 The
presence of non-native animals on Santa Catalina Island is one of the Catalina
Island Conservancy's principal resource management challenges. Non-native animals
are those species that would not be on the island without direct or indirect
help of humans. The mere presence of non-native species is not what concerns
land managers most; it is the impact they have on native species and ecosystems.
Introduced species often pose challenges and threats to island natural resources
that are unlike any the resources have faced in the past. The results can be
devastating; catastrophic population declines and even extinction are real possibilities.
Managing the influence of invasive feral (domestic species gone wild) or non-native
animals is not easy. Before taking action, impacts are researched and assessed
by conducting studies and reviewing the current scientific literature. Then,
if control is warranted and feasible solutions are available, outside experts
and partner organizations are consulted to ensure that control actions are undertaken
using the latest information and techniques. The following list highlights Santa
Catalina Island's most visible non-native species and describes what, if any,
management programs address their impacts.
- American bison (Bison bison)
- Black buck (Antelope cervicapra)
- Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)
- Cattle (Bos taurus) - historic, no longer present on the island
- Feral cat (Felis catus)
- Feral goat (Capra hircus)
- Feral pig (Sus scrofa)
- Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus )
- Rats (Black and Norweigan) (Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus)
- Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
- Sheep (Ovis aries) - historic, no longer present on the island
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