Guiyang clears alien species to protect Nanming River

On Sept 2, the Guiyang River and Lake Protection Center announced that over 950 sites along the Nanming River have been cleared of the invasive apple snail species following more than three months of efforts.

Since May, maintenance staff members conducting routine inspections along the river discovered apple snails, a non-native species, in certain sections of the Nanming River. The peak breeding season for apple snails is from May to August, during which their rapid growth and reproduction can severely disrupt the local aquatic ecosystem due to their voracious appetite.

To combat the spread of this invasive species and protect the river's ecosystem, the center launched a comprehensive cleanup operation, making the removal of apple snails a regular part of their work. The efforts included scraping snail eggs, collecting juvenile snails, and gathering adult snails for destruction.

The center plans to intensify its river management efforts, reinforcing the gains made. They will continue monitoring and clearing apple snails to prevent further threats to the Nanming River's ecosystem.