This week marks the North American Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) which is an international event that seeks to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat they pose to native ecosystems, and ways to help prevent the spread of these invasive species. Here in Florida, we have lots of invasive species that have come into our local ecosystems including Muscovy ducks, Burmese pythons, and cane toads. The state of Florida itself has more non-native reptile and amphibian species than anywhere else in the world. Here in Broward County alone, we have around 500 invasive species which include different types of birds, trees, plants (both aquatic and nonaquatic), reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
One of the reasons we have a lot of invasive species in Florida is the same reason why many people vacation and move to Florida. The weather is warm and sunny. The environment here in Florida provides a wonderful habitat for lots of different organisms, not just native ones. Some of the non-native organisms do not need to adapt much to survive in this type of environment making it easy for them to spread and reproduce. Invasive species are a serious issue because these species can invade and disrupt natural ecosystems and lead to a decline in native populations. The issues that arise mainly involve competition between non-native and native species regarding habitat components such as food, water, space, and a place to raise their young.
Here are a few ways to help prevent the spread of invasive species:
- Make sure you plant native plants in your garden
- Planting native plants helps to encourage biodiversity within your backyard and benefits native species. Biodiversity helps to increase the longevity and productivity of ecosystems. This can also help to attract more native animal species to your backyard which helps to increase native species populations.
- DO NOT release exotic pets
- Make sure you do your research before adopting any type of pet, but especially exotic pets. Many of the non-native species that are here in Florida came in through the pet trade and were released into the environment. Instead of releasing, look for other ways to rehome your pets.
- Clean your gear and check your clothes
- “Hitchhikers” can sometimes sneak a ride on your gear and clothes. So make sure before you leave to check and remove any seeds, plants, and mud that you have accumulated, to help prevent the spread of these nonnative species. Make sure to also properly clean any gear that was used to help prevent the spread of invasive species as well.
