Florida is famous for its unique ecosystem, with the Everglades being a one-of-a-kind wetland with incredibly diverse wildlife. However, this delicate habitat faces a growing challenge: invasive species in Florida. Invasive species are plants and animals introduced by human activity that outcompete native species, disrupt habitats, and alter ecosystems.
Florida is home to over 500 invasive species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. These invaders challenge the natural balance of Florida’s complex environment. This growing threat means some of your favorite animals and plants could be harder to spot on your next Wild Florida airboat ride.
Here’s a closer look at 11 invasive species wreaking havoc in the Everglades.
Burmese Python
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Impact: These giant snakes, which can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds, are apex predators, preying on native mammals such as raccoons, rabbits, and even deer. In some areas of the Everglades, mammal populations have declined by over 90% due to Burmese pythons' predation.
Green Iguana
- Origin: Central and South America
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Impact: First introduced in the 1960s, green iguanas harm native plants, including endangered species. Their burrowing behavior weakens roads, seawalls, and infrastructure, creating significant ecological and structural issues for both wildlife and people.
Melaleuca Tree
- Origin: Australia
- Impact: This tree grows quickly, pushing out native plants, drying up wetlands, and disturbing the natural water flow in the Everglades. Its thick growth also raises the risk of wildfires, creating even more problems for Florida’s ecosystems.
Cuban Tree Frog
- Origin: Caribbean
- Impact: These invasive frogs prey on Florida’s native frogs and other small creatures, drastically reducing native amphibian populations. They've also become household nuisances, often invading homes, clogging drains, and even turning up in toilets.
Argentine Black and White Tegu
- Origin: South America
- Impact: Tegus are large lizards that eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds, alligators, and turtles. While not dangerous to humans, their rapid spread threatens native animal populations.
Feral Hogs
- Origin: Europe
- Impact: The feral hogs roaming Florida today are descendants of those introduced by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Weighing hundreds of pounds, these aggressive animals are dangerous to humans, uproot soil, destroy native vegetation, and spread invasive plant seeds.
Brazilian Peppertree
- Origin: South America
- Impact: This fast-spreading invasive plant species forms dense thickets, pushing out native Everglades plants and reducing biodiversity. The Brazilian pepper tree’s aggressive growth takes over habitats and makes it difficult for native wildlife to find food or shelter.
Lionfish
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
- Impact: Lionfish prey on native fish, disrupting marine ecosystems connected to the Everglades. Though usually found on Florida’s coasts, some have spread into the Everglades, threatening its aquatic habitats. With no natural predators in Florida, their population remains unchecked.
Cane Toad
- Origin: Central and South America
- Impact: Cane toads produce toxic secretions that can kill predators, including pets, with dogs often being their most common victims. They also compete with native amphibians for food and habitat, spreading rapidly and threatening Florida's ecosystems by reducing native species populations.
Blue Tilapia
- Origin: Africa
- Impact: Although a favorite on dinner plates worldwide, these invasive fish are far from friendly in Florida’s waters. They hog food, steal habitat space, and even smother the eggs of native fish to make room for their own nests. As a result, tilapia threaten native species’ survival.
Old World Climbing Fern
- Origin: Asia and Africa
- Impact: This invasive vine blankets native plants, blocking sunlight and damaging ecosystems. It also fuels wildfires, creating hotter, more destructive blazes that devastate habitats and make it even harder for Florida’s native vegetation to recover.
What Can You Do to Help Fight Florida's Invasive Species?
Protecting the Everglades is a shared responsibility, and even small actions can make a big difference. Here’s how you can contribute to helping Florida’s amazing environment:
- Don’t Release Pets: If you can no longer care for a pet, surrender it to a rescue organization instead of releasing it into the wild.
- Report Sightings: If you spot an invasive species, report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
- Support Conservation Efforts: Visit conservation-focused attractions, where you can learn more about native wildlife and efforts to protect it.
At Wild Florida, we’re passionate about preserving the beautiful state’s environment and the animals of the Everglades. Invasive species in Florida, like Burmese pythons and green iguanas, pose serious threats to the ecosystem. Through education and conservation efforts, we work to protect native wildlife and inspire others to do so as well.
After exploring the headwaters of the Everglades on an airboat ride, visit Wild Florida’s Gator Park—included with your ticket! There, you’ll meet over 200 native and exotic animals and discover why Florida’s environment is worth protecting.
