. Pwedeng mas malakas siya sa mga hayop sa lugar. In the long run, nagiging imbalanced yung ecosystem at nasisira ito,” says Doc Nielsen. 
 
Born IMPACT airs this Sunday, after AHA!