Explore Biology

giant salviniabull thistleRed lionfish, a native of the western Pacific ocean, has invaded the southeast Atlantic coast of the United StatesA python constricting an alligator in the Everglades of Florida.  Pythons, originating in Africa and Asia, have become a significant invasive species in southern Florida.Yellow toadflax, originally from Europe and Asia, is now a common invasive plant in western United States.Emerald ash borer, originally from East Asia, has invaded forests in the eastern and midwestern United States.  The beetle has decimated ash trees in these areas.

Prevention

Shoe 1Prevention includes any activity that will keep invasive species from invading or spreading into a new area. Unfortunately, any person, pet, vehicle or piece of wood coming in and out of a park is a potential pathway for invading species. ATV 1 Each park faces unique challenges in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. Some common prevention activities used by parks are keeping roadsides weed free to prevent the spread of invasives along transportation corridors, using weed seed free feed to prevent livestock and pack animals from spreading invasive plants, and washing vehicles and equipment before leaving areas infested with invasive species.  Educating visitors, park employees, and neighbors is a critical step in fortifying our National Parks against invasive species.  Visitors to parks play a very important role in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species.    To learn more about how you can prevent the spread of invasive species, click here.

update on 08/12/2009  I   http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/invasivespecies/Prevention_single.cfm   I  Email: Webmaster
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