Invasive Species

Invasive Wildlife Species Information

Coiled Burmese python.
The Burmese python is an invasive species that is threatening wildlife in the Everglades.

Definitions:

Invasive Wildlife Species: animals that are introduced (either on purpose or by accident) into an environment where they were not previously found that have a negative effect on the native species and/or habitat.

Native Wildlife Species: animals that are indigenous to the area, or naturally occurring.

Why are invasive species a problem?

Invasive species often disrupt ecosystems and threaten human interests by:

  • introducing new diseases to both wildlife and domestic animals,
  • damaging habitats because they lack predators in this new environment,
  • diminishing native species by predation or over-consumption of limited resources. Threatened and endangered species are often at particular risk, and
  • presenting potential injury risks to humans, as in the case of bites.

General Invasive Species Information Resources

Invasive Wildlife Species – USDA: A portal-like site detailing the federal government’s response to invasive species.

National Invasive Species Information Center – USDA: A comprehensive site covering: aquatics, wildlife, and microbe invasives as well as providing resources for management and mitigation.