INVASIVE SPECIES

What is an invasive species?

A species that (a) is nonnative to a specified geographic area, (b) was introduced by humans (intentionally or unintentionally), and (c) does or can cause environmental or economic harm or harm to humans.

Why is it important to manage for an invasive species?

Invasive species threaten Florida's native wildlife, crops, natural areas, transportation, economics, and even people.

Click links below for lists of several invasive species common to our area with informational text and photos. Informational text and photos for each species are from the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Plant Directory unless otherwise stated.

Invasive Plants

Brown Hoplo 6-1-23

Invasive Animals

Definitions

Native Species

A species that occurs naturally in a geographic area.

Introduced

A species brought to a new geographic area by humans.

Invasive

A species that is nonnative, was introduced, and can cause harm to the environment or human health and infrastructure.

Nonnative

A species that does not occur naturally in a specified geographic area.

Established

A species having a self-sustaining and reproducing population.

Noxious

A plant that can directly cause damage to agriculture, irrigation, navigation, natural resources, public health, or the environment.