Viewpoint on "Attack of the giant African land snails in Florida"

I would like to express my opinion on the article of the big problem in Florida, Attack of the giant African land snails (By Joe Sutton, CNN).

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/15/us/florida-giant-snails/

 The giant African land snails (GALS) that appeared in Miami, Florida, feed on plants including crops, and carry a disease-causing parasite that is harmful for both humans and animals. The GALS population has continued to increase and spread to different parts of Florida despite efforts to eradicate them.

 Once the non-native creatures come to other countries and areas, they tend to increase rapidly and it is difficult for human to get rid of the non-native creatures. Through news, we have known such cases recently. In Japan, there have been quite a few species from abroad. For example, racoon, turtle, crawfish from America, and also others from other areas. Most of them damage Japanese ecosystem, agriculture, and native species and their habitats. But we haven't been able to expel them completely, too.

I don’t know the reason why we can’t get rid of them exactly. However, I guess that several factors could be the reasons. First, their reproductive ability is too high compared to native species. Second, there are cases of them creating a new ecosystem. And then, our land is also too large to eradicate them. Additionally, personally, I am extremely reluctant to exterminate creatures even though they are called pests. And another point, the economic globalization also causes invasion of alien species to other areas and countries.

 For example, this year, 12 countries made an agreement about TPP. In the near future, the countries can import and export goods and services more freely than ever before. That is to say, they were brought to other parts of the world on purpose or by accident and local species in a local area can be transported to abroad. Consequently, they carry a disease-causing parasite and feed on plants, including crops and could devastate to agriculture industry.

 I think that we can’t get rid of creatures completely. Therefore, Florida also can’t eradicate GALS. I guess that they can get rid of them to protect produces from poor crop. We can't have perfect solution but we need to continue to pay attention and get rid of them on an as needed basis. In doing so, we must think that about harmony between man and nature. It is important for us to take the stance. And vice versa. Considering harmony will be leading to preserving ecosystem and won't change non-native creatures to pests. Once the non-native creatures come to other countries and areas, they tend to increase rapidly and it is difficult for human to get rid of the non-native creatures. Through news, we have known such cases recently. In Japan, there have been quite a few species from abroad. For example, racoon, turtle, crawfish from America, and others from other areas. Most of them damage Japanese ecosystem, agriculture, and native species. But we also can’t expel completely.

I don’t know the reason why we can’t get rid of them exactly. However, I guess that several factors could be the reasons. First, their reproductive ability is too high compared to native species. Second, there are cases of them creating a new ecosystem. And then, our land is also too large to eradicate them. The global climate has been certainly changing. Additionally, personally, I am extremely reluctant to exterminate creatures. 

 And another point, the economic globalization also causes the phenomena. For example, this year, 12 countries made an agreement about TPP. The countries can import and export goods and services more freely than ever before. That is to say, they were brought to other parts of the world on purpose or by accident and local species in a local area can be transported to abroad. Consequently, they carry a disease-causing parasite that is harmful for both humans and animals and feed on plants, including crops and could devastate to agriculture industry.

 I think that we can’t get rid of creatures completely. Therefore, Florida also can’t eradicate GALS. I guess that they can get rid of them to protect produces from poor crop. In doing so, we need to think that about harmony between man and nature. The concept of the co-existence and co-prosperity is important for us. And also, we should also take the stance of “85% Solution” in the case like this in order to go with global environment and improve ecosystem.