• Topics: Natural Resources  |  Agronomy  | School of Natural Resources and Environment 

Florida's Invaders: Exotic Pests¹

Florida's natural ecosystems are increasingly coming under attack by invading exotic species which displace native species, thereby degrading the diversity of floral and faunal resources. Florida has ecosystems not found in the other 47 contiguous states, and it also has more non-native species than any state other than Hawaii. Many of these species have become sufficiently abundant or otherwise destructive to be considered pests. Faculty members at the University of Florida are conducting research and outreach programs to better understand and control these exotic invasive species.

Plants

With its plant-friendly south temperate/subtropical climate and an ongoing influx of human "transplants," Florida particularly suffers from the introduction and unchecked growth of exotic plants. Almost half (1,180) of the 3,834 plant species found in Florida have arrived here since European occupation.

Because plants are the base of the food chain, exotic "takeovers" can jeopardize plant-dependent wildlife and the whole ecosystem. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) has identified 64 non-native invasive (Figure 1) species that are invading and disrupting native plant communities (1999 list). Plant pests include hydrilla, old world climbing fern, and melaleuca.

Figure 1. 

Hyacinth

Control

Management of invasive plants include mechanical removal, herbicides, fire, pathogens (often fungal plant-eaters), and biocontrol (using species-specific natural enemies -- often insects).

Contacts

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William T. Haller, Center Director and Professor

UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants

(352) 392-9615

whaler@ufl.edu

Kenneth Langeland, Professor

UF/IFAS Agronomy Dept.

(352) 392-9614

gator8@ufl.edu

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Web Sites

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UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/

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The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council

http://fleppc.org/

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Invasive Plant Management Section

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/InvasivePlants_index.htm

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/

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Division of Plant Industry

Florida Dept. of Agriculture Consumer Services (FDACS)

http://doacs.state.fl.us/pi

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Wildlife

In Florida, at least 60 species of exotic birds have bred in the wild. Despite this fact, the chance of persisting survival of non-indigenous birds is uncertain. Among those species which have survived and thrived as pests are muscovy ducks, rock doves, European starlings, house sparrows, and monk parakeets.

Though troublesome in other respects, some species (such as feral pigs) are important as prey for native predators (Florida panthers) and serve as an attraction for hunters. However, negative impacts from invasive species include habitat destruction, competition with native species, predation, hybridization, disease and parasites. Florida mammal pests include the Norway rat, roof rat, house mouse, and feral pig.

Figure 2. 

The Cuban treefrog: One of thousands of species invading Florida's ecosystem.

Control

While dealing with management of invasive wildlife, emphasis has been on preventing future invaders (such as the mongoose) from settling.

Contacts

----------

Mark Hostetler, Associate Professor

UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

ph: 352-846-0568

fax: 352-392-6984

hostetm@ufl.edu

William Kern, Associate Professor

UF/IFAS Ft. Lauderdale REC

(954) 577-6329

whk@ufl.edu

Bernice Constantin

USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

(352) 377-5556

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Web Sites

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, http://www.fws.gov

Insects

Annually, insect pests cause an estimated $1 billion in damages in Florida, and many of the worst pests are non-indigenous. According to entomologist Dr. John Capinera, 12-18 invading species become established in Florida annually. These non-natives arrive by flying, walking, swimming, rafting and by stowing away on cargo (often on infested plants commercially imported).

Control

Management of exotic pests includes slowing their influx by tightening inspection at the borders and finding other environmentally benign means of control.

Contacts

---------

Jim Cuda, Associate Professor

UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Dept.

(352) 392-1901 x 126

jcuda@ifas.ufl.edu

John Capinera, Chair

UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Dept.

(392) 1901 x 11

capinera@ufl.edu

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Web Sites

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Division of Plant Industry, FDACS

http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/

Featured Creatures, UF & FDACS

http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/

Pest Alert, UF/IFAS

http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/

Pest Exclusion, APHIS: USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/

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Books & Articles

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Strangers in Paradise

Simberloff, Daniel, ed. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 1997.

Extension Digital Information System (EDIS), UF/IFAS

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

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The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.

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