Published in the journal PeerJ, the study reveals that this species is already present in at least three U.S. states and poses a significant threat to local ecosystems.
The collaborative research involved experts from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, Drexel University, North Carolina State University, James Cook University in Australia, and Dr. Gastineau, who specializes in DNA sequencing. According to reports from The Guardian, Amaga pseudobama has been widely observed in North Carolina since around 2020 and has also been found in Florida and Georgia. Scientists warn that the flatworm may have spread to other states as well.
A threat to earthworms and soil health
One of the primary concerns about Amaga pseudobama is its predation on soil invertebrates, particularly earthworms. Earthworms play a crucial role in maintaining healthy soil by aerating it, facilitating water drainage, and breaking down organic matter. Dr. Gastineau highlighted that earthworm populations are already under pressure due to factors like chemical pollutants. "In some places, such as England and Scotland, there's already a 20% decrease in earthworm numbers," he noted in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.
The decline of earthworm populations can have cascading effects on the environment, affecting plant growth and soil fertility. The introduction of this invasive flatworm exacerbates these issues by further reducing earthworm numbers.
Mistaken identity leads to new discovery
Initially, the research team suspected that the flatworms found in the U.S. were Obama nungara, a similarly invasive species known for spreading across Europe, Brazil, and Argentina. This species has been notorious for depleting populations of small invertebrates like snails and earthworms. However, genetic sequencing and further analysis confirmed that the specimens were a new species altogether—Amaga pseudobama.
(jh)
Source: PAP, The Guardian