DefinitionsDefinitions Non-Native/introduced/alien/exotic Non-Native/introduced/alien/exotic

speciesspecies Species found outside their native rangeSpecies found outside their native range

Got there with the help of humansGot there with the help of humans Populations are growing without human Populations are growing without human

assistanceassistance

Invasive SpeciesInvasive Species Introduced species that are causing Introduced species that are causing

problems ($$$ & loss of biodiversity)problems ($$$ & loss of biodiversity)

What’s the problem?What’s the problem?i.e. i.e. Zebra musselsZebra mussels

Decrease biodiversityDecrease biodiversity Out-compete and displace native speciesOut-compete and displace native species Change ecosystemChange ecosystem

Change water clarityChange water clarity

Concentrate toxins (PCB’s)Concentrate toxins (PCB’s)

Zebra MusselsZebra Mussels Economic cost Economic cost

Clog intake pipesClog intake pipes Change communitiesChange communities

Estimated cost = Estimated cost = $5 billion over $5 billion over next 10 yearsnext 10 years

Why are some invasive Why are some invasive species so successful?species so successful?

1. Characteristics of “1. Characteristics of “goodgood” ” invadersinvaders CompetitiveCompetitive Reproduce quicklyReproduce quickly Grow fastGrow fast

2. “2. “Enemy escapeEnemy escape” hypothesis” hypothesis Most invasives are Most invasives are not considered not considered a a

problem in their problem in their nativenative range range But they But they Escape natural predators Escape natural predators and and

parasites in their new rangeparasites in their new range nothingnothing to keep population in check to keep population in check

3. Characteristics of an 3. Characteristics of an invaded invaded communitycommunity DisturbedDisturbed area area

Why are some invasive Why are some invasive species so successful?species so successful?Why are some invasive Why are some invasive species so successful?species so successful?

How do invasives arrive?How do invasives arrive?

A. AccidentalA. Accidental transport transportAgriculturalAgricultural produceproduceBallast Ballast waterwater

How do invasive get here?How do invasive get here?B. B. IntentionalIntentional introductions introductions

European StarlingEuropean Starling

European Starling - introduced

Eastern Bluebird - native

How do invasive get How do invasive get here?here?

Intentional introductionsIntentional introductions KudzuKudzu

How do invasive get How do invasive get here?here?

LandscapingLandscaping LantanaLantana Purple LoosestrifePurple Loosestrife

How do invasive get How do invasive get here?here? Escape/releaseEscape/release

AccidentalAccidental escape escape People releasing People releasing unwanted petsunwanted pets Eradication/control of Eradication/control of other speciesother species

Control MeasuresControl Measures

PhysicalPhysical removal/hunting removal/hunting ChemicalChemical control control BiologicalBiological control control All Often extremely All Often extremely expensiveexpensive

The best thing to do?The best thing to do?Prevent the invasion!!!Prevent the invasion!!!

Control Control MeasuresMeasures

• Physical removal

Control of Fire AntsControl of Fire Ants Chemical controlChemical control

To treat all areas with fire To treat all areas with fire ants with pesticide would ants with pesticide would cost cost $6 - $12 billion per year$6 - $12 billion per year!!

• Biological control Decapitating flies Fire ant disease

Invasive Species in FloridaInvasive Species in Florida

Africanized / Killer bees

Hydrilla

Idaho Invasive SpeciesIdaho Invasive Species

Asian Longhorned beetle

Cane toad

Whitetop

Thistle

St Johnswort

Idaho Invasive SpeciesIdaho Invasive Species

SeedsGets in dogsPaws and ears

Idaho Invasive SpeciesIdaho Invasive Species

Goat head - Puncture vine

Purple Loosestrife