Invasive species are organisms (plants, animals, fungi, and diseases) that have been introduced to an area where they do not naturally occur and cause harm to either the environment, the economy, or human health
Why Are Invasive Species So Destructive?
Invasive species negatively impact the environment, the economy, and human health by:
- Competing with native and cultivated species for resources
- Altering ecosystem composition
- Reducing biodiversity
- Transmitting pathogens
Characteristics of Invasive Species
Not all species become invasive when introduced to a new environment. Successful invasive species have several characteristics in common that allow them to outcompete native species for resources.
- High reproductive rate
- High dispersal rate
- High genetic variability
- Resource Generalist
- Pioneer Species
- Few natural predators, parasites, diseases, or competitors in introduced range
Invasive Species Management and Control
The first step to controlling an invasive species is to identify where it is on the invasion curve. Preventing a species from being introduced is the most cost-effective solution. Once introduced, eradication (complete removal) may be possible through early detection and rapid response (EDRR). Click here to see the species on the SWFL CISMA EDRR list. However, as area of infestation grows, eradication becomes less likely and control costs increase. If an invader is not detected and removed early, expensive and long-term management may be unavoidable. Read more in the Everglades CISMA Invasion Curve brochure.
How can you stop the spread of invasive species?
- Do not release your pets/bait into the wild
- Do not transport firewood, vegetation, or wildlife
- Clean, drain, and dry your boats, vehicles, gear, footwear, and pets on site
- Report sightings of invasive species using the IveGot1 app
- Plant native species in your yard
- Volunteer with local conservation organizations!
Invasive Species Terminology
Use
Native – A species that occurs naturally in a specified geographic area.
Nonnative – A species that does not occur naturally in a specified geographic area.
Introduced – A species brought to a new geographic area intentionally or unintentionally by humans.
Established – A species having a self-sustaining and reproducing population in a specified geographic area without the need for human intervention. Applies to both native and nonnative species.
Invasive – 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.
Nuisance – An individual or group of individuals of a species that causes management issues or property damage, presents a threat to public safety, or is an annoyance. Can apply to both native and nonnative species.
Range change – The circumstance of a species’ current/existing range growing, shrinking, or shifting over time. This change can happen to native and nonnative species with or without human assistance.
Avoid
Native Invasive – Often used to describe individuals or a group of individuals of a native species in a context in which they are a nuisance.
Reasoning for Avoidance It creates confusion as invasive species by definition are nonnative. In addition, the term confounds two separate issues—biological invasions caused by humans moving species over vast distances and a native species that causes management issues.
Invasive exotic – Often used to describe a nonnative species that causes environmental and/or economic harm or harm to humans (i.e., a species that is invasive).
Reasoning for Avoidance It is redundant and confusing. An invasive species by definition is exotic, but not all exotic species are invasive, and the term exotic has other potential interpretations (see appendix).
Invasive weed – Used to describe an invasive plant
Reasoning for Avoidance It is easier to say an invasive plant. In addition, weed is a cultural term describing a plant (native or nonnative) not wanted in a given situation (e.g., agriculture, home garden, etc.). For this reason, the term may lead people to believe incorrectly that all weeds are invasive
Alien/foreign/ nonindigenous – All three terms are synonymous with nonnative.
Reasoning for Avoidance They evoke political ideals unrelated to invasive species. In addition, based on one’s political beliefs, the terms may have negative connotations, despite most nonnative species not causing harm.