Brazil Faces Another Terrifying Invader After Tilapia Invasion | Farming Documentary

[00:00:01]Surviving for days on land, laying up to 600,000 eggs in a single clutch.

[00:00:09]In some parts of the world, this creature is so aggressive that it leaves the water, climbs ashore, and preys on pigeons.

[00:00:18]The African catfish's biological profile is that of a high-level ecological threat.

[00:00:27]And now, this 44-lb killing machine is pushing Brazil's natural ecosystem to the brink of collapse.

[00:00:35]Whether the river water is crystal clear or thick with chemical waste, it continues to expand exponentially, disrupting the natural food chain and wiping out every species in its path.

[00:00:48]A human-caused economic mistake has inadvertently opened Pandora's Box.

[00:00:56]To what extent is the South American ecosystem being devastated by a species of fish capable of breathing air?

[00:01:05]The scene on the Melaponte River, flowing through Brazil's Goiania region, resembles the backdrop of an ecological disaster.

[00:01:14]Decades ago, beneath the shade of lush bamboo forests, this was a spawning ground for countless beautiful and biologically valuable native South American fish species, such as piau, spotted catfish, and corvina.

[00:01:31]Local fishermen depended on this diversity for survival, but today, when they cast their lines into these murky waters, the only thing strong enough to break even the strongest lines is African catfish.

[00:01:49]The disappearance of native species does not happen naturally.

[00:01:52]>> [music] >> It is the result of systematic elimination.

[00:01:57]The African catfish, scientifically known as Clarias gariepinus, has evolved to become the absolute dominant predator.

[00:02:07]It acts like a giant consuming machine at the bottom of the river.

[00:02:12]Thanks to its wide open mouth, it wastes no time tearing apart its prey.

[00:02:19]A single attack from an adult creates such a powerful suction that it can swallow an entire native catfish in an instant.

[00:02:26]>> [snorts] >> The predatory nature of this species transcends all limits in the aquatic world.

[00:02:34]Analysis of the stomach contents of African catfish in Brazil has revealed a shocking truth. They don't just eat fish.

[00:02:43]Their diet includes shrimp, crabs, small reptiles, the eggs of other aquatic species, and even birds.

[00:02:54]Waterfowl, such as herons, ducks, or water hens, are often dragged to the bottom by those enormous jaws as they travel along the coast.

[00:03:05]The arrival of the African lobster creates a nutrient cascade effect, a collapse that begins at the top of the food chain.

[00:03:13]In Africa, their home country, lobster populations are controlled by crocodiles, pelicans, and large tiger fish.

[00:03:27]But in the central Brazilian seas, they have no natural predators.

[00:03:33]This ecological gap allows it to easily assume a dominant role, destroying the food sources of other species, and devouring even competitors.

[00:03:43]But how can such a large creature thrive in polluted rivers, where oxygen levels are so low that other fish die within minutes?

[00:03:55]>> The answer lies in the biological weapons that nature has equipped it with.

[00:04:01]Most fish breathe by absorbing dissolved oxygen from the water through their gills.

[00:04:10]When water is polluted by household waste, fertilizers, or industrial byproducts, the amount of dissolved oxygen drops sharply, causing mass die-offs. But the African stag beetle considers the most polluted waters its paradise.

[00:04:25]It possesses a special biological organ called the suprabranchial respiratory system, a complex structure that functions almost like lungs on land.

[00:04:35]This organ allows it to float to the surface and breathe air directly.

[00:04:41]Therefore, even when the oxygen concentration in the water drops to zero, it is not a problem for it.

[00:04:50]Furthermore, scientists have noted that this fish can tolerate toxic levels of ammonia and pH that no other South American fish can withstand.

[00:05:00]When river pollution kills native fish species, [laughter] African catfish will clean up the carcasses, take over the available space, and turn those polluted waters into their own kingdom.

[00:05:14]Its resilience is even more astonishing when taken out of the water.

[00:05:19]A real-world experiment conducted by local fishermen in Brazil yielded results that defied all biological laws.

[00:05:27]When an African catfish was released onto the shore, it survived continuously for 6 days.

[00:05:36]It eventually died from exhaustion and severe dehydration, but not from suffocation.

[00:05:43]Its defense mechanism was perfectly activated.

[00:05:48]Upon sensing the water had disappeared, its body began secreting an extremely thick and viscous layer of mucus, completely covering its outer skin.

[00:05:59]This armor acted as a barrier, preventing water from evaporating from within its body. And most frighteningly, it didn't just sit there waiting to die.

[00:06:09]Unlike typical fish that simply thrash aimlessly on land, the African catfish uses its incredibly strong pectoral fins to move.

[00:06:21]It moves powerfully across cracked ground, through fields, wading through mud at night, and searching for new ponds or river and lagoon systems.

[00:06:31]That ability to move on land is a nightmare for environmental managers.

[00:06:43]You can't isolate this species by building dams or draining lagoons, because it will simply come ashore and move to another ecosystem.

[00:06:51]With such incredible survival abilities, how could an African creature cross the Atlantic and enter South American territory?

