The Negative Effects Of Invasive Species

Invasive Species have been described as an organism which is not native, and causes negative effects on the ecosystem, and to the health of humans. These organisms can be Fauna, Flora (Flora and Fauna refer to plant and wildlife, respectively), a fungus or a bacterium. However, not all introduced species are invasive, but invasive Fauna and Flora, have been said to be the 2nd greatest threat to biodiversity post habitat loss. In his book, Invasive Species in a Changing World, Richard J. Hobbs (2013) explains that we are actually seeing a massive biotic homogenization of the Earth’s surface as a result of the breakdown of the major bio-geographic barriers that have historically kept the floras and faunas of the various continents quite distinctive.
This mixing has resulted in many aggressive species having extraordinarily wide distributions across the globe, or locally very high population densities, and the consequent devastation of the endemic biota of specific regions.
How Invasive Species Relates to Biology
Biology is science that is concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. There are many groups and organizations, including the U.S. Government, whose primary concern is with the science surrounding and pertaining to the environment. One such group is called the Biological Resources Division which provides scientific expertise and technological assistance to support the sound management, protection, conservation and preservation of biological resources and related ecosystem processes. Efforts focus on ecosystem Restoration, Human Dimensions of Biological Resources, Integrated Pest management, Invasive Species, Wildlife Health, Wildlife Conservation, and Exotic Plant Management. Invasive Species are a big concern, especially in the State of Florida. The State of Florida has been said to be the number one concern for invasive species. The State of Florida is
currently being invaded by a variety of non-native plants and animals that are wreaking environmental havoc and causing billions of dollars in damage. According to an article, written by Andrew Tarantola (2014), the six most destructive of the invasive species are the Giant African Land Snail; The Monk Parakeet; The Green Iguanas; The Cane Toad; The Burmese Python and the Walking Catfish. There is a fine-line and a delicate balance that must be precise when it comes to scientifically introducing any species (native or non-native) to an environment. What may be though to do a great service to the environment, just may turn-out to be a great dis-service, and costing billions of dollars to recover from, -- if ever. The spread of invasive species is recognized as one of the major factors contributing to ecosystem change and instability throughout the world. An invasive species is “a non-native species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal, or plant health.”
The Interest in Invasive Species
Residing in the State of Florida, and it being the place where many of us have chosen to raise our families, it is crucial to know and to have an understanding of the many things which could have an impact on our health and well-being.
The term “invasive species” catches people’s attention. Understanding the definition of invasive species and how it could make a huge difference in the lives of millions of people, pushes one to investigate even further. The scientific knowledge about the topic covered in this article affects the citizens of Florida both directly and indirectly. The ecological integrity of Florida's ecosystems faces considerable risk from the continued spread of non-native plants and animals. Our state's role as a hub of U.S. import, coupled with our welcoming subtropical climate, allow stowaway and escaped species to flourish. While much attention is focused on Florida's invasive plants due to their potential economic impact, invasive animals are having devastating effects on Florida's unique
ecosystems.
Opinion on Research and Funding
Research for this invasive species problem here in Florida and the funding of such research to combat this problem should be the responsibility of both the Federal and State Government. A small percentage of this costs should also be passed on to the residents of Florida as well as its many tourist who come to vacation here in Florida to see and enjoy the State’s beauty and wildlife, as well as its many beaches. The importance of research to combat this invasive species problem here in Florida is of the utmost importance in order to keep the State from our ecosystem becoming gravely off-balanced, up to and including someday becoming uninhabitable.