How do we define an invasive species?
Invasive species are plants, animals, and other organisms not native to a region which outcompete native species, reproduce quickly, and dominate ecosystems. Once introduced to a new area, invasive species lack the natural "checks" that they face in their native range. These "checks" include natural enemies like diseases, predators, or parasites as well as interactions like competition for resources. In their native ranges, species like the emerald ash borer or Asian longhorned beetle are not a problem. Not only are they kept in check naturally, but their hosts have also evolved defenses to protect themselves. Once these organisms enter a new area, they can dominate without predators or defensive hosts to stop them - much to the dismay of our native species!
Are all non-native species invasive?
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No! In fact, there are plenty of non-native species that we use every day. Non-native crops and livestock make up 98% of our food in the United States. A few examples include:
- Corn
- Soybeans
- Wheat
- Rice
- All livestock (like cows and chickens) except for bison and turkey
- Honey bees
- And much more!
So, what's the big deal?
Invasive species have the ability to outcompete our native species and change valuable ecosystems. Sometimes, these species can completely overtake ecosystems, killing nearly everything else. For example, invasive plants may smother native plants or outcompete them for sunlight. In fact, about 42% of threatened or endangered species in the United States have declined due to invasive species (Moore, 2020). Various invasive species are capable of causing many different types of damage (which you can learn about from our blog posts).
Invasive species are also incredibly costly. The 50,000 non-native species in the United States cost about $137 billion per year (Pimentel, Lach, Zuniga, and Morrison, 2000). And there are lots of them entering! The rate of invasive insect entry is increasing due to globalization, human population growth, development, and more.
In short, invasive species outcompete our native species, dominate our ecosystems, and cost us lots of money!
Invasive species are also incredibly costly. The 50,000 non-native species in the United States cost about $137 billion per year (Pimentel, Lach, Zuniga, and Morrison, 2000). And there are lots of them entering! The rate of invasive insect entry is increasing due to globalization, human population growth, development, and more.
In short, invasive species outcompete our native species, dominate our ecosystems, and cost us lots of money!
How can you help?
There are plenty of ways you can help stop the spread of invasive species!
- Plant native species
- Don't move firewood
- Many invasive wood-boring beetles and other insects can travel through firewood
- Buy local, burn local
- Volunteer with your local parks to remove invasive species
- Get involved in citizen science projects
- Check out our "Get Involved" page for a list of citizen science projects in NC!
References
Moore, A. (2020, February 25). 4 Invasive species that have wreaked havoc in North Carolina. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2020/02/invasive-species-how-exotic-plants-animals-and-insects-impact-north-carolina/
Pimentel, D., Lach, L., Zuniga, R., & Morrison, D. (2000). Environmental and economic costs of nonindigenous species in the United States. BioScience, 50(1), 53-65. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Hodges/als4161/Secure/PDF%20Files/Articles/Environmental_and_Economic.pdf
USDA. (n.d.). What are invasive species? Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species
Pimentel, D., Lach, L., Zuniga, R., & Morrison, D. (2000). Environmental and economic costs of nonindigenous species in the United States. BioScience, 50(1), 53-65. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/Hodges/als4161/Secure/PDF%20Files/Articles/Environmental_and_Economic.pdf
USDA. (n.d.). What are invasive species? Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species