[00:07:01]That's where we have to confront the ruthless interference of humankind.

[00:07:05]Nature would never have created such an irrational confrontation between the African catfish and the river ecosystems of Brazil.

[00:07:13]This invasion is a man-made disaster, born from human greed and ignorance.

[00:07:21]Over the past decades, the global aquaculture industry has desperately searched for the most profitable fish species.

[00:07:29]They needed a fast-growing meaty fish that could eat almost anything, had low farming costs, and possessed near-perfect disease resistance.

[00:07:39]African catfish have emerged as an ideal and cost-effective solution.

[00:07:46]They are imported in massive quantities into Brazil to supply commercial production farms and paid recreational fishing systems, a business model that is extremely popular in the country.

[00:08:00]People believe they can keep a perfect survival machine confined in floating cages and artificial ponds, but nature always finds ways to break through barriers.

[00:08:14]During the torrential rainy seasons, water overflows the ponds and breaches their surrounding edges.

[00:08:21]Thousands of African catfish escape, are swept away by the muddy water, and invade Brazil's pristine river systems.

[00:08:35]Furthermore, some people lacking ecological knowledge have deliberately released this fish into the natural environment, believing that it poses no threat.

[00:08:47]Releasing African catfish into South American ecosystems is like injecting a toxic substance into a body with no antibodies.

[00:08:56]Native species have never evolved to face an enemy with such strength, speed, and predatory strategy.

[00:09:05]Human intervention has permanently altered the evolutionary trajectory of the river, and once this monster invaded its natural environment, it unleashed another large-scale threat, an unassailable reproductive machine.

[00:09:23]The reason native fish species like the piau, caranha, and tiger fish are disappearing from the Hum Ponte is not just because they are being preyed upon.

[00:09:33]The deeper reason is that their future is being destroyed right from the reproductive stage.

[00:09:42]Along the river, there is a dam belonging to a long abandoned hydroelectric power plant.

[00:09:50]According to natural biological laws, each year native species must swim upstream and migrate to shallow, safe waters to breed.

[00:10:01]However, the massive concrete structure of the dam completely blocked their path.

[00:10:07]Millions of native fish were trapped in the stagnant water just below the dam, and that's where the African lobster appeared.

[00:10:17]That area inadvertently became a perfect hunting ground and ideal breeding ground for the invasive species.

[00:10:30]While South American fish species are trapped and panicking, the African catfish not only preys on adults, but also completely destroys spawning grounds.

[00:10:41]At the same time, it initiates its own reproductive cycle. The biological data on this fish's reproductive capacity is truly astonishing.

[00:10:51]Female catfish don't just lay a few hundred or a few thousand eggs.

[00:10:57]Modern studies show that a mature female can lay up to 60,000 eggs per kilogram of body weight. Let's do a simple calculation.

[00:11:06]A single 22-lb female catfish hiding beneath the waters of the Mayapante River can lay more than 600,000 eggs in a single spawning season.

[00:11:17]The incubation process is also extremely rapid.

[00:11:22]The eggs hatch and become fry within 24 to 36 hours, depending on the water temperature.

[00:11:51]>> Oh, this bison is really crazy when it suddenly attacks people on the street.

[00:12:00]This is the painful ending that the bison have to pay.

[00:12:10]Hello, my friend. Welcome to the journey of American hunters hunting crazy bison that attack humans. Keep your heart because many things will surprise you.

[00:12:19]Let's go.

[00:12:35]Bison, a member of the Bovidae family, are typically large, weighing between 1,100 and 1,980 lb and have powerful curved horns.

[00:12:53]They are widely distributed around the world, including Africa, North America, Asia, and other countries.

[00:13:08]The ability to adapt to many different habitats, from primary forests to high mountain areas, is a remarkable characteristic.

[00:14:21]>> This herd of bison is terrifying as they not only attack motorcyclists and cars, but also attack pedestrians unreasonably, causing everyone to panic.

[00:14:43]Do you know why they hang out on the outskirts of the city? I think maybe they are looking for food, don't you think?

[00:15:25]>> How can people spare these aggressive bison? Communities in the US have participated directly in hunting activities.

[00:15:44]To participate, they need to have a hunting license to ensure compliance with the rules and avoid unwanted consequences.

[00:15:59]Using professional hunting weapons not only enhances performance, but also makes facing herds of bison easier and safer.

[00:16:57]This herd of bison appears calm as they casually bring their entire family running across the road as if it's their exclusive territory.

[00:17:13]This calm demeanor sometimes creates significant issues for humans, making us fearful and hesitant to approach.

[00:18:27]Oh my god, it even dares to barge into people's homes, causing damage to belongings.

[00:18:52]These bison are too bad, and this is a bitter end for disobedient people who like to destroy.

[00:19:07]These bison often show their attitude towards each other by directly attacking each other right on the street, creating chaos.

[00:19:27]Is this bison mentally ill? It violently attacked the car without any mercy or remorse.

[00:19:41]With just one shot, the bison fell to the ground immediately.

[00:19:53]Do you find this process quite simple?

