What is an invasive species?

An invasive species is any species (plant, animal or other biological kingdom) that has been
introduced, intentionally or by chance, into an ecosystem different from that of its origin,
where it has been able to establish and proliferate without control.
WATER BUG
The water hyacinth is a common aquatic plant of the Amazon and one of the 100 most
dangerous invasive species in the world. It is listed as an endangered species in Colombia.
This aquatic invader is widespread and forms extensive floating cushions in the
municipality of Embalse de la Playa - Tuta, in the cooling lagoon of the Central Térmica de
Paipa and in the Ciénaga de Palagua in Puerto Boyacaba.
how to identify it

It has heart-shaped leaves and each flower has 6 purple petals with a yellow spot in the
center of the upper petal surrounded by a blue border. They are classified as insects and are
very similar to orchids. The fruit is a capsule containing up to 450 seeds, which has a strong
root system.Why is it invasive?

It is highly competitive with native species, grows and reproduces rapidly, and its biomass
can double in a month, generating dense floating colonies that reduce water flow and
oxygen availability. A single plant can completely infiltrate a lake.

The effect
It covers bodies of water thus reducing light penetration, destroying natural wetlands,
blocking natural vegetation, creating environmental problems and hindering human
activities.
This creates favorable conditions for the spread of the disease vector, causing problems in
ponds, dams and irrigation canals. Control strategy

This involves removing the plants from the stream and transporting them to a location
where the removed plant mass can come into contact with water and be removed by drying.
For small trees, complete manual removal may be sufficient. The use of multiples can be
effective against a variety of attacks.

Monitoring and surveillance of affected areas, periodic felling and installation of flotation
barriers to prevent spread.