Multiple records of aquatic alien and invasive species in diets of native predators in Singapore

Abstract

This is the first systematic assessment conducted on fouling communities to determine the current status of six non-native marine invertebrates that were first recorded in Hong Kong three decades ago. They include the solitary ascidian, Ciona intestinalis; the slipper limpet, Crepidula onyx; the bryozoan, Bugula californica; the Caribbean bivalve, Mytilopsis sallei; the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis; and the boring isopod, Sphaeroma walkeri. Field surveys were conducted at 31 locations during wet (2011) and dry (2012) seasons and included fouling communities on piers and mariculture zones from estuarine to oceanic zones. The sampling was conducted by using photo-quadrats, destructive quadrats and field observations. To detect temporal changes in the abundance and recruitment of the sedentary non-native species, three piers were monitored with permanent photo-quadrats and recruitment panels for a one year period. We examined the relationship between seawater quality data available for Hong Kong and the abundances of fouling and non-native species. Only four of the six target non-native species were recorded in this survey. The isopod Sphaeroma walkeri was common and widely distributed in fouling communities in Hong Kong, while Ciona intestinalis, Crepidula onyx, and Mytilopsis sallei were uncommon and mainly restricted to areas with intensive human activities and poor seawater quality. These findings suggest that near shore human activities and poor water quality could increase the risk of establishment of non-native species in Hong Kong's marine fouling communities.

Understanding the drivers ofSoutheastAsian biodiversity loss

“…, Yong et al. ). Snails (i.e., Pomacea canaliculata ) have also been found to alter regime and functioning of aquatic systems (Carlsson et al.…”

“…Aquatic systems have suffered significant losses resulting from invasive plants causing clogging of waterways, and various alien fishes that have out-competed native species and transformed aquatic ecosystems (Yan et al 2001, Yong et al 2014. Snails (i.e., Pomacea canaliculata) have also been found to alter regime and functioning of aquatic systems (Carlsson et al 2004).…”

Breeding Density and Habitat Selection of the Grey-Headed Fish-Eagle in Noakhali District, Bangladesh

“…There has been little study on the adaptive behavior of the GHFE. However, Yong (2012) and Yong et al (2014) demonstrated that the species is likely to persist in human-made landscapes such as Singapore, due to its adaptability to novel habitats and prey items.…”

“…Though still widely distributed throughout South and Southeast Asia, the GHFE is now only locally common in the latter region, and is declining in other regions such as northeastern India, Nepal, Philippines, and Java, Indonesia (BirdLife International 2017). Although a broad decline is apparent, the species utilizes human-made reservoirs and impoundments in parts of Southeast Asia, including within densely urbanized Singapore (Yong 2012, Yong et al 2014). If the GHFE is able to survive and adapt in human-dominated landscapes (Naoroji 2006, Yong et al 2014, then population declines due to habitat loss and development (BirdLife International 2017) might possibly be mitigated by expansions elsewhere into human-altered landscapes.…”

Introduction of Invasive Peacock Bass (Cichla Spp.), Its Rapid Distribution and Future Impact on Freshwater Ecosystem in Malaysia

“…Aquatic systems had already suffered great losses and countless non-native fish invasions which have outcompeted indigenous species (Yan et al, 2001). This resulted in the transformation of many aquatic environments (Yong et al, 2014). The introduction percentages of invasive species were increasing rapidly worldwide (Chiron et al, 2009).…”