Earthworm invasion: Study forecasts rise of worms in northern boreal forest

By Cailynn Klingbeil, Edmonton Journal

A species of earthworm called dendrobaena octaedra is predicted to expand its territory from three per cent of the boreal forest in northeastern Alberta to 39 per cent by 2056.

Invasive earthworms are attacking the boreal forest, with new research predicting how quickly one species is spreading in northeastern Alberta.
Dendrobaena octaedra, one of six species found in forests in northern Alberta, is projected to expand its territory from three per cent of suitable habitat in the boreal forest to 39 per cent by 2056. There, the squirmy invaders chew through the leafy layer that covers the woodland floor, which can harm native plants and animals.
“It’s a large area for a small earthworm species to be spreading,” said Erin Cameron, who co-authored a paper on the sprawl with researchers from the University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University and Ohio State University.
Earthworms are not native to most of Canada, having been wiped out in the last ice age. The worms here now were likely brought by European settlers in soil, with plants and on ships, Cameron said.
The intruders are a gardener’s ally, but the same actions worms are admired for — shredding organic matter and tilling the soil — are harmful to the boreal forest...Continue reading...

A species of earthworm called dendrobaena octaedra is predicted to expand its territory from three per cent of the boreal forest in northeastern Alberta to 39 per cent by 2056. - See more at: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Earthworm+invasion+Study+forecasts+rise+worms+northern+boreal+forest/11027216/story.html#sthash.ffPGaczq.dpuf

A species of earthworm called dendrobaena octaedra is predicted to expand its territory from three per cent of the boreal forest in northeastern Alberta to 39 per cent by 2056. - See more at: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Earthworm+invasion+Study+forecasts+rise+worms+northern+boreal+forest/11027216/story.html#sthash.ffPGaczq.dpuf

A species of earthworm called dendrobaena octaedra is predicted to expand its territory from three per cent of the boreal forest in northeastern Alberta to 39 per cent by 2056. - See more at: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/Earthworm+invasion+Study+forecasts+rise+worms+northern+boreal+forest/11027216/story.html#sthash.ffPGaczq.dpuf

THE EARTHWORM https://prezi.com/gpj9svje4i3h/untitled-prezi/#                                                                                                                                                                                                           Related:  Giant, 10-foot earthworm found[image]