Which invasive species has been a significant threat to Coastal Louisiana wetlands?

Nutria, scientifically known as Myocastor coypus, pose a significant threat to the wetlands of Coastal Louisiana due to their voracious appetite for marsh vegetation. This invasive species has the ability to consume large amounts of plant life, which in turn leads to the destabilization of wetland ecosystems. The loss of vegetation can accelerate erosion and reduce habitat availability for native wildlife, ultimately causing a decline in biodiversity.

Nutria were introduced to the United States for fur farming, and their populations exploded once they were released into the wild. The damage they cause is compounded by their burrowing habits, which can lead to further erosion and degradation of wetland areas. Furthermore, their feeding activities often lead to the creation of large, barren areas in coastal habitats, making these regions less resilient to environmental changes and increasing vulnerability to storm impacts.

The other options, while also posing threats in their own environments, do not have the same level of impact on Coastal Louisiana wetlands as nutria.