INVADERS! Exotic Invasive Species

What is an invasive species? A native or indigenous species is one that occurs naturally in a given ecosystem. Non-native species (also called non- indigenous, exotic, or alien species) are introduced into an area where they don’t normally live. An invasive species is a non-indigenous species that overruns or out-competes native species, and causes economic or ecological problems.

Native species: Are adapted to a specific niche in their ecosystem. Are part of the food web in their ecosystem. Have natural predators and competitors that keep their numbers in balance.

Exotic species: May not have natural controls in the new ecosystem – for example, no freezing period in the winter or no predators. Are usually tolerant of a wide range of conditions instead of a narrow niche. Usually have high rates of reproduction.

Invasive species: Can out-compete native species for food, water or space. Can out-reproduce native species. Can survive in greater numbers because they have no predators or natural controls. Can cause tremendous problems in native ecosystems. Are usually very difficult to eradicate.

They can be intentionally introduced. Our state flower, the camellia, is native to Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Peach trees are Asian and were brought to America by early colonists. Satsumas are tangerines from Asia brought over in How do they get here?

They can be introduced accidentally… in ship ballast water wooden packing material and horticultural plants. aquaculture escaped exotic pets can be a problem. sometimes storms can transport an organism to a new habitat.

Aquatic species are often carried in ballast water. Zebra mussels Australian jellyfish Spiny water fleas Green crabs Round goby New Zealand mudsnail Japanese mitten crab Asian green mussel

Ballast Water Dissemination

Why do we care about invasive species? Habitat destruction is the number one cause of extinction and the loss of biodiversity. Invasive species are the Number Two cause of extinction and loss of biodiversity! You can do your part to control the spread of invasive species.

What can you do? Grow native plants. Never transport water, animals, or plants from one body of water to another. Clean your boat and tackle. Don’t release unwanted pets into the environment.

What can you do? Don’t release unwanted pets into the environment. Never carry fruit, seeds, live plants, soil, or animals in or out of the area. Help eradicate invasives in your community.

Some Invasives in Alabama

More Alabama Invasives Chinaberry tree: introduced in packing material and utilized as an ornamental Mimosa: introduced from Asia and prevalent in forest borders and riparian areas. Cogon grass: introduced into Mobile as packing material and sold as an ornamental grass. Totally destroys native ecosystems.

The best and most cost-effective way to deal with the effects from invasive species is to PREVENT INVASIONS BEFORE THEY OCCUR.

For Help AMSTI-GLOBEThe GLOBE Program Lynn VaughanJerry CobbsAMSTI-GLOBE Resource SpecialistTechnology Specialist Robin Nelson AMSTI-GLOBE Administrator