Mega Episode: How Exotic Species Conquer Our Ecosystems | SLICE EARTH

It all began in Florida in the 80’s when exotic fish aficionados decided to released their lionfish into the nearby ocean waters below… In ten years, the lionfish has conquered a massive territory at a horrifying speed. Scientists call him the worst invader of the planet. In its native habitat, Lionfish is just a predator amongst many. But in the Atlantic, it devours everything in its path, even the youngest of fish. It feeds on the larvae of shrimp and lobster. In the mangroves or in the reefs, It gobbles up its fellow predators before they are big enough to attack it. Several research teams have launched a program to research and combat the lionfish. Documentary: Conquerors – Lionfish (00:00:00) Director: Jérôme Ségur Production: ZED & ARTE France (2013) Their leg span can reach up to 180 cm and they can weigh up to 10 kg. The king crab is one of the largest shellfish in the underwater world. Introduced on the European coast by the Russian in the 60’s, King crabs have conquered the northern European Artic coast in just a few decades. Today, it is continuing to thrive in this hitherto preserved environment and is depopulating the seabed. This is resulting in a change in the balance of the species. How far will the giant crabs expand their territory? Documentary: Conquerors – Giant Crab of Kamchatka (00:48:56) Director: Nicolas Gabriel Production: ZED & ARTE France (2013) The fire ant strikes fear in all those who cross its path, and with good reason: this ant is taking over the world. A colony can contain up to 40 million individuals. It exterminates all other species, confiscates food for its own use, and ferociously defends its territory. It is commonly called the fire ant because of the burning venom that it injects with its stinger, located at the extremity of its abdomen. In order to understand the devastating success of this seemingly insignificant insect, scientists study the fire ant’s strategies to conquer new territory, and test methods to control its expansion. Documentary: Conquerors – Fire Ant (01:38:01) Director: Vincent Amouroux Production: ZED & ARTE France (2013) For thousands of years, the pine processionary caterpillar, an indigenous European insect, has been marching slowly but surely towards the North. The pine is their natural habitat. They feed off its needles. And a threat to the entire plot of land. The processionary caterpillar is the great destroyer of Europe’s forests. In the Landes region of France, processionary damages are so spectacular that you can actually follow the animal’s trace. Several research teams are studying the behaviour of this disturbing insect, in the hopes of curbing its expansion. Documentary: Conquerors – Pine Processionnary Caterpillar (02:27:10) Director: Vincent Amouroux Production: ZED & ARTE France (2013) #documentary #freedocumentary #slicedocumentary #documentaries #ecology #earth #environment #sustainability #climatechange #invasion #wildlife #nature #species #invasive #predators #ecosystem #biodiversity #conservation #animals #wild #danger #science #biology #naturelovers #planet #speciesinvasion #habitat