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Invasive Species in Florida
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In Florida there are more than 1,300 exotic plant species established and reproducing outside cultivation. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council considers about 10 percent of these species invasive in natural areas and posing a significant threat to rare species. Left unchecked, melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), and Old World climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum) can totally choke out native species and natural areas. Invasive animals such as feral hogs destroy native ground cover and feral cats prey on native wildlife, while introduced species like the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) prey on and outcompete native species. Florida is currently spending millions of dollars each year to control the ever-growing threat of invasive exotics.
Additional Resources
Download information and learn about the status of invasive species in Florida from FNAI's Florida Invasive Plants Geodatabase
View FNAI’s Florida Invasive Plants Geodatabase at iMapInvasives
Learn more about non-native species in Florida at FWC's Non-Natives Homepage
Read a report from the Environmental Law Institute on Cooperative Prevention of Invasive Wildlife Introduction in Florida
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