California wildlife officials are encouraging residents to incorporate nutria, an invasive rodent species, into their diets to combat the ecological damage they cause. Originally introduced for the fur trade, nutria threaten native ecosystems by destroying habitats and competing with local wildlife. Despite efforts including hunting and consumption campaigns, officials indicate that such measures should complement broader conservation tactics. Nutrients significantly impact marsh environments by consuming vast amounts of vegetation, destabilizing soil, and contributing to erosion.
Eating invasive species can help protect native wildlife by reducing their numbers and limiting the damage they cause to ecosystems.
Nutria are highly destructive to marsh environments. The rodents eat up to a quarter of their body weight in vegetation daily.
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