Invasive Species in Florida and Alabama By: Elizabeth Collins
Camphor Tree “cinnamomum camphora” O What? Plant O Where? China and Japan O When? 1875 O Characteristics? O Odor O Toxic to humans O Can sedate animals O glossy, waxy appearance O Small white flower O Impacts on Ecosystem? contain toxins O Prevention and Eradication? controlling trees before maturation and fruit development is critical O Introduction? Florida
Hydrilla “hydrilla verticillata” O What? Plant O Where? India O When? 1950 O Characteristics? O Adapts easily O Aquatic weed O Can survive free-floating O three whitish or reddish linear petals O can reproduce itself in four different ways O Impacts on Ecosystem? Damage to lakes, rivers, and steams O Prevention and Eradication? Clean boats before you leave the ramp O Introduction? Florida
Coyote “Canis latrans Say” O What? Mammal O Where? Western portion of North America O When? 1823 O Characteristics? O Omnivores O Eat anything availability during the season O Live years O Travel in pairs or groups O Hunt more in the summer period O Impacts on Ecosystem? Eat larger animals as antelope and deer O Prevention and Eradication? O Introduction? Georgia
Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat “Artibeus jamaicensis” O What? Mammal O Where? Central and South America O When? 1983 O Characteristics? O light brown or gray in color O Live 7-10 years O Nocturnal animals O Has a pleasant odor O live primarily in rain forests O Impacts on Ecosystem? Eats a lot fruit, plants, flowers and berries O Prevention and Eradication? O Introduction? Georgia
Spectacled Caiman “caiman crocodilus” O What? Reptile O Where? Central and South America O When? 1960 O Characteristics? O Dull olive color O Become darker in the winter O Grow to about feet O rarely leave the water O lives in a range of lowland wetland O Impacts on Ecosystem? Preys on a variety of vertebrates O Prevention and Eradication? Seasons people hunt them for money O Introduction? Florida