“Invasive Species, An Exotic Problem”

Ever wondered what it would feel like to live exotically, surrounded by unusual plants and animals?  Most everyone would answer yes but never think twice about the consequences in maintaining and sustaining an exotic species.  This is where it becomes a problem and that the exotic species you once thought was so different and unique, transforms into what is called an invasive species.  An invasive species is “a non-native species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal, or plant health” (Executive Order 13112, 1999).  Invasive species displays rapid growth and spread, allowing it to establish over large areas in sometimes a hasty manner.  They are free from the complex arrangement of natural controls, including herbivores, parasites, and diseases, that are present on their native lands.  Some invasive species provide a high social, environmental and economic concern, like the giant Burmese pythons that have severely crippled Florida’s Everglades, while some species may have only a modest impact on the environment, like the nutria, a large rodent from South America who has presently made its way into the lowlands of Louisiana.  Their presence has been made well known throughout the country.  The National Park Service of the United States has reported that over 6,500 non-native invasive species have been documented on park lands. 

One of the leading contributions to the development of an invasive species is unruly pet ownership.  Owners of these exotic creatures tend to underestimate the care and maintenance required and then so release them into the wild or let them run rampant.  Conscious control and maintenance would help to prevent an outbreak of an invasive species.  There are other ways you can help as well such as: checking boat trailers, boat hulls and propellers; rinsing and removing aquatic plants or other creatures such as snails; refraining from dumping aquarium contents in lakes, channels or other water bodies; replacing invasive and other non-native plants in your yard with native species; making sure produce bought and delivered through the mail is from highly regarded companies that have their shipments inspected; and have houseplants brought into the state inspected for potential pests.  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You may think that just one exotic plant or one animal won’t hurt anything, but in reality, the damage from just one of these species entering your local environment could tarnish the ecosystem forever.

-Adam Gruszcynski, Legal Intern