Environmental IssuesFigure 17: Glen Canyon dam
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There are many things threatening the Colorado River and its ecosystem. Of all of them, some important ones to note are human-made dams and invasive species.
Over 100 dams have been built along the Colorado River and its tributaries. Although dams provide major benefits to humans, they disrupt the life in the river, and destroy natural habitats. The dams have caused the water level of the river to drop significantly. Invasive species also threaten the Colorado River. Invasive species are harmful because they are non-native species that don't have native predators. This means that they multiply and grow quickly, feeding on native species and destroying the marine ecosystem. Examples of invasive species that are living in the Colorado river today are the zebra mussel, rusty crayfish, and the Russian Olive. These threats, along with many others could lead to the extinction of multiple species along the Colorado. We, as a community must take action and stop these threats from destroying the Colorado ecosystem. |