[00:20:02]The bison often exhibit aggression, frequently attacking and disrupting other animal species, causing them to panic and flee.

[00:20:19]Bison create significant financial losses, which causes many concerns among the American community.

[00:20:35]To minimize the consequences, they took every possible measure to face and control the situation.

[00:21:00]Bison are also domesticated by people with the main goal of meat production, increasing economic income, and taking advantage of the potential of this animal.

[00:21:18]This represents an economic opportunity that benefits communities through the sustainable management and use of wildlife resources.

[00:21:54]What do you think about how American farmers deal with the bison?

[00:22:04]Share your opinions in the comment section.

[00:22:19]Don't forget to subscribe and follow so you don't miss out on exciting wildlife hunting videos in the next episodes.

[00:22:35]If you think this system is strong enough to support the entire herd, please like this post to give these farmers more encouragement.

[00:22:44]Each day, approximately 90 kg of corn is scattered inside the trap.

[00:22:50]The gate is left open for three to five consecutive nights.

[00:22:54]The purpose is to allow the pigs to become accustomed to the environment and not suspect anything. Infrared cameras are used to monitor any movement. Only when the entire herd has moved deep inside is the signal activated.

[00:23:13]From a distance of 6.6 km, the operator pressed the button. The steel gate closed in an instant. There was no escape.

[00:23:24]This was the decisive moment of the entire plan, and the final result surprised many. 32 wild boars were captured at once with an estimated total weight exceeding 2,500 lb.

[00:23:38]A figure that illustrates the true scale of the problem facing farms in Texas.

[00:23:59]But the question remains, can traps like these keep up with the rate of reproduction and spread of wild boars, or is this just a temporary solution in an endless war?

[00:24:14]If you want to follow the next confrontations between humans and this invasive species, don't forget to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss the next part.

[00:24:26]>> [snorts] >> What would happen if a creature weighing nearly 90 kg suddenly appeared right outside your door?

[00:24:40]Not in the movies, but in real life on the arid islands of Indonesia, where Komodo dragons still exist as a living relic of prehistoric times.

[00:24:57]With a length that can reach 3 m and a weight exceeding 90 kg, this reptile is not only the world's largest lizard, but also one of the most fearsome predators alive. Its body is covered in thick, armor-like skin, beneath which are small bony plates that increase its strength and resistance to impact.

[00:25:23]Its muscular legs help it move faster than its seemingly sluggish appearance suggests, capable of bursting up to about 12 mph over short distances.

[00:25:47]If you were walking in the woods and it was watching you, would you notice in time?

[00:25:52]Don't answer yet.

[00:26:00]Inside the Komodo dragon's jaws are about 60 razor-sharp teeth designed to tear flesh rather than crush it.

[00:26:11]But the truly dangerous weapon is something you can't see.

[00:26:26]Scientific studies show that their saliva contains venom capable of preventing blood clotting and rapidly weakening prey.

[00:26:36]When combined with a bite force of nearly 600 lb per square inches, a single bite can be the beginning of a prolonged and almost inevitable death.

[00:26:47]If you find this information frightening, leave a like to continue exploring even more shocking facts.

[00:26:59]Despite [music] their fearsome appearance, attacks on humans are actually very rare.

[00:27:05]In most cases, Komodo dragons avoid humans and only attack [music] when threatened or attracted by food.

[00:27:16]But problems begin to emerge as humans encroach further into their territory.

[00:27:21]On islands like Flores, where populations have expanded into natural areas, encounters are becoming increasingly frequent.

[00:27:31]In August 2024, a tragic incident occurred in a rural village.

[00:27:38]A woman working near her home was suddenly attacked by a Komodo dragon.

[00:27:42]The bite to her leg was so forceful that the injury was severe despite prompt medical attention. Such events are extremely rare, but they serve as a reminder that risk is always present.

[00:27:59]Do you think humans are encroaching on their territory, or are they the ones becoming a threat?

[00:28:08]Komodo dragons are a protected species, so all hunting or control activities require special permits.

[00:28:17]Only about 50 to 100 permits are issued each year.

[00:28:23]And applicants must demonstrate experience, skill, and knowledge of wildlife.

[00:28:31]In cases where killing is necessary, hunters use high-powered rifles such as.223 or.275 caliber.

[00:28:43]A safe distance is usually maintained between 30 and 50 m.

[00:28:51]Far enough to react, but close enough to ensure accuracy.

[00:28:56]A single shot aimed at a vital area such as the head or chest.

[00:29:02]No second chance.

[00:29:06]No mistakes.

[00:29:37]Each year, thousands of tourists come to Indonesia to see them in their natural habitat.

[00:29:43]Eco-tourism generates millions of dollars and creates jobs for local people.

[00:29:49]From forest rangers and guides to transportation and accommodation services, this is a clear example of how conservation can go hand in hand with economic development.

[00:30:00]But despite being a top predator, the Komodo dragon is facing extinction.

[00:30:05]Only a few thousand individuals remain in the wild.

[00:30:10]Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, threatening the small islands where they live.

[00:30:17]And pressure from humans is increasing.

[00:30:55]>> Mhm.