Florida's Invaders: Exotic Pests1
J. M. Schaefer2
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 152 non-native invasive (Figure 1) species that are invading and disrupting native plant communities (2011 list). Plant pests include hydrilla, old world climbing fern, and melaleuca.
Hyacinth
[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]
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/Resources
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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://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/
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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.
The Cuban treefrog: One of thousands of species invading Florida's ecosystem.
[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]
Control
While dealing with management of invasive wildlife, emphasis has been on preventing future invaders (such as the mongoose) from settling.
Contacts/Resources
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UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension.php
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USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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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/Resources
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UF/IFAS Department of Entomology & Nematology Dept.
http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/ [22 March 2013]
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Division of Plant Industry, FDACS
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/
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Featured Creatures, UF & FDACS
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/
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Pest Alert, UF/IFAS
http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/pestalert/
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Pest Exclusion, APHIS: USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service
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General Resources
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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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Footnotes
This publication was produced by the Center for Natural Resources at the University of Florida. CNR 8 is part of a Program Summary Series. First published: September 2000. Minor revisions: March 2003, May 2009, and June 2012. The Center for Natural Resources was disbanded in 2007 and its functions were assigned to the School of Forest Resources and Conservation: 136 Newins-Ziegler Hall, PO Box 110410, Gainesville FL 32611-0410, http://www.sfrc.ufl.edu/.
Nancy Peterson, Program Coordinator. This publication was produced by The Center for Natural Resources (CNR). Established in 1973, CNR at the University of Florida plays a major role in the conservation, preservation and restoration of our nation's natural resources by facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations between UF faculty and external stakeholders.
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. Nick T. Place,
Dean.
