Most scientists agree that it is unlikely the LA River will never have the same groups of native species it did 100 years ago. That means that they are trying to return the river to the type of habitat preferred by native species, but realistically we can’t fully restore the river to what is was like before urban Los Angeles surrounded it. Some species are locally extinct an may never return. Plans may eventually include re-introducing some species (where humans move the animals back into the river), but they mostly rely on allowing them to return naturally.
For example the endangered Santa Ana sucker fish has been found upstream and, if the habitat in the lower parts of the river are improved, it may return on its own. In contrast, the native western pond turtle is a species of special concern and would likely need a captive-breeding program (where turtles are raised in captivity and returned to the river).
Urban ecologists see the LA River as being a combination of native and Introduced species, with the hope that as habitat improves, the shift will be towards more native species. In thinking about Introduced species in the river, it is not all bad. For example, the Introduced sunfish are a great food source for the native green herons.
Thinking about the information above, reply to at least two peers. Your replies should address how their proposal would impact your species in 1-2 short paragraphs.
State the name and taxonomic group for your species in your reply.
Would their proposal benefit your species? Or would it harm your species?
If your species increased in number, how would it impact your classmates’ species?
Why? You should reference specific at least two aspects of the species’ biology and ecology from your Individual Species Research.
Sample Solution
