Invasive Species
From cane toads to kudzu, invasive species (sometimes called alien species) are those that aren't native to an ecosystem and that cause harm to native species, local economies or humans. Invasive species can be terrestrial species, like the pythons invading Florida's Everglades, marine, like the lionfish invading Caribbean waters, or pathogens. Invasive species can cause harm by out-competing native species, or preying on them. They can sometimes increase fire risks or contribute to erosion. Some invasive species have been introduced accidentally and others, like kudzu, were introduced on purpose and then spread more widely than originally intended. Invasive species are found in every type of habitat and are typically difficult to eradicate. Read more about invasive species around the globe and efforts to stop their spread.
Latest about invasive species
Enormous Burmese python killed in Florida Everglades was about to lay 60 eggs
By Hannah Osborne published
Invasive pythons across the state are about to start laying their eggs after spring's mating season, with the 16-foot (5 meter) female caught being no exception.
Ecologist Tim Blackburn: 'Moths pollinate a wider range of species than bees'
By Sascha Pare published
With colors ranging from candy pinks to golds and sometimes possessing wingspans as big as a bird's, moths are a fascinating group. Ecologist Tim Blackburn tells Live Science about the incredible, hidden world of moths.
Pablo Escobar's 'cocaine hippos' top 200, twice as many as we thought
By Megan Shersby published
A new census of the world’s largest invasive species reveals the population is roughly double the size scientists previously estimated.
Burmese pythons are helping rats take over Florida's Everglades — and that could help spread disease
By Hannah Osborne published
The invasion of pythons has had little to no impact on cotton rats, explaining why some areas are now increasingly dominated by rodents.
Nutria: The invasive, unusually large rodents
By Rachel Ross last updated
Nutria, also known as coypu or swamp rats, are large rodents that wreak havoc on their non-native ecosystems.
New invasive mosquitoes descend on Florida, raising concerns of disease
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A species of mosquito from Central and South America has spread to South Florida.
Black widows are being slaughtered by their brown widow cousins, and we don't know why
By Harry Baker published
Brown widow spiders, which are invasive to North America, are wiping out black widow populations in the U.S. by aggressively attacking them for no clear reason, a new study shows.
GPS-tagged possums and raccoons could be sacrificed to capture Florida's invasive pythons
By Harry Baker published
Researchers accidentally discovered that GPS-tagged mammals can help locate Florida's invasive Burmese pythons, which are destroying local ecosystems.
Invasive rats are changing how reef fish behave. It's because there's not enough bird poop.
By Harry Baker published
Jewel damselfish living on coral reefs surrounding rat-infested tropical islands have become less territorial and less aggressive due to a bizarre ecological link between the two species: bird poop.
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