
National Invasive Species Week, February 24 – 28, is observed to bring attention to the threat invasive species pose to natural processes and to highlight tactics that prevent their spread. Invasive species are introduced plants and animals that cause harm to the environment, the economy, or human health (e.g., fire ants and Africanized bees). Once established, they spread aggressively due to lack of pests or diseases to keep them in check. Invasive species often displace native species as they outcompete natives for food and habitat and skew the balance of nature.
Florida is particularly vulnerable to invasive species with more than 35 international ports of entry, nearly 120 million tourists annually, markets for non-native animal and nursery trades, and a subtropical climate. Invasive species threaten Florida’s ecosystems, wildlife, crops, forests, and even people. They cause more of a crisis here than anywhere else in the continental United States. The cost of managing Florida’s invasive plants alone is estimated at $100 million each year.
Invasive species can be introduced and spread in a variety of ways, including intentionally by human activity. Unwanted pets like Burmese pythons (Python bivattatus) and green iguanas (Iguana iguana) have been released into the wild. Burmese pythons have few predators. They feed on native species and reduce populations locally. Brazilian pepper trees (Schinus terebinthifolius) were brought to Florida in the mid-1800s for use as an ornamental plant.
As a prolific seed producer with a high germination and growth rate, it overwhelms native vegetation by blocking sunlight and water, creating unsuitable conditions for wildlife.
To commemorate National Invasive Species Week, do your part to reduce impacts from invasive species. Rehome unwanted pets with rescue groups instead of releasing them into the wild. Buy landscape plants from a nursery that is aware of which species are restricted. Learn to identify non-native and native plants. (See Invasive Plant Directory - Florida Natural Areas Inventory.) Freeze Cuban treefrogs to kill them before disposal. Volunteer with the Friends of Gamble Rogers (FROGRS) and join the Pepper Pickers (Pepper Pickers | FROGRS) to remove these invasive plants from our parks.


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