Invasive species are destructive or aggressive plants and animals that greatly alter the natural balance of native area. They out compete native species for resources and reduce biodiversity.
Invasives are extremely expensive to eradicate and pose one of the largest threats to natural systems.
Brazilian pepper
The ornamental bright red berries and green foliage of the prolific Brazilian pepper, is why this showy plant from South America was imported to Florida, its seeds are dispersed by birds, mammals, and water. This plant is in the family that includes poison ivy, may cause skin irritations, and now blankets over 700,000 acres in Florida! The battle to fight this run-away invasive is being waged with prescribed fires, chemicals and mechanical treatments.
Burmese python
Burmese pythons native to southeast Asia, are one of the world's longest snakes and have been directly released into the wild in south Florida. These snakes had a severe impact within the Everglades and big Cypress Swamp, feeding upon native birds, mammals and even alligators. Licensed hunters are permitted to reduce the number of Burmese pythons in the Preserve.
Mayan cichlid
Mayan cichlid fish are able to tolerate a wide range of salinity, thus they have speed throughout the canals in south Florida, having escaped from fish farms, where they are grown for the aquarium trade.
Marker includes Spanish translations
Comments 0 comments