Ep 5. The Invaders

In season 1 episode 5 of Life After People: The Series titled The Invaders, the focus is on the invasion of non-native species and how they would evolve and thrive in a world without humans.

The episode begins in Miami, Florida, where the team investigates the Burmese python infestation that has plagued the Everglades National Park. With no humans to control the population, these invasive snakes have no natural predators, leading to an explosion in their numbers.

Next, the team examines the impact of invasive species on Hawaiian ecosystems. The mongoose, originally brought to the island to control the rat population, has since become a nuisance to native wildlife.

Moving on to the Great Lakes region, the episode explores the potential consequences of the spread of Asian carp. These fish have already caused extensive damage to waterways further south, and if left unchecked, could wreak havoc on the Great Lakes' ecology.

The invasive species theme continues with a segment on the brown tree snake, which has devastated the bird populations of Guam. Without humans to control or eradicate the snakes, these arboreal predators have taken over the island and could cause permanent damage to the local ecosystem.

The conclusion of the episode offers a glimmer of hope, showcasing examples of successful efforts to control invasive species. The team visits the Galapagos Islands, where conservationists have worked to rid the islands of rats and goats, allowing native species to thrive once again.

Overall, The Invaders serves as a cautionary tale about the impact of humans on the environment and the potential consequences of our actions. It highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting native ecosystems and the role that humans play in managing invasive species.