Invasive exotic species are seriously threatening the integrity of south Florida’s native communities. With exotic fishes devouring native species and Melaleuca trees shading out indigenous plants, the Florida Everglades is suffering from a barrage of pressures brought on by non-native species.
Far from their native homelands, these invaders have a competitive advantage over native species because their natural enemies aren’t around. They can multiply unchecked, using up valuable resources, such as sunlight, water and nutrients. Native species suffer from this intense competition. In fact, second only to habitat destruction, invasive exotics are the primary cause of species endangerment and have contributed to 68 percent of extinctions in the U.S.
Not only do they wreak environmental havoc, but they have major economic impacts as well. In 2004, a team of researchers from Cornell University estimated the economic impact of exotics in the United States to be $120 billion per year – more than is spent on the Departments of State, Commerce and Homeland Security combined.
This economic effect is magnified in Florida where the climate and landscape are favorable to the establishment of invasives. In Florida, animal and plant pests cause $179 million in lost sales from agriculture each year and $11 million in lost recreation revenue as species like water hyacinth smother lakes and suffocate fish.
Despite best efforts, many of these alien invaders are here to stay. Their spread, however, may be controlled by putting a stop to the release of non-native plants and animals into the wild and by aggressively eradicating those that are encroaching on natural areas.
