Prevention Of Invasive Species

From fauna like the Burmese python, to flora like the Brazilian peppertree, Florida has quite an extensive variety, as well as history of invasive species. Many may not even appear to be invasive, as we’ve grown so accustomed to seeing them. The phrase “invasive species” is defined by the National Invasive Species Council as “. . .a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health” (University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants). Organisms as small and seemingly harmless as the Cuban tree frog have had a larger impact than one would think on not only native amphibians, but many native insects and reptiles too. Cuban tree frogs were first recorded to have been found in Florida in 1928, where they happened to be stowaways in a shipment arriving from the Caribbean (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). Unfortunately, due to their gluttonous nature, Cuban tree frogs often nearly wipe out local
populations of lizards, insects, spiders, toads, and other frogs (University of Florida Florida Wildlife Extension). While they have a dispersed population, not all hope is gone for ridding these nuisances. For example, the Giant African Land Snail, one of the most environmentally damaging snails in the world, was previously so prevalent in Florida that over 157,000 were collected from 2011-2015. Before that population spike was the initial introduction, in which only 18,000 of the snails caused a whopping $1 million in damage in 1986, and it ended up taking 10 years to fully eliminate them (Miami New Times). Today, thanks to public service campaigns and diligence, the snail population is next to nothing in Florida. Although Cuban tree frogs may not have the same devastating consequences as the Giant African Land Snail, they still pose a threat to Florida’s biodiversity and native species. Nonnative animals are not the only threats to the ecosystem, however. Florida has its share of invasive plants too, and many of them are so prevalent that they simply seem like a natural, welcomed part of the environment. For example, the Brazilian peppertree, as referenced earlier, can be found distributed over 700,000 acres of Florida’s land, since its introduction in the 1840s (University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants). The trees are popular for their beauty, which is unsurprising, as they were brought from Brazil for ornamental use after all. However, it is not to be overlooked that these trees, even with their beauty, are one of the most aggressive and broad of all the exotic pest plants in the State of Florida (University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants). The Brazilian peppertree has been placed on the Florida Noxious Weed List, as well as the Florida Prohibited Aquatic Plants List due to how it disturbs ecosystems that are already fragile enough as it is, such as mangroves, hammocks, and pinelands. Although possession of Brazilian peppertree with the intent to sell or plant is illegal without a permit in Florida, the plant is still rapidly spread through animals such as raccoons and opossums, but sometimes American robins as well (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). The trees are incredibly common even in the local Martin County communities, and there is currently not much effort being put forth to combat them. These organisms are a few examples of invasive species found not just in the local community, but all throughout Florida, and while they seem small, they are definitely mighty.
3. Natural Methods of Removing Invasive Species There are a wide variety of ways to tackle pesky invasive plants, but not all of them are necessarily the right way to do so.
While removing the invaders is absolutely great, using harmful chemicals or pesticides usually does more bad than good. However, there are always safe, environmentally-friendly, and natural methods of removing invasive plants. The simplest method of prevention to uninfested areas is to educate oneself about the local wildlife, as well as local invasive species. Once those species are able to be identified, certain measures can be taken, such as managing grasslands and pastures, maintaining and promoting healthy plant communities, keeping low growing vegetation, and more (Coastal Invasive Species Committee). Although some trees, such as the massive Australian Pine, may be difficult to remove individually, it never hurts to simply pluck seedlings or prune the trees if they’ve made their way to one’s
home.