Invasive species are animals, insects, and plants that invade an ecosystem. They have no natural predators, so their populations soar. The competition leads to the reduction of native populations. Most invasive species were introduced through human activity, either purposefully freeing them, traveling undetected in cargo ships, or escaping captivity. Here are 10 invasive species that disrupt the habitat.
Burmese Python
The Burmese Python, native to Southeast Asia, is considered an invasive species in Florida. They were initially kept as pets and either escaped or were released in the Everglades. The lack of predators has caused the invasive population to rise uncontrollably. Their presence disturbs native populations as the python usually preys on birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Scientists fear the damage will continue and lead to irreversible outcomes.
Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels were likely introduced to the Great Lakes via ballast water discharge from ships. Native to Eurasian freshwater sources, the mussels reproduce rapidly and feed on algae. Their presence has disrupted the natural ecosystem, reducing the food source for native populations. Zebra Mussels can also clog pipes and water intakes, resulting in costly repairs for water plants, water utilities, and other industries.
Asian Carp
Asian Carp consists of various species of carp, including bighead, silver, grass, and black carp. In North America, they are an invasive species. They consume large amounts of plankton and algae, a major food source in the natural ecosystem. Their presence harms native populations and affects commercial and recreational fishing. An interesting fact about silver carp is their tendency to jump out of the water when startled.
Wallaby
Wallabies are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. While New Zealand is a nearby island, the marsupial is considered invasive. They graze on the bush undergrowth, consuming shrubs, baby seedlings, and understory plants, decimating native plant populations. Combined with their rapid population growth and competition with livestock for food, the wallaby is a pest outside its native habitat.
Bullfrog
American bullfrogs originally inhabited the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Populations have expanded to include the western U.S., Europe, Asia, and South America. Bullfrogs are voracious predators and prey on salamanders, turtles, rodents, and other frogs. They compete with other animals for food and territory, which causes declining native populations.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
The Asian Longhorned Beetle is an invasive species in North America. Its larvae burrow inside hardwoods such as maple, ash, and birch, damaging and even killing the tree. The beetle has no natural predators and its population has grown steadily. Their impact on tree populations has disrupted natural ecosystems and forest-dependent industries like lumber and maple syrup.
Camel
In Australia, feral camels wreak havoc on the ecosystem, competing with native wildlife populations for resources. Introduced from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent, feral camels compete with kangaroos and other marsupials for food and water during the dry season. They can destabilize dunes, causing erosion, contaminate watering holes, and degrade vegetation.
Red-Eared Slider
The Red-Eared Slider is a turtle native to the Mississippi River drainage system. Their popularity as pets has expanded their habitat to include Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and other parts of the U.S. Their rapid reproduction and large size make it difficult for native turtle populations to compete for resources. Despite their unassuming looks, the Red-Eared Slider is one of the most invasive species.
Burro (Donkey)
Little do many know, the burro, commonly called the donkey, is an invasive species in the American Southwest. Spanish colonists introduced the species during the 16th century and have continued to reproduce and disturb natural ecosystems. They graze heavily on native plants, damage water springs, and compete with animals such as bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and birds for scarce resources in desert climates.
Nile Monitor
In addition to retirees, Florida attracts invasive species. The Nile Monitor is the state’s second unwelcome visitor on our list. Likely introduced to the ecosystem as exotic pets, these reptile populations are hurting native wildlife such as the American Alligators, crocodiles, sea turtles, and owls. With no natural predators, the lizards are unrelenting competitors for native animals.
