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
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