When animals are taken from their natural habitats and wreak havoc on another ecosystem, they are considered invasive species.
This factor is not limited to just animals;some plants have become invasive and have taken over in areas where they didn’t belong. It’s important to keep the population in check in any ecosystem, but some of these species have become a serious problem and need to be managed.
Feral Swine
Whether you see these large pigs as boars, hogs, or pigs, wild versions of them are taking over and need to be managed. These wild pigs are known to devour crops and native vegetation needed to support an ecosystem. Many of them were brought from Europe as food starting in the 1500s and others brought them in as sport hunting animals in the 1900s. No matter how they got to the United States, they are invasive and we need to keep an eye on them.
Bamboo
Growing bamboo in a planter in your home canbe a pleasure. Its easy to care for and can grow tall and green. When bamboo grows in the wild, it tends to take over an area. As a member of the grass family, this plant tends to grow very thick and tall. It can quickly grow dense and push out some of the native plants of an area. You might not always look at bamboo this way, but it is an invasive species that must be managed.
Green Crab
The Green Crab is a native of European waters but it has been carried by ships in the ballast water and then dumped in waters off the coasts of North and South America. This crab feeds on many forms of shore life which has impacted the commercial shellfish industry. It might seem harmless, but the Green Crab has a voracious appetite.
Burmese Python
One of the most invasive species we know of in recent years is the Burmese Python. This snake is a native of Southeast Asia and has become a popular pet in many homes. These snakes sometimes grow to 20 feet long and have been released to the wild by owners when they grow to large for homes. This has become a serious problem in Florida where these snakes are taking down some of the native mammal populations.
Garlic Mustard
The name of this plant might sound like something you want to put on a hot dog, but it is the name of a plant species we need to keep an eye on. This plant takes two years to grow to its full size and is known to push out other plants in the area. It originally grew in New York but has been found as far away as Kansas. The plant seeds can be carried far and wide when the wind blows.
Sea Walnut
The Sea Walnut is a jellyfish-like animal that has not stingers but feeds on zooplankton. This animal is native to coastal waters of North and South America but it has been found in the Mediterranean, Baltic, and North Seas where it has devoured the plankton and impacted the local fisheries of the area. This is an invasive species that needs to be removed from those areas.
Asian Carp
These carp were introduced in the United States in the 1970s to help keep fish farms clean but they tend to be super aggressive. These carp will take over and the native fish that are being grown for food will not have food, leaving these fish farms without a crop to offer. They have beenknown to invade areas and can often be seen jumping out of the water, which causes problems for boaters.
Tree of Heaven
This tree originates from China and is excellent as a source of shade, but it has become an invasive species since it was introduced in the United States in the 1700s. It can spread vigorously and has been known to take over an area where it grows. The tree can grow up to 80 feet in height and is often made of several leaflets with more leaves. The shade is nice, but this tree has to be managed.
Nutria
This animal is also known as a swamp rat and its destructive in ways that other animals are not. Originally, Nutria come from South America but were brought to the United States for the fur trade. When the fur market declined, many of these animals were released into the wild in Louisiana. These rats burrow, gnaw, and destroy crops, property, and soil around wetlands, rivers, and streams. It’s important that Nutria be managed, especially in Louisiana.
