Invasive species are a serious threat to the Florida Everglades ecosystem, and their presence has not gone unnoticed. Invading exotic fish species are consuming native Florida fish, and the melaleuca tree is casting a deadly shadow on the lower Florida foliage, preventing it from receiving necessary sunlight. Because of the threat they pose to Florida’s ecosystem, you could end up missing some of your favorite animal and plant species on your next Everglades air boat ride.
While you may not see non-native species as a threat, they actually have a significant advantage over Florida’s native wildlife because they do not have natural predators to manage their growing numbers. Due to the rise of the invaders, we could see a reduction in the number of native Florida plants and animals that are being outlived by more aggressive organisms. There are a total of 61 species of invasive plants, 4 species of amphibians, 32 species of fish, 12 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 17 species of mammals, and 79 species of invertebrates currently taking residence in the south Florida area.
One such species that is invasive, though a lot of people may not know it, is the brown anole. These lizards originated from Cuba and the Bahamas. They’re generally more aggressive than the native Florida green anole and they have displaced the green anole from its home, causing aggressive competition for territory and resources. Known to eat green anole eggs and their young hatchlings, these lizards are also spreading parasites and bacteria that are deadly to the native anoles. There have been studies done that indicate the green anole population has faltered in areas where brown anoles run rampant.
Other invasive species include: the tegu, the walking catfish, the coyote, the bullseye snakehead, the Old World climbing fern, elephant ear plant, hydrilla, air potato, sailfin/suckermouth catfish, Mayan cichlid, Burmese python, Nile monitor, apple snail, Monk Parakeet, Cuban tree frog, and many more. Even rhesus monkeys take up residence in Marion County.
Sadly, the majority of invasive species arrive in the Everglades because of human influence. Whether an animal or plant is brought about deliberately or inadvertently, these invaders pose a serious threat Everglades restoration efforts. While you're on your next Everglades air boat ride, just think of what Florida’s ecosystem would look like without its native species. At Wild Florida, we’re committed to upholding Florida’s natural environment and protecting the animals that reside in the Everglades. Learn more at our website.
