1. The Real Aliens of TEXAS By: Jodd Reed

2. What Is An Invasive Species?  An invasive species is a foreign organism that takes over and thrives in an environment.  Note: Many foreign species can be brought to a different environment and not thrive. Statistically 1/100 will thrive.  That 1 can cause catastrophic effects.

3. How Do They Thrive?  An invasive species thrives because it has no natural predators in its new environment.  The climate may also be ideal for reproduction.  A wide variety of native prey, which are relentlessly fed upon, may also help an invasive species to thrive.

4. Africanized Bee  Considered one of the most aggressive organisms, the Africanized Honey Bee is an invasive species with an urge for excessive vengeance.  They are commonly called “ killer bees ” because of the lengths they will travel to kill a threat.  The origin is a South American lab where African and common honeybees where interbred.  The USDA strongly suggests running as far away as possible if you are spotted by them. They will follow for miles, and if you go underwater they will wait for you to surface.

5. Wild Boar  The Wild Boar, native to Europe, was brought by Spanish settlers in an attempt to domesticate them. A few escaped and started a herd. The population rapidly increased and soon spread across the United States.  They destroy native plants while rooting as well as crops while foraging. Wild Boars destroy over 20,000 tons sugarcane annually alone. There are growing concerns among farmers because these Boars are vectors of several serious diseases. They transfer disease to livestock which are processed for human consumption; thus leading to human sickness and possible death.  Due to the large quantity and uncontrollable reproduction of these hogs termination by hunting as well as trapping is encouraged.  Wild Boars are a widely accepted food source.

6. Asian Carp  The Asian Carp is a giant feeding machine brought to the Southern US for catfish farm maintenance. During a flood many escaped and quickly took over most waters they were exposed to.  Averaging nearly 5 feet in length, these fish are highly competitive, and consume food very fast. They nearly annihilate all other fish populations in there habitat.  They are known for their constant jumping when spooked, and have killed people by knocking them unconscious and into the water.

7. Giant African Snail  This species was introduced to the US in1966 after being smuggled by a young boy and released into his grandmother’s garden. Nine years later the population was over 10,000.  They consume over 500 types of plants, and were eliminated quickly. However, they are still being imported as pets.

8. Burmese Python  Native to Southeast Asia, the Burmese Python has become a major threat to South Florida. The pet trade has brought thousands to the state. When the snakes grew too large many owners dumped them into The Everglades. Instead of dying off, they adapted to their new environment, began to reproduce, and their numbers rose.  Burmese pythons have few predators that can kill them as an adult, so they quickly became one of the top swamp predators in Florida. They consume a variety of native species, and are causing coyote, and large bird populations to decline.

9. Found in Texas (near Houston)

10. Nutria  Nutria were brought to the Southern US by fur farmers as an alternative to beaver. After the nutria fur didn’t sell, they were later released into the wild.  Nutria are capable of adapting to most aquatic environments. They are currently destroying vegetation at a rate of 500-1000 acres a year.  Often referred to as the nutria rat, the nutria is most closely related to porcupines or South American capybaras.  The nutria is a food source that is not widely accepted.

11. Red Fire Ant  Believed to be brought by ships from South America, these tiny militants have claimed 300 million acres across the country. Billions are spent each year to keep the population under control, but they come back strong each time.  Fire Ants alone are capable of killing humans, cattle, and wildlife. They ruin farmland, crops, and multiply faster than native ants. They are territorial, and are known to battle other ants to control up to an acre.

12. Black Tiger Shrimp  Native to Asia, the Black Tiger Shrimp has somehow found its way into the Gulf of Mexico.  They can reach a foot in length, and a pound in weight. They are aggressive, and eat native shrimp and crab, and are rising in numbers.  The Black Tiger Shrimp is a widely accepted food source

13. Zebra Mussels  One of the most commonly known invasive species is the Zebra Mussel. A reproductive powerhouse, in a matter of months it can litter the sides and floors of lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans.  Zebra Mussels feed upon phytoplankton, and their numbers, can cause native species to starve.  This is a food source for some in America.

14. Red Eared Sliders  The Red Eared Slider Is one of the least known invasive species. The popular pet originated in the southern United States, but has spread so fast and has taken over so much area, it is number 93 in the world’s top 100 invasive species.  They are dangerous to other turtles because they are able to interbreed with many different species of turtles. They are reproductive powerhouses that seem to mate forever. Some live 40 years and start laying eggs at about 5 years old. They lay an average of 25 eggs a clutch, and can have 5 clutches a year. A female can have about 4400 offspring in her lifetime.  Some states and countries have fines of up to $10,000 for simply having one as a pet. Some experts believe the best method of control is to stomp a nest after the turtle lays. A decrease in their numbers is still unlikely.

15. Works Cited