In the vast wilderness that surrounds Moraga, the hills are plagued with many invasive species. Some look like they could be invasive, like the large Eucalyptus trees that don’t quite look like they belong in the dry, shrubby hillsides of California.
Some, however, are less easily identifiable as being invasive, like French Broom or the Yellow Star Thistle that thrive in our dryer months. “These invasive species tend to take the native specie’s resources and can overrun their habitats which can destroy native specie’s populations” said Junior Vivian Wang.
The roots of the Eucalyptus trees take lots of nutrients from the ground for itself, stealing nourishment that would otherwise be for native plants, causing a decrease in native plant life where the Eucalyptus trees are present. They don’t provide many uses to native wildlife, and their roots can take over underground pipes and foundations.
Yellow Star Thistle spreads rapidly, taking over land that would otherwise be used by native plant species. They take lots of moisture from the soil, and their spikes can injure the native wildlife. “French Broom takes up resources and creates competition with many native plant species,” said Junior Vivian Tolajian.
In addition to plants, there are invasive animal species as well. Wild pigs are arguably the most problematic invasive animal species in Moraga. Wild pigs dig up large amounts of ground and soil, severely damaging the vegetation. “Wild pigs are also capable of carrying up to 30 different diseases,” said Chris Davies from Full Boar Depredation, a nuisance wildlife control company based in Moraga that specializes in wild pig removal. Also, their aggressive nature and quick reproduction impacts the surrounding wildlife by taking their habitat and resources.
The invasive pigs are eradicated by “trapping and killing them or hunting them with a rifle or archery equipment,” said Davies. These are requirements set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in order to keep the wild pig population down as much as possible. Because wild pigs reproduce at such a fast rate, hunters need to kill 75% of the pig population to prevent population growth, and are licensed by the state of California to do so.
When it comes to animals there isn’t a whole lot average citizens can do. However, when it comes to plants, there is. “People can shop at local nurseries rather than chain stores, and try to educate themselves on the distinctions between native and invasive species as well,” said Tolajian. Maintaining lawns is also a good way to prevent the spread of exotic plant species.
Additionally, people can join group efforts to clear out the invasive plant species from an area. It’s the responsibility as citizens to help protect the ecosystems that surround Moraga from things like invasive species in order to preserve nature’s beauty and stability.
