| |
WELCOME
to the USGS Invasive Species Program
America is under siege by many harmful non-native species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. More than 6,500 nonindigenous species are now established in the United States, posing risks to native species, valued ecosystems, and human and wildlife health. These invaders extract a huge cost. The current annual environmental, economic, and health-related costs of invasive species exceed those of all other natural disasters combined.
USGS plays an important role in Federal efforts to combat invasive species in natural and semi-natural areas through early detection and assessment of newly established invaders, monitoring of invading populations; improving understanding of the ecology of invaders and factors in the resistance of habitats to invasion; and development and testing of prevention, management, and control methods. USGS invasive species research encompasses all significant groups of invasive organisms in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in all regions of the United States. Working collaboratively with partner agencies and organizations, USGS provides the tools, technology, and information supporting efforts to prevent, contain, control, and manage invasive species nationwide.
The USGS Invasive Species Program provides methodologies and information to address threats to ecological systems and native species due to the introduction and spread of invasive species. The program's Five-Year Strategic Plan outlines goals, strategies, and requirements for significantly increasing efforts on the part of USGS during fiscal years 2005 - 2009, helping the Department of the Interior managers and the Nation respond more rapidly and effectively to the growing threat of invasive species in U.S. ecosystems.
Research components of the Invasive Species Program include:
For a list of the most current Invasives program research projects, visit the Invasive program's Highlighted Projects page. |
|
 |
|
|
| |
Research Highlight
Red-Rimmed Melania (Melanoides tuberculatus) - A Snail in Biscayne National Park, Florida - Harmful Invader or Just a Nuisance? the red-rimmed melania snail (Melanoides tuberculatus; family Thiaridae) was discovered in Biscayne National Park, Florida, in 2003 by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) researchers. The discovery raised concerns for park managers because this aquatic non-native snail is present in significant numbers in areas frequently used by park visitors and poses a risk of exposure. Researchers are addressing questions such as: Is this species a danger to human health? How widespread is it within the park? What factors control the distribution of the species? Is its presence a threat to native animals?
By G. Lynn Wingard, James B. Murray, W. Bane Schill, and Emily C. Phillips
U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2008-3006, 6 pages (Published online, May 2008)
This report is available in PDF format: Fact Sheet 2008-3006 (1.5 MB)
|
|
| |
|
 |
|
In the Spotlight
NEON: Helping to Light the Way for Understanding Ecological Change -  Scientists in FORT's Invasive Species Science Program, directed by Tom Stohlgren, have been engaged in ongoing research into the ecology of invasive species and vulnerable habitats to support prevention, early detection, assessment, containment, and, where possible, eradication of new invaders. Included in this work are investigations into the physical properties, composition, and hydrology of geologic substrates to identify lands vulnerable to invasion by exotic plants. Read the full story >>
Above photo:
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) will not only provide data streams scaled from individual data points to the national landscape, but will also serve as an early warning system for the impacts of climate change, invasive species, and emerging diseases. Graphic used with permission from NEON, Inc.
|
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
